+Grace Emelia Adella (Ziegelmann) Medenwaldt Funeral Service+

Harold August Theodore Fenske Funeral

Matthew 26:41

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Romans 8:26-32, 35-39 * Also at Paul’s Funeral

²⁶ Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.²⁷ And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because^[a] the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. ²⁸ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,^[b] for those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

God's Everlasting Love

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 14:1-6 * Also at Paul’s Prayer Service

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;^[a] believe also in me. ² In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?^[b] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴ And you know the way to where I am going.”^[c] 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Dear friends in Christ, especially Laurel, Family and Friends of Harold. 

Just a few days ago, as I stood at the edge of his death bed, I read to Harold the familiar words of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  I told Harold, “There is our hope, as your life comes to its end, that because God gave Jesus into death on the cross for you, that you have the hope of eternal life.”  And as I finished saying those words, Harold looked up at me and quoting the small catechism he learned so many years ago said, “Amen, amen, means yes, yes it shall be so.  I don’t think we say those words enough.  Pastor, Jesus is going to take me home soon!” 

These were very near the last words Harold spoke to me.  What a bold confession of faith to make, especially as the end of life draws near!  And it’s a confession we can boldly echo today.  Amen!  Yes, Christ has taken Harold home to the place prepared for him.  Amen, Jesus has saved him, carrying him to be with the Father!  Amen!  Harold now rests from his labors in the loving arms of Jesus.  Amen!  Yes Harold no longer struggles with the toil and tribulation of this world.  Amen. Yes, yes it is so!  

It is a bold thing to say at a time like this, when we gather together in the church, with the body of our dear loved one laying before us.  And yet, it is the truth in which Harold believed, and for which he prayed throughout his life.  Harold was baptized “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen,” for forgiveness of all his sins!  Yes, yes it shall be so.  Harold was confirmed here, with the words of our first lesson for today, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation” and at the end the pastor said, “He who has begun this good work in you, bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.  Amen!”  It shall be so.

Every evening, Harold would call family and pray the Lord’s Prayer with them on the phone before bed, “give us this day our daily bread,” knowing that God would provide all that he needed to support his life?  Each time ending with “Amen.  Yes it shall be so.”  And Harold prayed, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,” knowing that in Christ and Christ alone there was forgiveness for all his sins. 

Yes, dear friends, Harold knew his sin.  He knew that in his many years there were many things he wished he’d have done differently.  He knew there were times where perhaps he hadn’t trusted in God the way that he ought.  He knew that he had done wrong in his thoughts and words and deeds.  And knowing that, he confessed his sins often, even just a few days ago, and each time I’d announce Christ’s forgiveness, and we’d speak together the word “Amen!  Yes, yes it is so.”  Knowing that because of Jesus those sins were forgiven. 

And so, dear friends, today we speak Amen as well.  And the Amen we speak is not a looming final “It is finished” sort of amen, but rather it is an Amen that acknowledges what God says.  “In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.  Neither death, nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor power nor height nor anything in all creation can separate us from God’s love.”  And as we say those words, we know it is now true for Harold, that death has not taken him away from his Lord, but rather has become the gateway for him to be with him forever more.    Amen.  It shall be so. 

Today we speak an Amen to the words of our Gospel lesson, when Jesus says, “I go to prepare a place for you, and I will come back to take you to be there.  And where I am, you shall be also.”  And as we hear those words, dear friends, we know that’s where Harold is now.  He is with Christ, and shall be forever more.  The saving work of Jesus, crucified and risen to take away sin has been made complete in him.  He has inherited life in the death of Jesus, life to the full. 

And so we say Amen today, knowing that Harold lives because Jesus lives.  We say Amen knowing that in the bloody death and glorious resurrection of Jesus, Harold was saved.  We say Amen knowing that one day we too will die because of our sin, but in Christ’s forgiveness we will live forever.  We say “Amen, Yes, yes it shall be so,”  for Christ has said it on our behalf – “They shall be forgiven in my blood – it shall be so.” 

Dear friends, those words say it all, when they say it about what Christ does for us.  Harold was right, “We don’t really say those words enough, Amen, yes, yes it shall be so.” 

In the name of Jesus.  Amen.  

+Timothy John Lietz + Funeral Sermon

Job 19 - ²³ “Oh that my words were written!
    Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
²⁴ Oh that with an iron pen and lead
    they were engraved in the rock forever!
²⁵ For I know that my Redeemer lives,
    and at the last he will stand upon the earth.^[a]
26 And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
    yet in^[b] my flesh I shall see God,
²⁷ whom I shall see for myself,
    and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
    My heart faints within me!

Romans 8 - ²⁶ Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. ²⁷ And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because^[a] the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. ²⁸ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,^[b] for those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.³⁰ And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be^[c] against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? ³³ Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.^[d] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 18 - At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”² And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them ³ and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

⁵ “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.  Our text today comes from the Epistle lesson just read, especially these words from St. Paul, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Thus far our text. 

Dear friends, especially family and friends of Tim.  The past few weeks have been very difficult at times.  It has been a struggle from one day to the next, as we watched the slow decline of Tim.  There’ve been drives back and forth to Fargo.  There’ve been hours spent bedside in the hospital.  There’ve been tears that were cried in the midst of smiles that were shared of days gone by.  Stories were told, memories remembered, new memories were made – specifically exploding electrical outlets in the hospital. 

And throughout it all, Tim’s body grew weaker and weaker.  The strength that had carried him through 4 years of cancer treatment was wearing thin.  His breathing became shallow, his heart slowed, and finally on Friday evening, his life came to its end.  And to a certain extent, for us it was a relief, to see the suffering end, to see the struggle completed.  And yet now we are left with a hole in our heart that we are uncertain will ever be filled.  And that is the very sting of sin and death.  That because of our guilt, we must face death – be that the death of a loved one, or our own impending demise.  Because of sin, death exists.  And we know and understand that first hand today. 

And as we are face to face with such a close and personal loss, our own strength wavers.  We want to know why this had to happen.  Why do our loved ones leave us?  Why must we suffer and hurt?  Why do so many whom we love go away forever?  And as we ask these questions, we can feel our strength weakening, our hearts melting, and our sorrow grow.  We are not strong enough to face the challenges this sinful world presents us.  We cannot make it day by day on our own. 

But St. Paul writes, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  The Spirit prays on our behalf, asking God for mercy for you and for me, and for Tim, because of the blood of Christ.  The Spirit proclaims loudly to God the Father that we are innocent and deserving of life in Jesus our Lord.  And, St. Paul writes, nothing in this world, not heights or depths, nor things present nor things to come, not even life or death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. 

It’s a love for you and me and for Tim that runs deep.  So deep in fact that Christ’s love led him to Jerusalem where on an old rugged cross he died for all our weakness.  He suffered for our suffering.  And the punishment that brought us peace was laid upon him.  Jesus died so that as we face death we might be certain of eternity and life in his name. 

And what’s more, Jesus rose again from the dead.  He is alive now, and promises that all who believe in him will also live.  That means you.  That means me.  And that means Tim. 

And so it is through Jesus, our Redeemer that we know where Tim is right now, and even forever and ever amen.  He’s in heaven.  He rests in the loving arms of his savior.  And so we can shout with joy the words of our Old Testament lesson.  For we know that our Redeemer lives, and that in the last we shall see him with our own eyes.  And even after our skin has been thus destroyed by cancer, and struggle and the sickness of this sinful world, because of Jesus we shall see God in our own flesh and with our own eyes. 

In Jesus this is possible.  In his sacrifice we are saved.  In the Son of God crucified and risen for the sins of the world, we are more than conquerors over this world of death.  And even today, “I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Amen.  

+ Timothy J. Lietz + Prayer Service Sermon

Isaiah 61:1-3, 10

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor;he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim liberty to the captives,  and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; ² to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God;    to comfort all who mourn;
³ to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning,    the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;that they may be called oaks of righteousness,the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;
    my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
    he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Luke 2:25-32

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.²⁷ And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, ²⁸ he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

²⁹ “Lord, now you are letting your servant^[a] depart in peace,
    according to your word;
³⁰ for my eyes have seen your salvation
³¹     that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and for glory to your people Israel.”

Dear friends in Christ, Lord, now let your servant depart in peace.  These words were spoken many years ago, in the temple of Jerusalem by an old man named Simeon.  God had told Simeon that the consolation of Israel was coming soon, the solace and comfort of the world would enter the world, and Simeon would see him with his own eyes. 

And into his world comes Jesus, at this time, just oer a month old, carried very carefully in the arms of his mother Mary.  And upon seeing the baby Jesus, Simeon shouts, “Thank you Lord, now I may depart this world and life in peace, because I have seen your salvation, just as your word proclaims.”  And at some point after that, Simeon, departs this world through death, as all do.

So why these words on this night?  What difference does this make to us, thousands of miles away, and thousands of years later?  They make all the difference, for just a few nights ago, one of our beloved friends departed this world in peace. A beloved husband, father and friend, Tim Lietz. 

It had been a long fight.  A four year battle against pancreatic cancer.  A battle that Tim always took in stride, with great strength and a smile on his face, always assuring those around him that it was all going “just fine.”  And then these last few weeks, as side effects from the treatment began to hurt his body, even then he fought, until finally, he peacefully slept the last days of his life, and departed this world. 

And just like Simeon in our text today, Tim departed in peace because of Jesus.  Its only through Jesus that we are saved.  Its only by the power of the Son of God that we can be certain of heaven.  We cannot save ourselves.  We cannot overcome death by our own work or goodness.  We need Jesus!

Jesus who came into this world for the sole purpose of destroying the power of sin and death forever.  To take away the turmoil of this world, and to kill it by his own suffering and turmoil on the cross.  So that through his death, we might depart in peace and certainty.

And that peace and certainty is this, that because Jesus died and rose, so too will we.  Because of Jesus we will enter an eternal world devoid of sorrow and pain and suffering.  A world where death does not exist.  All of this because of Jesus. 

In our text today Simeon held baby Jesus in his own hands, seeing with his own eyes the baby who would grant him forgiveness, life and salvation.  And I stand before you today to tell you that the last day he was conscious that Tim also held Jesus, hidden in with and under bread and wine in the Holy Supper of our Lord.  And that in that eating of Jesus, and in His sacrifice, Tim now has peace that we cannot even begin to understand. 

  Tim is now with Christ, in eternal peace and forgiveness.  He no longer suffers.  “Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace,” was Simeon’s prayer, and now in Christ, Tim has departed thusly, to rest with his Lord forevermore.  Amen.  

+ Mavis Brummond + Funeral Sermon

1 Corinthians 15

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
⁵⁵ “O death, where is your victory?
    O death, where is your sting?”

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Dear friends in Christ, death is swallowed up in victory.  St. Paul seems to contradict the reality of our sinful world with the words he speaks today.  It’s a cold day, and we’re gathered in the church cemetery on a cold and windy day to put to rest the mortal remains a beloved sister and aunt, Mavis. 

How can Paul say death has been defeated, when we are here seeing its effects with our own eyes?  How can Paul say that life is victorious in our world, when obviously death still surrounds us, bringing with it the pain and tears that we today know all too well?  It seems like death wins.  After all, we know that Mavis had fallen, that she was hospitalized, and that she struggled to breathe in the hospital for the last few days of her life.  And now, death has taken her away. 

It seems death is the reality of our world, and our life.  That in the end death wins.  And yet, Paul says, “Death is swallowed up in victory.”  How can this be?  St. Paul tells us very clearly, that it’s not because of us, or our works, or our power at all.  It’s completely and totally because of Christ.  “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” Paul writes.

Its because of Jesus, the very Son of God made flesh, that we know death is defeated.  Christ Jesus submitted himself to death, even death on a cross.  His blood was all poured out.  Nails held his hands and his feet to the cross.  And the Son of God died, and was buried in a tomb, much like the one we stand before today. 

But death could not hold Jesus.  The grave could not swallow his body, but on the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven and even today lives and reigns with the Father.  And because he rose from the dead, we too shall rise, and Mavis shall rise.  This grave is not a final resting place, instead this is a temporary resting place, and it is a future resurrection place. 

One day Jesus will stand on the earth, and His voice will cry out.  Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.  And we, and Mavis, and all the other saints here buried who trust in Christ will rise, our bodies being restored to their perfect state, and we shall then enter our final rest. 

This promise of life was given to Mavis many years ago when she was baptized.  It was confirmed in her in our church building.  And that promise was given again a few days before she passed, when she ate the very body and blood of her Crucified and Risen Lord for the forgiveness of her sins, and for the promise of her eternal life. 

And so today, we mourn, but we do so with hope, that today, Mavis is with Jesus her Lord.  With hope that one day this body will rise, and be reunited with Mavis’ soul, to live forever.  We mourn knowing that same promise is made to you and me, that in Jesus death is defeated forever.  And that in him, we have the promise of life, and life to the full. 

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”   “O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting?”  God is victorious over death.  A promise for you, a promise for Mavis, a promise sealed in the blood of Christ.  In the name of Jesus.  Amen. 

+Elroy Allen Borchardt+ Funeral Sermon

Isaiah 61:  The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
    he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
    and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
² to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,
    and the day of vengeance of our God;
    to comfort all who mourn;
³ to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
    to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
    the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
    the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;
    my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
    he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Matthew 5 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.² And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

⁵ “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

⁶ “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

⁷ “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

⁸ “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

⁹ “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons^[a] of God.

¹⁰ “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.  Dear friends in Christ, especially Grace, Gail and Gloria.  It was last Thursday that Elroy laid down on his couch, fell asleep and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  And while it hurts, and is painful to know that he is gone, there is truly no better time in the time of the church to remember the promises Christ makes to you and to me, and especially on this day to Elroy. 

Because as Elroy left on Thursday, the Church celebrated All Saints Day on Friday.  All saints day, the day when we remember all our loved ones who have left behind this world and sorrow and sin, and now live eternally with Christ our Lord in his kingdom.  And this year we remembered one more saint, Elroy Allen Borchardt, who went to be with his Lord on the Eve of All Saints.  He has left the sin and sorrow of this world, to inherit eternal life. 

How can we speak so boldly?  How can we be sure and certain that Elroy is with all the angels, and arch angels and all the saints of heaven?  Scripture says one must be perfect in every respect to inherit heaven!  And as much as we love Elroy, we know that he suffered from the same ailment as we do, sin and imperfection.  If you knew Elroy, you knew he wasn’t perfect – or at the least he wasn’t as perfect as scripture requires.  He had sinned by his fault, his own fault, his own most grievous fault. 

And yet, as we hear in Elroy’s confirmation verse, we know his sin was forgiven by the God who loved him so much as to send His own Son Jesus to die in place of Elroy.  God, in Christ Jesus forgave Elroy all his sins.  Jesus came into this world, and lived a perfect life even being obedient to death on a cross, so that we might have a promise of life.  Jesus shed his blood, so that Elroy might today be at peace in heaven.  Christ died, so that all who died in belief in His name would raise from the dead, just as Christ did. 

Elroy was given that promise at this very font, where he was washed in Water and the Word, so that all his sin was taken away.  Elroy regularly received Christ’s very body and blood to eat and drink for forgiveness, life and salvation here at this rail.  Elroy received forgiveness, forgiveness earned not by his own works, but only by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, the one who forgave him all his trespasses by his own death on the cross. 

And the same promise is true for you as well.  Your sins are forgiven, just as Elroy’s were.  You too are already a Saint of heaven, if you believe in Christ.  You may still be here in this world, struggling and sorrowing, but because of Christ, one day you will be there beside Elroy before the very throne of Christ Jesus, comforted by Christ. 

There still will be some pain and sorrow in this world.  We still will mourn and miss Elroy in the days and weeks and years ahead.  That will not just disappear.  But as we mourn, we mourn with hope, hope in the knowledge that our Savior has bought us from this world with his own precious blood, innocent suffering and death.  And so we are truly blessed in Christ.  We are blessed in the hope of our savior.  Elmer is blessed, in the peace of heaven forever more, forgiven by Jesus.   

And you too are blessed, for Christ says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”  Dear friends, take comfort, for Elroy is in heaven.  He is a blessed Saint of God.  He’s in the arms of Jesus, forgiven in his blood.  And one day, hopefully many All Saints Days from here, you will be also.  In the name of Jesus.  Amen.  

+ Elroy Allen Borchardt + Prayer Service

Dear friends in Christ, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  These are words that we need to be reminded of on a day like this, when we gather together to mourn and weep at the loss of a husband, father, and friend.  We need to hear this promise of God when we hurt, and are frustrated, and dealing with things that we cannot understand. 

To die is gain.  This is true for dear Elroy.  This past few years have at times been difficult for him.  He had cancer removed from the end of his nose.  He had trouble catching his breath after a very short walk.  Some Sundays, I know it was difficult for him to even make it up the ramp into church.  His body was beginning to slowly fall apart, wear out, and to fall apart. 

It is our sin that is the source of this aging, and ultimately of our deaths.  It is sin that brings pain and suffering to our lives.  It is sin that at times makes this world unbearable.  And so it is because of sin, that we weep and mourn today. 

But to die is gain, this past Thursday evening, Elroy left sin behind and inherited peace, and comfort beyond all understanding.  He is now at rest, no longer dealing with sin and its effects.  Christ has brought him out of this vale of tears and into the great feast of peace and comfort in heaven.  He no longer suffers.  He no longer faces the challenges of this world.  He no longer hurts, or aches.  He is at the great rest earned by Christ for all who believe in him. 

By Christ’s own death and resurrection, death is not the end for Elroy. Christ says as much in our Gospel text today.  “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.  No one will snatch them out of my hand.”  And so Elroy is with the very Christ who made that promise to him. 

And what then of us.  We are still here.  We still hurt and weep and cry.  We still don’t understand why these terrible things happen. 

To live is Christ, St. Paul writes.  As we mourn in the days and weeks ahead, we trust in Jesus and his forgiveness, not only for Elroy, but also for you and me.  We know that Christ has died for our sins as well.  He has shed his blood, to make the same promise to we who weep and mourn as to those who leave this world behind and gain heaven. 

Dear friends, your sins are forgiven by the death of Jesus.  Life is promised to you by His glorious work.  We may weep and mourn today, but we do so with hope, knowing that for Elroy, and for us, that death is not the end. But that death has been swallowed up in victory.  We live day by day, with no where to turn except to Christ.  To live is Christ, even as we one day ourselves wait our own death, where we too will gain heaven and peace.  There we will see God face to face, there we will join Elroy in the unending feast.  There, life will be ours forever. 

It is really true.  To live is Christ, and to die is gain.  That was God’s promise to Elroy, and to you, and to me.  In the name of Jesus.  Amen.  

+ Woodrow Heinrich Medenwaldt + Funeral Sermon

Woody's Obituary

Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.

2 Corinthians 4:13-18 - Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, ¹⁴ knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. ¹⁵ For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

¹⁶ So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Matthew 7:24-27 - “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. ²⁶ And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.²⁷ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.  Our texts for today are those just read, especially Woody’s confirmation verse, “God is our refuge and strength.”  Thus far our text. 

Dear friends in Christ, especially Family and Friends.  74 years ago, Woody Medenwaldt knelt here at this rail, and the pastor spoke these words, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in times of trouble.”  This verse is one very near and dear to us Lutherans, it’s the words Martin Luther took and turned into our beloved hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” a hymn  we’ll sing a week from tomorrow at our church Reformation Day service. 

And there really is no better time than now, today, here at the loss of a dear one to remember these words of God, because today we really do need a refuge.  Because today, more than any other day, we feel tossed and terrorized by the pain and sorrow of this sinful world.  We’ve watched as a beloved husband, father and grandfather slowly succumbed to small strokes.  We’ve watched as his memory has slowly gotten worse, and as dementia set in.  We knew this day was coming, and we dreaded it and its consequences. 

It’s the sin of the world that brings these things about in our lives.  Sin that infects us through and through, sin that also infected Woody.  We are guilty of sin, and God clearly says in scripture that the one who sins must surely die.  Outwardly, our bodies waste away.  We all are slowly dying because of sin.  And so too are many of our loved ones, and we understand that terrible reality clearly today. 

And yet, in the face of this, our scripture lessons make several promises to us.  First – that even as our outer selves are wasting away and dying, our innerself is being renewed daily.  How?  In the waters of baptism, that wash away our sins, by connecting us to the death and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.  St. Paul tells us that the struggles we face in our own health and in the health of loved ones is just a “Light momentary affliction” when compared with the glorious promise of heaven with Jesus.

Furthermore, we know that as we face the challenges and struggles of this world, that we are safe and secure in the arms of our God.  And the very same thing could be said for Woody.  Even as he had his first stroke, God was caring for and providing for him through the hands of doctors, nurses and family members who cared for him.  Even as his outward self was wasting away, God was his refuge from the terrors of this sinful world, keeping him safe in the ark of the holy church.  God was his strength, allowing him to face each day. 

And now, that Woody is no longer with us here, he is forever in the arms of Christ.  He is kept safe in the refuge of Heaven, in God’s presence day and night.  No longer does Woody face sorrow or pain, no longer does he hunger or thirst, no longer is his mind clouded, but it is forever more clear.  No longer does he struggle, but he is comforted by the God who created and sustained him throughout all his days. 

It is the same God who wanted to be with you and with Woody forever.  So much so that he took your sin, your shame, and your guilt upon himself, and suffered and died on the cross that it might be forgiven, and that we might hide in the shelter of his wings forever. 

Dear friends.  God is a Mighty Fortress.  He has been a refuge and strength for Woody, and even forevermore will continue to be.  He is a present help in times of trouble, a help that even death itself cannot over come.  In the name of Jesus.  Amen.  

+ Marlys Anne Minar + Funeral Sermon

Marlys Minar Obituary is Here

Isaiah 49:8-16

Thus says the Lord:
“In a time of favor I have answered you;
    in a day of salvation I have helped you;
I will keep you and give you
    as a covenant to the people,
to establish the land,
    to apportion the desolate heritages,
⁹ saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’
    to those who are in darkness, ‘Appear.’
They shall feed along the ways;
    on all bare heights shall be their pasture;
¹⁰ they shall not hunger or thirst,
    neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them,
for he who has pity on them will lead them,
    and by springs of water will guide them.
¹¹ And I will make all my mountains a road,
    and my highways shall be raised up.
¹² Behold, these shall come from afar,
    and behold, these from the north and from the west,^[a]
    and these from the land of Syene.”^[b]

¹³ Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth;
    break forth, O mountains, into singing!
For the Lord has comforted his people
    and will have compassion on his afflicted.

¹⁴ But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me;
    my Lord has forgotten me.”

¹⁵ “Can a woman forget her nursing child,
    that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
    yet I will not forget you.
¹⁶ Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
    your walls are continually before me.

1 Corinthians 15:51-57

⁵¹ Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
⁵⁵ “O death, where is your victory?
    O death, where is your sting?”

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 10:32-33

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, ³³ but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Our text today is from the readings just read, especially these words from the Old Testament lesson, “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands .”  Dear friends in Christ, especially friends and family of Marlys. 

It’s a hard thing that brings us together here today.  A mother, grandmother and friend has left us behind, and entered her eternal rest.  She’s gone to be with Christ, even forevermore.  And so today we weep, we cry, and we mourn at our loss, because Marlys is gone forever.

But for us in some ways, she’s been gone for awhile.  She’s had trouble remembering much of anything these last years.  She didn’t recognize family.  She didn’t recognize friends.  She was unable to remember many of the most important people in her life.  It was painful as we went to visit her, and she either loved us or was angry at us, all without knowing who we really were. 

This forgetfulness was a result of Alzheimer’s, which itself was a result of the terrible sin of this world.  Marlys was full of sin, and as a result, her body and mind slowly were destroyed throughout these last years.  Scripture is clear – those who sin die.  The bodies of guilty sinners wear out.  The minds of sinful people become less clear.  And that’s what happened to dear Marlys, sin took its toll. 

And perhaps that’s what is most worrisome – that we ourselves too are sinful, we too are guilty and wrong, and so one day our bodies too will die, and our minds will become clouded because of our own sin and guilt.  I will suffer and die because of my sin.  You will suffer and die because of sin.  It will happen to us, as it does to all people. 

And so today we remember and realize the cost of sin.  Death.  Suffering.  Forgetfulness.  Pain and sorrow.  These are the wages of sin.  These are the things we face every day, most especially today as it hits us so closely and personally. 

But even as we face the terrible price for sin, we have a great promise.  “Death is swallowed up by death.”  St. Paul writes about it in our Epistle lesson.  “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.” 

The promise is this, even as we forget things, as our memory fades, Christ has not forgotten us, and He will not ever forget us.  We are engraved in the palms of his hand.  Engraved with iron nails, which held our Lord to the cross on our behalf.  Engraved to show us vividly where His blood was poured out for our salvation.  Engraved with the marks of our forgiveness. 

He gave that promise of forgiveness to Marlys many years ago, right here in this sanctuary as she was baptized.  He made her His child, and promised in Water and the Word that He would never leave or forsake her, that even if she forgot the simple things, that He would remember her and care for her.  That promise was for Marlys also when she was confirmed here at this rail, and the pastor spoke these words on her, “everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.”  And even the last time I saw Marlys, she was able to speak some of the words of the Apostle’s Creed, acknowledging her savior outwardly, as her savior remembered and acknowledged her as well.  

Dear friends the same promise is yours as well.  God remembers you as well.  He remembers you as you mourn today.  He remembers you as you weep, as your body wears out, and as you one day face death.  You too are engraved in the palms of his hand.  He will not leave nor forsake you. 

He reminds you of all his promises as you regularly go and hear His Word.  And one day, he will take you home as well.  To be in heaven, where Marlys is now.  To be at peace.  To be in eternal joyful life.  He will remember you, even as he has remembered Marlys.  In the name of Jesus.  Amen. 

2013 - Funeral - Donald Milton Bellin

Job 30 - “And now my soul is poured out within me;

    days of affliction have taken hold of me.
¹⁷ The night racks my bones,
    and the pain that gnaws me takes no rest.
¹⁸ With great force my garment is disfigured;
    it binds me about like the collar of my tunic.
¹⁹ God^[c] has cast me into the mire,
    and I have become like dust and ashes.
²⁰ I cry to you for help and you do not answer me;
    I stand, and you only look at me.
²¹ You have turned cruel to me;
    with the might of your hand you persecute me.
²² You lift me up on the wind; you make me ride on it,
    and you toss me about in the roar of the storm.
²³ For I know that you will bring me to death
    and to the house appointed for all living.

Isaiah 41 - But you, Israel, my servant,

    Jacob, whom I have chosen,
    the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
⁹ you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
    and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant,
    I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
¹⁰ fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

John 8 - Donald's Confirmation Verse - So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.  Our text today is the Gospel lesson read, also Donald’s Confirmation Verse, especially these words, “the truth will set you free.”.  Thus far our text. 

Dear friends in Christ, especially Helen and other family.  Some sixty three years ago, right here, in this font, Donald Milton Bellin became God’s Child in the waters of Holy Baptism.  On that day he received forgiveness of all his sins, rescue from death and the devil, and the promise of eternal salvation through the washing of rebirth and renewal in water and the word.  Just three weeks later, he was confirmed in that faith, as he confessed here that would rather die than fall away from the faith.  And as he made that promise, Pastor Micheal spoke the words of our text to him.  “The Truth will set you free,” and then you will be free indeed. 

Throughout many years of his life, these words stuck with Donald.  These words belonged to Donald as he entered the armed services, “the truth will set you free.”  They were with Donald as he moved to St. Paul and worked for many years as an electrician.  They were with Donald as he married his lovely wife Helen.  They were with Donald as he retired and moved back here to Hankinson.  The words were with Donald up until the last few days, when finally he was set free from this world indeed. 

As we talked about last night, the last few months and weeks for Donald were difficult.  His health declined quickly and steadily.  The man who liked to tell jokes and chat was nothing more than skin and bones.  The last week or so of his life, he struggled greatly.  The day before he passed, with every breath he cried out for help, “Help me” he said, “Help me to get out of the bed, help me to leave.  Help me to finally enter eternal rest.”  His cry matched that of Job in our first lesson, “And now my soul is poured out within me; days of affliction have taken hold of me.  The night racks my bones, and the pain that gnaws me takes no rest.”  And so he prayed for help.

And where does that help come from?  It comes from the promise of Donald’s Confirmation verse, “The Truth will set you free.”  Free from pain.  Free from sorrow, free from suffering, free from all the sin of the world.  Christ’s response to the shout of help is nothing else than freedom in these words, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  And so on Tuesday afternoon, Donald was set free from this world, and entered eternity with God.

The price for his freedom from the pain and sorrow of this world is the very precious blood, and innocent suffering and death of God’s own Holy Son Jesus in place of Donald.  God loved Donald so much He let His Son Jesus come to this world.  He let his Son suffer, even more than Donald suffered.  He let his Son be beaten, and nailed to a cross.  He let his son’s blood pour out as a sin sacrifice and offering.  He let his Son die, to set all of us free from sin, even Donald. 

Yes, that’s right, you too are freed from the confines of this world by the Way the Truth and the Life Jesus Christ.  You too are rescued from sin death and the power of the devil, and you too have life in the blood of Jesus.  You too, just like Donald our dear departed brother, will be set free by the Truth, and if he sets you free, you will be free indeed. 

Dear friends, Today Donald has life.  And we have the promise that one day we too will have life, and be with him even forever more.  Listen to His word, and believe the truth, and the truth will set you free.  Amen.  

Alvin Roy Schubert - 2012 - Funeral

Job 19:21-27                           Revelation 2:10                       Matthew 27:45-54; 28:1-6

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.  Our text today is Alvin’s confirmation verses from the book of Revelation to St. John, especially these words, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”  Thus far our text. 

Dear friends in Christ, Norma, Adam, Mark, and Frances, Today is a difficult day.  There is no way around that.  In the course of just a few months, you have lost a mother, a grandmother, and now today, a father.  There is nothing that can describe the hurt and pain of loss that you now face today.  I’m sure you are faced with all sorts of questions, “What kind of a God could take so many people from you so quickly?  Why must we face this pain and loss?  What’s the point?  Where do I go from here?” 

Dear friends and family, we have these questions today, and in the face of these difficult questions, we have the words of Alvin’s confirmation verse:  “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”  With the questions on our hearts today, these words seem so empty and broken.  We’ve lost so many loved ones.  To our eyes, Alvin is not alive.  To our hearts, there is a hole where he once was.  In our thoughts, we convince ourselves that he is gone for good. 

Be faithful unto death.  When I met with Alvin the first time after his diagnosis of terminal cancer, of death only weeks away, he was the first to admit he hadn’t always been as faithful as he should have been.  He was the first to admit that he was the chief of sinners.  He told me, “I haven’t been to church like I should pastor.  I haven’t kept prayed as I should, and now I’m out of time.”  As he told me these things, I simply said I know – and this was the truth.  Alvin faithfully confessed his sins, and as we hear them today, we know that they are our sins as well.  For none of us have prayed as we ought, none of us have been in church like we ought, none of us have been as good as we ought.  We have all sinned, we have all fallen short of God’s glory – this is most certainly true. 

And it is this sin deep within each one of us that leads us to days like today.  We suffer in this difficult world because of our sin.  We hurt, we struggle, we stumble about all trying to find a way forward.  Our world is place of death.  Our world is a place of pain.  Alvin knew that he had a slow road ahead, a road of pain during cancer, a road of increasing weakness. A road that eventually would come to its end with a dreadful demise. 

And yet these words, “be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”  Alvin confessed his sins to me, faithfully.  And as he confessed his sin, he looked not to himself, not to his own works, but to the God who came to save him, to forgive him, to give him the crown of life, the crown that cannot tarnish or spoil, the crown that this world cannot take away.  As Alvin’s body slowly was ravaged by cancer, he slowly became weaker day by day, but his God faithfully kept him, and I tell you the truth, today has brought him out of the valley of the shadow of death into life forevermore. 

For you see, dear friends, our God is himself no stranger to death.  In fact, as you see in our Gospel lesson, the sole purpose for Christ’s coming was to die for our sin, to suffer for our weakness, to give up his life as a ransom for all.  Jesus came and was nailed onto the cross, on your behalf dear friends.  He suffered the full wrath of God for you.  He cried out “My God why have you forsaken me” as he suffered took away your sin.  Jesus was faithful unto death.  Faithful for you.  Faithful for me.  Faithful for Alvin.  Faithful for all sinners who are just like us.  And now he gives the crown of life to all who trust in him. 

This was Alvin’s hope.  This is what he trusted in his last moments.  He had the faith that Job confesses in our Old Testament lesson, “I know my redeemer lives, and after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.  That’s what happens in our Gospel lesson.  Jesus dies, and the earth shook, and the rocks were split.  The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 

And so too with Alvin.  In Jesus, Alvin has hope, and so do you.  In Jesus, Alvin has forgiveness, and so do you.  In Jesus Alvin shall not be dead forever, but shall live forever in God’s holy kingdom.  For Jesus was faithful for him, faithful even to death.  And so today, and even forevermore, Alvin Roy Schubert – “Ears” has the crown of life.  Amen.  

Alvin Roy Schubert - Prayer Service - 2012

Revelation 7               Luke 2:25-32

Dear friends in Christ, especially Frances, Mark, and Adam.  Grace to you and peace from God our Father, through our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Amen.   

This last few weeks and months were not easy for our dear friend Alvin.  He suffered terribly from cancer.  There was great pain as fluid built up in his abdomen, as cancer began to shut down his body.  It was a long, slow, painful wait the last week and a half, as slowly, life came to its end for Alvin. 

As Alvin’s body deteriorated into pain, and swelling, and death, the words of both our texts today came to mind, and I even had the privilege of reading them to Alvin.  “Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.”  Let him be at peace, let him go home, let him leave this world to finally be in heaven.  That has been our prayer for Alvin these last few weeks!  Please just let it all be done, and let him rest in peace.

That was the prayer of Simeon in our text as well.  He was coming to the end of his life, and he knew it.  But God had promised him that before he died, he would see the Savior, the Salvation of his soul, Jesus.  When finally Jesus came into the temple, Simeon beheld him with his own eyes, and held him with his own hands, then Simeon knew it was the time to depart, to be at peace, all of it according to God’s Word and promises to him. 

Alvin too beheld Jesus.  Alvin too held Jesus with his own hands, as the very body and blood of Jesus came to him a few weeks ago.  Jesus had made a promise to Alvin as well, a promise sealed in blood, that washed Alvin in the forgiving waters of Baptism so long ago.  A promise that one day, Alvin would be at peace.  That he would no longer face the struggles of this world.  That he would not feel pain anymore.  That he would depart this life and enter an eternal paradise prepared by God. 

There, “Alvin stands before the throne of God, and serves him day and night in his temple;  and he who sits on the throne shelters Alvin with his presence. Alvin hungers no more, neither thirsts anymore;  the sun does not strike him, nor any scorching heat.  For the Lamb in the midst of the throne is now his shepherd, and guides Alvin to springs of living water, and God has wiped away every tear from Alvin’s eyes.”  Today, Alvin is at peace – peace that surpasses all human understanding. 

Dear friends, that promise is for you as well.  You too have struggles and difficulties in your life, as did Alvin.  You too continually face this sinful world and its pain and dangers.  And God’s promise is for you as well.  According to God’s Word, you too can behold your savior.  You too come into the presence of Jesus – the crucified and risen Lord for the sins of the world.  And being baptized, faith filled children of God may receive the crown of life, and depart in God’s peace. 

Today, Alvin is there, in heaven, at peace finally.  Today he rests from his many labors.  Today he no longer has pain.  He has departed in peace, according to God’s word.  For he has seen his Savior, and he has received his gifts. Amen.  

Paul Alan Fenske Funeral

Grace, Mercy and Peace to you from God our Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.  Our text today is from our Epistle Lesson, especially these words, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Thus far our text. 

Dear friends in Christ, especially Eric, Jennifer, and Chelsey, Harold and Laurel, all family and friends of Paul.  “In my flesh, I shall see God”.  These words of our Old Testament lesson proclaim the faith that Job had despite all his hardships, despite all his struggles.  His children had been killed in a storm.  His possessions had been destroyed.  And as he speaks the words of our text today, he himself was suffering as a disease ravaged his body, eating away his flesh.  And yet, he still confessed, “I know my redeemer lives.  In my flesh, I shall see God!”

These words should strike a chord for us today, as we are gathered here in this place, mourning the loss of a son, mourning the loss of one whose body was ravaged by disease.  As we mourn one who will no longer be here with us in our lives.  But we know that “our redeemer lives, and with our own eyes, we shall see God.” 

These are bold words, are they not?  These are bold words to proclaim into a world of death and destruction.  A world where so much continues to go wrong every day.  A world where our loved ones lives are cut short at such a young age. 

For that is what happened to Paul.  His life was brought to its end early.  He suffered from cancer for the last few months, and in the end his body was not strong enough to overcome.  The man who helped his parents, who cared for his children, and who always stayed busy quickly became weak and suffered, unable to even catch a peaceful night of sleep.  The weakness of our sinful bodies caught up with him.

But our Epistle lesson says, “But the Spirit helps us in our weakness.”  He’s there for us at the times that we need him the most.  He is there offering up prayers for us when we don’t even know what to pray for as we ought.  He was with Paul these last few weeks, even up until this last Saturday morning when Paul left, pointing him not to his own weakness, but pointing him to his Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  And dear friends in Christ, he was with Paul as Paul entered paradise and saw his Redeemer with his own eyes, just as Job confessed. 

For he who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him give us all good things.  For if God is for us, who can be against us.  God gave his Son up into this world to live among us who are weak, and become weak for us.  He gave his Son to take our flesh upon himself and become weak, weak in our place, weak on a cross.  And in that, the crucifixion of Jesus, and his glorious resurrection, we know that we have hope.  For Jesus died for Paul, so that he might overcome, even when it appeared otherwise.  So that Paul might have eternal life.  So that Paul – who believed in Jesus might live, even though he die. 

And so here were are today, feeling that same weakness in our sorrow, that same weakness in our hurt and loneliness.  Today we mourn our own sin which causes us such agony. 

Today we really are weak, much as Paul was his last few weeks.  But for you too, just as for your Father, your Brother and your Son Paul, God is with you in your weakness.  Just as Christ came for Paul, he came for you.  He came to rescue you from your sin, to take away from you all your doubts, all your hurt and all your pain.  Hear the words of Job and believe that they are for you as well, Your Redeemer Lives, and in the last you stand before him in your own flesh, you shall see him and not another. 

This promise is for you.  Its why you come to this place, to hear that promise.  Its why we come here today, to remember what love your God has for you.  Its why the church exists, so that we might know God’s love – made known to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Here, God promises to be with us, to never leave us nor forsake us – to give us the gifts of heaven. 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?...  or maybe even cancer?  “No in all these things we are more than conquerors in Him, Jesus, who loved us…   For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

Dear family and friends of Paul, brothers and sisters in Christ.  Here we may face struggles.  Here we may become sick, our possessions may be gone, and our bodies may be ravaged by disease.  But know this.  Your redeemer lives.  Your Redeemer has overcome the world.  Nothing can take him away from you.  And today Paul is with him, even forevermore.  Amen.

Paul Alan Fenske Prayer Service

Dear friends in Christ, baptism is an amazing thing.  In baptism, with simple water and word, death is destroyed, swallowed up forever.  In baptism, we die with Jesus, and then are raised with him.  Every person who has been baptized has already died, and been raised into eternal life.  Because of baptism, while we mourn, we know that death is not the end for those who believe in Jesus.

Why speak of this today?  Why bring up something that happened to Paul 52 years ago when there have been so many things that have happened since then?  Why bring up baptism before cancer, and pain? 

Why?  Because Paul’s baptism is important today, when all our senses try to tell us that Paul is now gone.  It is so important today as we are gathered here with family and friends to mourn the loss of a father, a grandfather, a son and a brother.  It is important because today we hurt deeply.  Today we mourn.  Today we wonder what has happened to Paul. 

But I tell you the truth, baptism has done an amazing thing for Paul – not just baptism, but the One whom Paul was bound to in the waters of baptism.  For Paul already had died, more than 50 years ago.  He died with Jesus, was buried with Jesus, and as our text says, “if he died with Christ, we believe he also lives with him.” 

In water, in a font at Trinity Lutheran Church Great Bend, Jesus grabbed ahold of Paul, and carried him through death into life.  In Baptism, Jesus carried Paul through cancer, through suffering, through pain and agony, and brought him safely into God’s eternal kingdom.  There he will no longer thirst, nor will he hunger, for the Lamb in the midst of the throne is his shepherd.  There, Jesus wipes all tears away from his eyes with nail marked hands. 

Friends, one who dies in Christ “has been set free from sin.”  One who dies in Christ, “walks forever in newness of life.”  Baptism is that place where faithful Christians like Paul, and like you, die with Christ.  Baptism is that thing that gives us hope today, hope that cancer is not the end, that in “death no longer has dominion” over us. 

I won’t lie to you, these past few days have been difficult.  They have brought us pain, and they will not magically get better over the coming weeks and months.  Death hurts.  It makes us weep and mourn, and long to be with the one who has departed.  But it is not the end for those who believe and are baptized into Jesus.  For Christ has destroyed death and gives eternal life to all who believe in him.

Friends, because Paul was baptized let not your hearts be troubled, even as you mourn.  For Jesus has come and taken Paul unto himself, to a place where they might be together, forever.  It’s a place with many rooms, a place of peace, a place of life.  It’s a place of living water, where God’s baptized people are raised to live with Jesus forever.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, for if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

In baptism, Jesus does an amazing thing.  He brings you, me, and yes our dear friend Paul through death into life.  Because of baptism, while we mourn, we know that death is not the end.  In baptism, in Jesus, death is destroyed forever.  Amen