conjectural navel gazing; jesus in lint form

a memorial service

Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life:
Such a way as gives us breath;
Such a truth as ends all strife,
Such a life as killeth death.

Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength:
Such a light as shows a feast,
Such a feast as mends in length,
Such a strength as makes his guest.

Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart:
Such a joy as none can move,
Such a love as none can part,
Such a heart as joys in love.

- George Herbert

Last night people gathered at Community Church to celebrate the life of John W. Burke. It was a remarkable evening. Musicians from all over the area and beyond came in to pay their respects, to share stories, to sing and to grieve with one another. For those of you who have led a memorial service or two, I hope you understand what I say. I simply unlocked the door and the service happened all around me. I think of it as a ministry of getting out of the way.

There was little if anything for me to do, really. And that's a great help. But it was miraculous...the music, the eulogies (many words were said), the love and support expressed for Winifred, our music director...It was all so lovely. She will miss John deeply...as will we all. So many musicians...so many singers. The singing of "Joyful Joyful" just blew me out of the water. And then the ad hoc choir that gathered (myself included) at the end of the service to sing Randall Thompson's Alleluia was unbelievable. CSO members, Lyric Opera Choir members and many other gifted singers...about 50 people came forward to honor John with our voices.

Being a pastor is a strange gig. I never got to know John, not the person that was remembered last night. I only knew him while he was sick. And yet by virtue of office and by virtue of the kindness of people like Winifred, I was invited in to the deep end of the pool. Remarkable. Truly.

A baritone, whose name escapes me for the moment, from the Met in New York came out and sang "The Call." It's George Herbert's poetry set to Vaughn Williams' music. I so love this piece. I asked that a member of the choir sing it as the introit/invocation at my installation service at Community Church. It's an important piece to me for many reasons. And I am gladdened all the more to have this memory attached to it now.

The Memorial Service began at 6:30. The concert in support of Winifred began about 8:45(ish). We locked up at 11:30. What a night.

Peace and all Good Things be to Winifred and all who love her.
And may memory eternal be with John.

I have a meeting in a couple of hours. We're looking for a new youth minister. If you know anyone...Let me know.

Posted by tripp at April 5, 2008 07:37 AM