We gather here together, united in our relationship with John Roes. Everyone here knows John and has in some way been touched by his life and presence here on earth.  We come to share memories and stories and to grieve his loss, his absence in our lives.  As we remember John, let us know always of his enduring love and presence in our hearts and minds.

Loving God, hold us and all who mourn today in your love. Let sorrow have its way with us, but let it not overwhelm us.  Let it lead us to greater reverence of our lives, holding each moment as a gift. Work in and through us; give us strength to set our hands again to our tasks; comfort us now and help us to celebrate life in the midst of its ending.  AMEN.

There is an appointed time for everything,
And a time for every purpose under the heavens.
A time to plant and a time to uproot the plant,
A time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to be far from embraces,
A time to seek and a time to lose,
A time to keep and a time to let go,
A time to rend and a time to sew,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to anger,
A time of war and a time of peace,
A time to be born and a time to die.

Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way.

What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in love, stay in love and it will decide everything.

May your feet rest firmly on the ground
May your heads touch the sky
May you see clearly, through the eyes of God
May you have the capacity to listen
May you be free to touch
May your words be true
May your hearts and minds be open
May you receive the strength to move forward
May your hands be empty to fill the need
May your arms be open to others
May your gifts be revealed to us
So that you may return that which has been given to you,
Completing the great circle of life and death.
Amen.