Memorial Service for Kathleen Janson
Notes
Transcript
We are here to give glory to God, as He is the Giver and Sustainer of life. We are also here to honor Kathy Janson. Oh behalf of Central Schwenkfelder Church, deepest sympathy is extended to Meghan, Linda & Dick, Danny, Tina and Alvin, Ava, Trey and Amelia.
At such a time of loss, it is important to turn to God’s word, the Bible, where we find comfort and strength.
The 23rd Psalm was written by King David, some 3,000 years ago. Before becoming Israel’s most famous king, David tended the flocks of his father, Jesse. He protected his sheep, fed them and cared for their well-being. From his study of the Law of Moses and his life experiences, David came to know God as his loving shepherd. David understood the Lord as doing the same things for him as David did for his sheep.
With the words of this famous Psalm as our guide, let us consider the many ways in which God leads a person who has yielded his life to Him. There are several verbs listed here that describe the actions of God toward His followers.
He gives us rest, when we are weary.
leads us, when the path seems dark or troublesome.
restores us, morally and spiritually.
guides us, when we’re unsure of our way
blesses us with His presence, even when we’re surrounded by death.
comforts us, in times of sorrow.
feeds us- even in the presence of our enemies,
anoints us, for service.
and creates an eternal dwelling for us.
These blessings are not received by everyone. They accompany the one who has followed the Lord. As Christians, we yield our lives to Jesus Christ.
Jesus referred to Himself as “the Good Shepherd,” in John 10:11. He said: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” And Jesus would speak of the indicator of His followers when He said in verse 27: "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
With Christ as one’s shepherd, the believer does not have to live an anxious life, nor worry about what he is to eat or if he will have clothing and shelter. God takes special care of His own. Jesus said this in His “Sermon on the Mount.” He concluded that section by saying:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
This gives the believer a theology of death. There is a certain inevitability associated with death. Death entered our world for a reason. That reason is due to the presence of sin. Romans 5:12 states,
"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned….”
As a result of the Fall and our disobedience to God, humankind suffered the sentence of death.
All people die because all sin. We are told in Hebrews 9:27 that it is “…appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment….” Everyone must die and then give an account of their lives before a holy and a righteous God.
But as dismal as this situation may sound, it was for this reason that Jesus Christ came to this earth as God incarnate so many years ago. Christ died and rose again to abolish death for those who trust in Him.
Therefore, the believer possesses the sweet knowledge and anticipation of life after death, because Jesus arose from the dead. The Christian lives in this world knowing that his real home is not of this world.
So the Christian learns not to despise death, knowing that something better awaits him. The Apostle Paul wrestled with this when he wrote In Philippians 1:21-22
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.
How do we access this gift of life after death? It is not through being a good person or adhering to a moral code. Although important, these have never been the way to eternal life. Rather, a relationship with God is found through the gifts of repentance and faith. Jesus preached at the outset of His ministry in Mark 1:14:
“The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"
Repentance means to turn; a change of heart and mind. It is implied in the act of confession; asking God to forgive you for your sins and offenses done to Him and to others.
The other act is faith. Faith is not just believing that there is a God, but embracing Him; following Him; becoming a disciple of Jesus.
6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.
So there is urgency for all to repent of their sins and place their trust in Jesus Christ, in order to possess heaven as their home. It is a wonderful thing that God reached out to us in the gift of His Son, so we could be reconciled to Him.
What kind of person was Kathy? She was adventurous, fun-loving, and carefree. Kathy was always game to try something new. She was very family-centered.
Kathy was also hard-working. She worked as an account administrator for Asplundh. She was in charge of coordinating the crews sent for disaster relief along the eastern seaboard. She liked making a difference. Kathy was proud of leading the relief efforts in Puerto Rico several years ago.
Regarding her adventurous spirit, she went para-sailing in Cocoa Kay in the Caribbean.
Just last year, she traveled to London to see the Phillies play overseas. She spent a long weekend in Scotland. She loved to do things on the spur of the moment. She once spent 48 hours in Toronto, a beautiful city, I’ve been told. She went to Dallas for a concert, spending less than 24 hours.
Kathy treasured her Irish heritage. For instance, she attended the famous St. Patrick’s Day parade in Manhattan. She loved country music, especially Reba McIntyre. And, there’s a rumor that she was a Dallas Cowboys fan!
She was a single mom at a young age. She always made it happen. She gave her daughter Meghan a can-do attitude that made life both fun and challenging- in the best sense. “You can have/do anything if you work hard enough for it.”
Kathy did not like to cook. Meghan is a great cook and a skilled baker.
As a sister, Kathy shared in your interests, so she could join in your experiences. She was creative and loved different experiences. Life was meant to be lived to the fullest. Linda said of her sister: “She was my closest confidant.”
She was supportive. Dick said of his sister-in-law, “She was fun-loving, laughing and joking alot. She trusted me completely and accepted my guidance. She moved mountains and transmissions if you needed her to.”
Of special affection was her grandchildren: Danny and Tina. They called her Nanna. Danny lived with Kathy, caring for her.
She especially adored the threesome known as “the littles.” These are Tina and Alvin’s children: Ava, Trey and Amelia.
From her granddaughter Tina: “My Nana was a gentle kind of magic, one of those rare souls who left sparkles of love everywhere she went. She carried her family in her heart with every breath, loving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with a tenderness that made each of us feel chosen, cherished, and seen.
She had a traveler’s spirit, always ready for the next adventure. Florida sunshine, the charm of London, and the green, quiet beauty of Ireland all called to her, and she answered with joy. No matter where she wandered, she brought pieces of those places back to us in stories, laughter, and memories we’ll hold close forever.
Nana’s hands were never still always knitting warmth into scarves, blankets, and little pieces of love we can still wrap ourselves in. And her delight in llamas, of all things, reminded us that being whimsical and curious is part of a full and happy life.
Purple was her color, soft, graceful, strong, and quietly radiant. Just like her.
Though she has journeyed on, her love is stitched into our days, her spirit walks beside us, and her light continues to shine in every smile she helped create. We will carry her with us, on every road, in every sunset, in every moment we remember how deeply she loved.”
Her favorite human beings, known as the “littles,” replied with these: Ava said her favorite memory was going to the movies together and sharing popcorn and laughing together.
Amelia said: Sharing snacks and her favorite drinks together and talking about flowers.
Trey said: spending quality time together and making me feel loved and happy.
Kathy would like to be remembered as a good person who possessed a great sense of humor. She always showed up.
