Celebration of Life Service for Kieran McGill

James 4:14 NLT

14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

Nobody awoke on Sunday, November 25th to think by the end of the day their daughter, sister, grandaughter, niece, cousin or friend would leave this earth by the end of the day.

It is tragedy for each of us to be here today remembering the brief life of Kieran McGill. Hearts are broken, there is an emptiness inside many in this room today, and yet Kieran is very much alive today in the presence of Christ in heaven.

In fact, she is more alive today than she has ever been.

If you were to ask her to come back to this earth, I firmly believe she would say - “Please do not ask that I come back, where I am is just too wonderful!”

However, that does not remove the loss being felt in this room today.

So, may I suggest this afternoon that we endeavor to remember the life of Kieran McGill, the joy she touched so many hearts with, and the lasting memories of happiness that so many were blessed with on this earth —

Shall we pray...

(Pray for comfort, strength and aide in this time of grieving and remembering)

FORMAL OBITUARY and Memories

Kieran P. McGill, 18, of Thornton, Colorado, passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018 in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on March 15, 2000 in Denver, Colorado to Darrin J. and Cheri A. (Campbell) McGill. Kieran was a 2018 graduate of Prospect Ridge Academy in Broomfield and a current freshman at Garden City Community College in Kansas.

Kieran was studying elementary education, her life-long aspiration to become a kindergarten teacher, and had just begun her first season playing on the college softball team. Softball was her passion and she loved every moment on the field with her teammates. Prior to playing on a softball scholarship for Garden City, she played for four years at Horizon High School and the past six years alongside her younger sister Elisabeth on a competitive team, the Colorado Venom, which her father coached.

Kieran will always be remembered as “Red” a nickname her grandfather Dudley lovingly called her the moment she was born. Her contagious smile could light up any room and her kind and caring personality will never be forgotten. Our world has been robbed of a shining, brilliant light. She filled our lives everyday with love, laughter, and joy.

Survivors include her parents, Darrin and Cheri of Thornton, CO; paternal grandmother, Judy McGill of Hudson, CO; maternal grandparents, Jennifer and William Johnson of Hudson, CO; siblings, Elisabeth L., Nathanial J. and Ainsley G. McGill. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by her paternal great-grandmother, Rosalie G. and paternal grandfather, Dudley J. McGill.

Some of the things that Kieran loved were Disney movies and songs, especially when the female characters were strong and independent — fighters and defenders. Her sister Elisabeth - her best friend - told me that she identified more with characters like Mulan and Merida from Brave. Both of these princesses were not the “I need a man to rescue me” type of girls, but young ladies who were determined and strong.

I believe this gives us insight into Kieran --- I know she her parents shared that she struggled with dyslexia and yet she overcame, was pulling A’s in her first year of college and was an avid reader!!! She is said to always have had a book in her hand. This speaks loudly of an overcomer!

Her favorite colors may have been aqua and teal to decorate with, and purples and pinks to wear - but there was a strong spirit inside of her - a winning spirit. I never had the chance to see her play softball - but a scholarship to college tells me she was a fighter on the field.

Her Grandma Judy mentioned to me that she had to change her position at a game, I believe to an infield position, where she again showed herself triumphant and gained the cheers of her team ‘ Martha, Martha’ a new nick name arising from her coach accidentally calling her by the wrong name.

The funny thing is when Judy shared this story I was thinking of Martha in the Bible - an industrious woman who sought the needs of others and had a servant’s heart --- interestingly this is the same kind of character as Mulan and Merida! Was this the character of Kieran? A young lady who wanted to educate young minds and hearts as a career?

Kieran - a young lady ready to take hold of her dreams and ‘Touch the Sky’

SONG - TOUCH THE SKY - from BRAVE - MERIDA’s Character

Dad and Possibly Coach John Wolf come to share some thoughts of Kieran

OPEN MICROPHONE - This morning the family wanted to give the opportunity for anyone who like to share a fond, or funny memory, or something that Kieran did to impact your life. There is no better way to remember someone than to share good memories — can you help us do that today? Are there some friends or family members that will share for just a minute or two of how Kieran touched your life.

My Memories and Experience

This morning I would like to share the few memories I have of Kieran...

I have been the Pastor at Destiny for a little over 3 years now. Kieran’s Grandma Judy has been an intricate part of our church serving in so many ways, but one I interact with a lot because she manages our money as bookkeper/treasurer.

I have heard Judy share on many occassion about the Grandkids - and the girls softball games...

I remember earlier on in my time here specifically Kieran coming to services with her grandmother. I also recall this very pleasant young lady during the funeral time for Dudley - her grandfather. Well spoken, respectful, and smiling.

November 18, the Sunday before she died, I remember Kieran being in church with Grandma again. She was home for Thanksgiving from college. I was so impressed that she would take the time to come to church with Judy. Afterward both my wife and I had the opportunity to talk with her a little about school, and how much she was enjoying it, and liked the community she was in. There was a sweetness about her, an impressiveness about her that I saw, something that both my wife and I walked away with and commented on.

Later I came to realize what that was. I was unaware that that afternoon, Kieran asked her Grandmother for my email to inquire about being baptized in water! Although her family has had history in being a part of our church here, she had gone off to college and made a decision to engage in going to church --- AND ---- MAKING A DECISION TO FOLLOW CHRIST.

Funny, so many young people go to college and LOSE FAITH IN GOD while they are there — but Kieran came to new discoveries of it! Judy shared with me that she was always one that had a tenderness toward the things of God, but this quiet but strong young lady made a determination in her first months of “getting her wings” so to say - to pursue God. She shared a little about this with her sister as well. After becoming aware of this I realized that was what I sensed that Sunday when we were talking —

It is not because Kieran knew her life would be cut short prematurely, or had a sense of what would take place on November 25th, but because her soul longed to connect with Jesus!

Sometimes we put off the pursuit of knowing God when we are young, thinking we can do that later, but than we never get around to it… but this determined young lady did not procrastinate!

That leaves us today with this GREAT ASSURANCE — THIS CONFIDENCE --- That Kieran is in the presence of God!

2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT

8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.

As tragic as it seems that in just a moment a collision with a semi could take life - in reality she took on NEW LIFE! The amazing wonders of Heaven, and being held in the arms of Jesus!

John 14:1–3 NLT

1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

Revelation 21:3–7 NLT

3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” 6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. 7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.

Revelation 22:1–5 NLT

1 Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. 3 No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. 4 And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. 5 And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.

I am also confident that she met Jesus and heard Him utter these words...

Matthew 25:23 NKJV

23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

SONG - I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

Words of Comfort

So today we can rest knowing that Kieran is not in pain, she is not suffering from the effects of the accident, but she swiftly went to be with Christ in heaven. She is experiencing the awe and wonder, and grandeur and the HOPE that awaits everyone that has received Christ.

The problem is - we are here on earth!

We are here and she is not!

We are he

The sense of loss is great.

The sense of expectation of those things to come in her life is gone...

It feels unfair...

WHYS

May I first say - don’t ask the why questions!

I am a why person! I drive my wife crazy with the “whys” sometimes ---

Even if we come to know the why - we may never understand it! Some things are left better not understanding, but just accepting.

Instead allow the peace of God to be your comfort!

John 14:26–27 NLT

26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Another word for advocate here is COMFORTER — let the Spirit of God be a comfort during this time...

Let the Good Shepherd of our souls walk you through this season and bring you to safety on the other side...

Psalm 23 NLT

A psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Accepting her loss does not mean accepting her absence -

Fill her absence with wonderful memories and be thankful for the years shared with her. Allow the holidays and birthdays and special events to include her memory being thankful for the time that was shared together.

There is a poem I often start a Celebration of Life service with… in fact I started Dudley’s service with this… let me read it again...

MISS ME - BUT LET ME GO When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little--but not too long And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared Miss me--but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take And each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart Go to the friends we know And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss Me - But Let me Go! ------- Author Unknown

A step on the road to home...

The reality is earth is not our final home...

Earth is but a launching stage for our eternity, and the decisions we make on this earth determine where the eternity is spent.

Kieran choose the PLAN that Jesus laid out...

John 14:6 NLT

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

That increased listening to the Christian Radio station, the inquiries about water baptism, the increased going to church all point to a decision she made to accept Jesus into her life and to follow Him!

In her final exam she gets an A!

The real question before us all is what will we do with that same knowledge???

What decision have we made???

If we are in Christ - if we have accepted the Master’s plan of salvation and chosen to really follow Christ, than the hope of heaven and reunion belongs to us as well!

Colossians 1:27 NLT

27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

When this hope is alive in our hearts - it brings great comfort to our spirit man because the reality that this is not

GOOD BYE - but I will see you in a while… sets in...

This morning I believe that Kieran would cry out to all here today and say — make that decision - and live your life with the reality of His grace in your hearts and live it in your actions!

As we prepare to close - I want to play one last song in the arrangement that Kieran liked...

It is a perfect picture of her right now --

SONG - AMAZING GRACE ---

My chains are gone — the chains of this life have been exchanged for the eternal --- but the reality is we can exchange the chains of the weight of sin for the freedom given to us through Christ. Ultimately - that brings us to the freedom of heaven!

CLOSING PRAYER

This concludes the service, we will be continuing with the committal service at the Brighton cemetery. After the family has asked that you be aware you are all invited to the ALLI Event Center at 100 S Third Avenue in Brighton.

Give to the FUNERAL DIRECTOR

COMMITTAL SERVICE

17 “ … Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore …”

“Because I live, You shall live also.”

, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

“Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep; but we shall all be changed,

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY.

O death where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

Kieran McGill is not here. She stands in the presence of the Lord, the same Jesus who said to the dying man on a cross “...TODAY YOU SHALL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE.”

The body that lies before us is but the earthly tabernacle, the house in which Kieran lived among us for her brief time on earth. Tenderly and reverently, we commit that house to the grave, and to God who gave it, waiting for the day when both the spirit and the body shall again be united at the coming of the Lord.

16 “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” 17 “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 18 “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

I hold in my hands three roses:

- A Pink Rose represents Kieran’s life, a life on this earth that though it is now over on earth, is very much alive in heaven and has only just begun...

This was possible because of

- The Red Rose which represents the blood of Jesus Christ which Kieran put HER FAITH IN and whom she served

The Red Rose which represents the blood of Jesus Christ which Ray put HIS FAITH IN and whom he served

NOW

The White Rose speaks to us of the WHITE ROBES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS that she is wearing in the throne room of God!

COMMITTAL PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank You this day for Your precious, eternal, and unchanging Word. We thank You that You are, to us, the Rock of Ages and the great I AM.

In the midst of our natural sorrow, we thank You for Your supernatural comfort and grace.

In the face of death, we thank You for Your gift of eternal life.

In the face of separation, we thank You for the eternal reunion we so eagerly anticipate.

We thank You for Kieran’s life here on this earth, and we recognize that the body that lies before us is not Kieran, but rather the house in which she lived.

We acknowledge that Kieran is rejoicing, even now, in Your very presence, enjoying the blessings of Heaven.

Father, we commit her body to the earth, from which our bodies were originally created, and we rejoice in the fact that her spirit is even now with You.

We anticipate the day when spirit and body shall be united again at the coming of the Lord, and we find great comfort in knowing that we shall forever be together with the Lord.

We thank You Father, that in the days, weeks, and months to come, these realities and the abiding presence of Your Spirit will especially strengthen, sustain, and comfort each of Kieran’s friends and family members.

IN JESUS’ NAME,

AMEN.