Helen Louise Moon-Burdick Funeral

I. INTRO

    A. Out of respect 4 the fam, pls silence any device that blings, dings, rings or sings

        a. Following the service the fam has invited every1 present to share a meal 2gether, right here in the fellowship hall.

            1. Out o respect please wait to grab food until after the service.

    B. Opening Comments

        a. We gather 2day not only 2 grieve the passing o a beloved family member & friend, Helen Lewis Moon-Burdick; but also 2 celebrate her life, & share memories together…

            1. For This, as Louis mentioned when we met 2gether, is what she wanted: for her friends & family 2 celebrate her life

        b. We’ll remember in these bitter sweet times o tears & smiles that we can lean on God who is our hope & shield.

            1. One o Helen’s fav. Bible scriptures says as much

    C. Scripture

You (God) are my hiding place & my shield; I hope in your word

        1. Today, it is my aim that 

            i. we will find the God whom Helen served 2 be a place where we can hide away 2 find solace, 

            ii. & 2 draw hope frm God’s word found in the Holy Scriptures

    D. Prayer

        a. Lord, thanks 4 the day u've given us. 

        b. Please God, b our hiding place in our afflictions & 

            1. we ask that u'd be w/us as we share memories, laugh on the good times, & grieve the loss we feel. 

        c. I pray that even now, the family would feel ur loving arms wrap around them. Amen (pause)

II. Song: 

        a. Let’s reflect 2gether as we listen to 1 o Helen’s fav songs:

            1. "Amazing Grace"

II. Obituary

Helen passed into the presence of the Lord Thursday

Feb 28, 2019 in Burlington, VT

She was born Sept 14, 1941 & raised in Petersburg, NY

She received her education in local schools.

Helen married Louis Burdick in 1971 & he passed in 2003.

Through the yrs Helen was employed by several businesses, including The Tannery, The Ivy Guild, The Bennington Museum, Ames Department Store & Walmart.

Helen was a dedicated family person whose only son Louis, husband Louis & extended family meant everything to her.

Some of her other interests included painting, poems, listening to music & camping. She especially loved & had a passion for animals. Her charities included the ASPCA & the Hungry Children.

Helen is survived by her son Louis & his wife Maybelle,

Sisters: Arlene, Rosemary, Lynn & Diane

Brothers: Arthur & Eddy

Loving Companion: Richard Lyons

    B. Transition 

        a. In a moment & after I share a few memories o Helen which I’ve recently learned o frm Louis

            1. we r going 2 open it up 4 those who'd like 2 share some memories.

                    -But 1st: a "Slideshow of Memories” w/another of Helen’s fav songs

III. : 

    A. “Bringing in the Sheaves” 

IV. We Remember

    A. Legacy 

        a. Our memories r, in part, Helen's legacy (that which is passed down from a loved 1) & she leaves a rich legacy:

        b. Couple things Louis shared w/me: 

            1. Helen was a simple dairy farmers daughter

                i. Inherent in this upbringing r some core values

     B. Values like:

        a. A passion 4 about animals

            1. Always had strays about (to the tune o 5 cats & 2 dogs)

            2. Never really afraid to confront abusers…truth is, she said what she meant & meant what she said

                i. Shows how strong she really was

            3. From her love o animals Louis told me how much she loved going to the fair

                i. She was even kid-like

                    -You would certainly find her petting, feeding & even talking to the animals there

            4. Loved horses (1 she dearly loved: smokey)

        b. Loved nature & the great outdoors 

            1. Enjoyed hunting, fishing

            2. Lead to many summers spent lake Champlain (huh Luis)

        c. Also a private person

            1. Didn’t need folks crowding her space

        d. Family was a big priority

            1. Louis, she called u dearest Loui, right?

            2. Also loved spending time w/her sisters

        e. & really was sweet natured

        f. Very artistic, 1 might even say crafty as well

            1. She could take items others called junk and turn it in2 something beautiful

                i. She took popsicle sticks & turned them in2 a tractor trailer

                ii. Louis, I’m assuming when he was a kid (lol), wanted a raggedy Andy…what did Helen do?

                    -Made 1 frm scratch! She sure loved her dearest Loui

            2. Not only artistic in crafts, but She was fond of drawing, painting & even poetry too

        g. Loved to go to Burlington, specifically Church st w/all the different shops

            1. Some o the pictures in the slide show were there

        h. She rode the bus a lot too (even enjoyed it)

            1. & even w/a intricate transit system she new just what routes & buses to take 

            2. & exactly the $$ it was going to take

                i. Had it down to a science

        i. Her faith in Jesus was also important to her & attended Petersburg Baptist Church

V. Open Mic time

    A. Perhaps these stories have sparked memories of ur own

a. Pls feel free 2 stand & share 1 o ur fav memories o Helen

    B. As we remember our friend

        a. Let’s listen to a 3rd song:

            1. “Rock of Ages"

VI. Message:

    A. Helen’s Hope

        a. Earlier I mentioned 1 o Helen’s fav. Scriptures:

: You (God) are my hiding place & my shield; I hope in your word

            1. What hope did Helen draw frm God’s word?

                i. Let’s look at another 1 o Helen’s fav. Scriptures

: May the God of hope fill you with all joy & peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope

        b. Helen was filled w/both joy & peace in her loyal trust  in the God of her hope

            1. Loyal trust is what the Bible authors meant by “believing"

        c. Helen trusted Jesus for an Eternity spent w/God…She took Jesus at his words in

: ... “I am the resurrection & the life. Whoever believes (trusts) in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 & everyone who lives & believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

        d. Because Helen is w/God now, we find joy that she’s not simply gone, but lives on

            2. I wonder if Helen might b echoing Jesus’ question 2 u & me... “do u believe this”?

                i. Helen’s response 2 this question is a resounding yes, & so, has received an eternal life spent in rel. w/God

                ii. As u consider YOUR response, lets listen 2

VII. : 

    A. A song chosen by the family

        a. “Old Rugged Cross"

VIII.  Words of Comfort

    A. As we conclude the service I’d like read an excerpt frm a Poem Helen wrote for her sister's funeral:

"...It’s a shame you had to leave us but,

You're never far away 

You’re always in our thoughts each & every day.

So when the time comes for us to join you up there 

an angel will be waiting 

For we too are in their Care.

Your Gone & Sadly Missed…"

X. Closing Prayer

    A. May I close by praying over u?

Lord, again, thanks 4 the day.

God my hope, shield & hiding place...

Grant 2 all who mourn a sure confidence in ur fatherly care, that, 

casting all their grief on u, they may know the consolation of ur love. 

A love that I myself have experienced in my own grief.

I ask u’d give courage & faith 2 those who walk in grief, that they may have strength 2 meet the days ahead in 

the comfort o hope &... 

joyful expectation o eternal life w/ those they love & most importantly w/ u.

Amen.

XI. Meal Instructions

    A. Please allow Luis & Helen’s close fam. to eat 1st.

        a. After that, lets have ladies & parents w/sml kiddos

        b. & finally, the rest o us

    B. Prayer over meal