Steve Werle's Funeral

Steve Werle's Funeral

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

11:49 AM

Place: DeVorss-Flannagan-Hunt Mortuary - 201 S. Hydraulic

Time: 8/29/2018 10:00 a.m.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 23

Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Invocation

Heavenly Father,

I thank you for the cherished memories we have of Steve Werle. I thank you for each friend who has come today to express their support, and love to Sue and the family as they honor Steve's life.

I pray father that your comfort, your presence your peace would be with us today in this service. Help us to remember that "It is appointed unto man once to die, and after this comes the judgement" or our meeting with you and we need to be prepared and ready for that meeting.

I pray father you would bless all that is said and done today and you would receive glory in this service.

In the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray.

AMEN.

Recorded Song: Jealous of the Angels

Obituary

ANNOUNCE: In a few moments we will give some time should anyone wish to share a couple of comments about Steve Werle

Stephen John Werle, 61, died August 22, 2018, at home in Wichita, KS.

He was born to Guy D. and Beverley June Dwyer-Werle on

August 31, 1956, in Auckland New Zealand.

Stephen was resident of Wichita Ks for 29 years. He was self-

employed as a Plumber and a Carpenter.

He married Gwendolyne Sue Kimmel on December 21, 1995, in

Wichita KS. She survives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Beverly; his sister, Sandee Werle-McKenzie, and nephew, Guy Garland Groves.

Survivors include, sisters, Adrienne K. Johnson, Parkerville KS;

brother Paul W. Werle and spouse Sharon, Ogden KS,

Donna-Marie Werle-Selle [Selly] and Spouse Marvin, Great

Bend, KS,

Megan Brown, (Midge) New Zealand, Debbie Ellis-Bell of Junction City KS ; 15 nieces and nephews;

and his beloved dog, Luca.

Eulogy

When I think of Steve Werle I think of:

A Friend - Many times at a church dinner, or other occasion while I was busy going every which direction he would always seek me out and talk to me. I knew I could count on Steve and considered him one of my friends. Generosity - He was generous. He gave of his time, I called on him many times to either come fix something, or install something, or help me with something and he was there to help or tell me how to get it done. He gave of his resources - he gave to the church both time and moneyHe gave even of his home - I know Sue and Steve helped many people, some even lived with them for a while. Big-Hearted - Steve had a huge heart. He was always kind to me and helped others. I remember every year until circumstances made it impossible - Steve would take his motorcycle on the Toys for Tots run. Full of Stories - I don't think I've every met anyone with as many stories as Steve had to tell. Some of them I think got bigger with time but he always had a good one to tell. Donna, Steve's sister was telling me last night - that when they were younger last night - that when they were younger they lived in a house with an unfinished basement. They would get on their bikes, in the basement each one at an opposite end of the basement and pedal as fast as they could toward each other playing chicken. They would crash into each other and just laugh and have a good time. As she was telling me that story I was thinking - Yes, that's the Steve I know.

At this time I want to give you a brief oportunity to share a couple of comments about Steve if you would like. You may stand where you are and share.

Song - Jesus Loves Me -

My youngest son, Eric who is now 6 years old - stole Sue and Steve's heart almost as soon as he was born. Sue who used to work with the children in our church and on Sunday Evening in a pre-service she would them all up front to sing. Eric's favorite song - the song he would pick every time was: Yes Jesus Loves Me

Sue has requested I sing that at this time.

Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so; Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong. Refrain: Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. Jesus loves me! He who died Heaven’s gate to open wide; He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in.

Sermon - The God of Comfort - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV)

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Comfort. what is that? Sometimes when I hear that word the first thing that comes to my mind is being comfortable. Perhaps the image of sitting in front of a cozy fire, during a cold fall day, snuggled down with a good book.

But the idea of this comfort is more of consolation. It literally means - called to one's aid.

Just think about that for a minute: God comforts us in our times of trouble, or sorrow or grief.

I really like how one translation put it: "He comes alongside us when we go through hard times…"

The old gospel song, "In the Garden" talks about that in the chorus

"And he walks with me, and he talks with me And He tells me I am His own."

He walks alongside us, he comforts us when we are going through hard times.

In the most famous passage of the Sermon on the Mount, a section we call the Beatitudes we find one that says:

Blessed or "happy" are they that mourn [or are sad, or discomforted] for they shall be comforted.

Jesus is saying there is such a thing as being sad, of grieving. But I [Jesus Christ] can soothe, console, comfort that hurt, heal that grief, fill that emptiness.

He Can Comfort because he is God - all powerful, all knowing - beyond comparison God. he created us he knows us - He knows exactly how to help. Jesus himself said that he knows the very number hairs on our head…. But sometimes, if you are anything like me, I can get lost in my thoughts of God and almost see God as distant, and aloof, far away, beyond our reach. but that is far from the truth. God sent His only begotten Son Jesus to come to us. to be with us. John 3:16 says why he came to be with us - because GOD SO LOVES US!!!

Not only does God comfort us because he is God, but… He also Comforts us Because He is Good - Good all the Time. I am thankful that God is good. I know we often ask the question, "If God is good, how could something like this happen?" I don't always have the answer for that - but I do know from personal experience that God can take those bad things that happen to us and make something good of it. Joni Erackson Tada - a lady who has lived for years as a quadriplegic due to a swimming accident as a teenager once wrote: "God sometimes allows what he hates to accomplish what he loves." In other words, God knows what it is to hurt, and doesn't enjoy seeing people hurt - but because of sin and it's result troublesome times come. Perhaps I could say it better by borrowing from an old song by Babbi Mason

All things work for our good Though sometimes we don't see How they could Struggles that break our hearts in two Sometimes blind us to the truth

Our Father knows what's best for us His ways are not our own So when your pathway grows dim And you just don't see Him, Remember you're never alone

He sees the master plan And he holds our future in His hand, So don't live as those who have no hope, All our hope is found in Him

We see the present clearly But He sees the first and the last And like a tapestry He's weaving you and me, To someday be just like Him

God is too wise to be mistaken God is too good to be unkind So when you don't understand When don't see His plan When you can't trace His hand Trust His Heart

He Can Comfort us Because He Gave - I already alluded to John 3:16 That God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whoseover believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. The hardest part about hurt - is that it comes from missing something. Missing a family member lost to death Losing a Job Going through hard times like a divorce or break-up Our passage does not say - he will only comfort those who belong to a particular church - or even those who are good - the Bible simply says - "He comforts us in ALL OUR TRIBULATIONS or TROUBLES" He comforts by visitingJesus said Revelation 3:20 (KJV)

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man {that means anyone} hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

He comforts by saving - I love the story of the woman at the well in the Bible who came with her burden of hurt feelings, broken heart not once but four times. the guilt the shame the regret the bitterness But Jesus said I will give you something that will satisfy that endless thirst in your heart - that will save you from having to seek anything to make you happy again. There at the well side she met this comforter and ran back into town a brand new person in Christ Jesus In His own Words Jesus spoke the greatest Gospel message not just to the woman at the well but to us in John 3:16 That because of God's love and Jesus coming to earth - WHOSOEVER - or anyone - believeth on Him Believes that Jesus is the Christ and makes Him Lord of their life

Will not perish but have everlasting life. Let me ask you today - we all sorrow at the passing of a loved one - but do you have Jesus to comfort you during that grief? During that loss? It's not a difficult or hard or complex thing First we must recognize our need of a Savior realize that "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." We must repent - turn away from, confess, be sorry for our sins. Jesus said "except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish" We must Believe - that is what the Apostle Paul told the Jailer who had asked What must I do to be saved? Paul's quick response was - "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." "Behold I stand at the door and knock - if you will open the door - I will come in" Let him come in and comfort you today.

He promised He would never leave or forsake - that he would be with us and comfort us and take care of us.

Listen at this time as Addison DeAllie sing's at Sue's Request

Song: God Will Take Care of You

Benediction

Heavenly Father,

I thank you again for each one who is here today to pay their respects to Steve Werle.

I pray Father that you would comfort them, surround them, and help them in the days ahead.

That as they each one in their own way go through the grieving process that they would sense your loving arms around them, they would know that you are right there with them helping them, comforting them, supporting them.

If there are those here today who do not know you, I pray Father you would bring them into a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ.

I pray these things in the name of Your Only Begotten Son Jesus.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26).

And all the people said AMEN!

This concludes the funeral - A Graveside Committal Service is scheduled for 3:30 at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence, KS.

Graveside Committal

When the people have assembled, the minister may read any or all of the following scriptures:

Job 19:25-27 (KJV)

25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (KJV)

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

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

1 Corinthians 15:54-58 (KJV)

54 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.

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

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Revelation 14:13 (KJV)

13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, 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.

The minister shall then read the following committal statements:

We have come now to commit the body of our departed friend to its kindred dust. The spirit we leave with God, for we know the merciful Judge of all the earth will do right. Let us who remain dedicate ourselves anew to live in the fear and love of God, so that we may obtain an abundant entrance into the heavenly Kingdom.

Prayer:

Our Heavenly Father, God of all mercy, we look to You in this moment of sorrow and bereavement. Comfort these dear ones whose hearts are heavy and sad. Will You be with them, sustain and guide them in the days to come. Grant, O Lord, that they may love and serve You and obtain the fullness of Your promises in the world to come.

Hebrews 13:20-21 (KJV)

20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Dean G. Blevins et al., Nazarene Manual 2009-2013, (Kansas City, MO: Nazarene Publishing House, 2009), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 263.