Last Night's Memorial Service

I went to dinner before the service with Hayden, Eli and Aunt Donna at Cracker Barrell; I fortified myself with mashed potatoes and razzles! (first they're candy...)
I hesitate to review the service... let's see if I get on a roll...
I got a really cool, big brass bell to ring on Solstice. We got a smaller on at the service when Mitch died, the kids rang it anytime they wanted his full and present Spiritul attention.
It was somehow comforting to be in a room filled with sad people, knowing I'm/we're not alone.
Hayden remembered the space from Hannah's Fat Tuesday Feast; I didn't see him but for a quick minute in the middle of the service (He walked down when her name was called, to collect our family's bell) then he was gone again. I had a bit of snacky-goodness and looked at all the other sad folk. Not one of us is sure how to be, not even with each other, the collected sad mass. There wasn't any laughter, no cheering up, no joy of the sugar rush, no shared tales... sadness and goodies. We didn't stay long. The peanut brittle was good, though.

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I think this is why I'm called into the topic of Death. There are 347 ways last night could have been better and I have the energy to talk about at least one or 12. Actually, instead, I would throw out the entire template for last night and do something comforting and uplifting. Ah, okay, maybe it is comforting to have the traditional church service platform... I'll figure that in...
First, just because it's Christmastime in the Christian Tradition, it's unfair to assume that all who mourn at this time of year are Christian. This time of year is powerful on many levels and to many faiths, many paths, much wisdom, and many stories of inspiration. The Jewish tale of the Macabees and the 8 days of oil -- what faith!! What great role models for the mourning... it's okay to mention them in a xian church, He heard the story every year of his Jewish life at Hannukah. Even a story of Light Renewal, solstice and survival of the Longest Night and the Return of the Sun to the world. whew....
Okay, so open with the story of Lazarus, at least. Give us SAD Jesus, for his own sake and ours!! Let us share tears with the Messiah, he lost his brother-in-law, he knows heartbreak. I'll even sit through comparisons of resurrections and heaven, just to share some godbless-ed grief! [I gotta say, the opening words of empathy for the mustering of joy at this most joyous time of year, then having the first hymn be "Joy to the World"?? I question your forethought!]
My first song would be, "Mary did you know?" (cause I think Jesus is a great role model for accepting what happens in life and I think this is an anthem each new mother should ponder for her very own child and each grownup should think about their own lives and the purpose thereof and remember we all started out as babies who's mommies had no clue of our future and cause Mary was a really sad mommy when her kid died, too... Imagine her first xmas without her baby) Throw in a few more sad people from the bible if need be. Even talk about those women who took care of his body upon his death.
But then talk about his/our freedom from death. That the ultimate enlightenment awaits us (no, not if we believe, because we ARE) on the other side of the veil. Sing then Lord of the Dance
Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
And I’ll lead you all wherever you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.
I like the whole Life as a Dance metaphor; I also like the idea of Jesus as some kind of afterworld tourguide, leadin' ya round... the song is very "Namaste" in it's final verse, my favorite:
They cut me down and I leapt up high,
I am the life that’ll never, never die;
I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
Your job ain't done just cause you're dead :::bg:::
Be the Lord of Your Dance.
Alright, crying too much over that song, I guess that's where I'd have to end the service.
>ETA: I really would have to end with Spirit of Life, something life affirming and uplifting.
Spirit of life come unto me. Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion. Blow in the wind; rise in the sea. Move in the hand giving life the shape of justice. Roots hold me close; Wings set me free. Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me<
What about "Turn, turn, turn" Seems appropriate and church worthy!
I would have a big display in the snacky room where photographs could be displayed and candles lit.
The peanut brittle was good though. I'd keep the peanut brittle lady.