We had a family funeral this week. My uncle died. He was my father’s youngest brother and the second youngest of the eight siblings. His younger sister is the only remaining member of that family. He was 87 and had been married to my aunt for 62 years. I hadn’t really thought about his age. He never seemed old to me he was just my uncle whom I loved and always enjoyed spending time with.
We gathered as family and community at the little rural church where I grew up and where my uncle attended for over 60 years. The church was packed and when the pews were full the basement filled with the overflow of people. It was a wonderful service befitting a man of my uncle’s devotion and community mindedness.He was lauded and God was thanked for the blessing he was to so many of us. It was a great day.
Many people are shying away from fuerals these days. Often out of humility – people don’t want a fuss made. Others say they don’t want to cause pain to their family. But I think it is a mistake. At the time of a death what the family needs is to be surrounded by their friends and loved ones who care, who can offer support and healing and sometimes just sit and cry with them. To not have a funeral is to deny ourselves of that opportunity. It is also a time to exercise our faith and to be reminded of the bigger vision we have of life. To speak the words of confidence that tell of God’s love and care and the promise and hope of life in and with God.
Our United Church creed begins and ends with the words “We are not alone”. It begins by reminding us “We are not alone” because “we live in God’s world.” It ends by stating that “In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.” It is good to be reminded at the time of death that even in that veil of grief God’s love wraps around us.
I will miss my uncle.
