Today we celebrated the memorial service for my next door neighbor’s younger sister. It was my first memorial service. It was a powerful day – lots of emotion, lots of sorrow, and a fair share of laughter. The family seemed happy with the service, and it was good to meet people and talk.
You get some interesting comments after leading a service like that. A friend of mine who went through our “seminary”, is on our board, and is the head brewer here attended also and gave me really helpful feedback. A lady came up to me and told me that when I was speaking, she “felt the anointing on me” (I understand what she means, it’s just not terminology I use). A few people told me that they appreciated the laughter. I told the stories that the family had told me, several of which were charming.
By way of introduction I told people that my prayer and hope was three things today: That we would celebrate with joy the life were gathered to remember. That we would embrace the grief that we feel at her loss. That we would understand the hope of the Christian faith.
I think we were able to make an impact in all three areas.
++ Lord, bless the work of my hands and mouth. Implant Your word into this group of people. Encircle them with Your love, comfort, protection, mercy.++
pat loughery 
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