The “I Remember You” Service Touches Hearts
By Barbara Hiura
This year’s “I Remember You” Service was both uplifting and sad with an emotional outpouring never felt before. Why this year? Since COVID, and the church closure for a couple of years, many of our church treasures have passed on to heaven. And yes, we had this service during worship last year, but we were just coming back and while the honor, memories and respect were all there it didn’t quite have the emotional impact and fulfillment this year’s service packed. With all that is gong on in our divided world, this is a year to feel grief and loss in our remembrances of our loved ones. This was the year to feel love and be touched by our church family. This was a year that the rawness of loss was felt and displayed in a safe environment. God’s presence was felt and enveloped us all through our church family, and showering us with that overpowering love we so desperately crave for and need. This was truly an “I Remember You” service that touched everyone.
Rev. Dr. Bobbie Corson gave us the OK to grieve, to cry, and to free ourselves from those worldly imposed boundaries. That the purpose of this service is to remember and share memories along with our own personal heartache and through this all we are embraced with love. This was indeed a cherished moment in the life of the church.
Mark Teagle gave a poignant message on “Remembering.” Just a few days prior to this service, he lost his mother, Carol Teagle, and talked about those final days with love and heartbreak. Many of us cried for him and others cried for those they are missing during this time of honoring our loved ones. Indeed, God’s presence allowed all of us to experience our own humanity in loss but in a safe and loving environment, our sanctuary. We were blessed with Mark’s message, one which truly honored his mother and showed the love of family during this very emotional and difficult week. We thank him for being so open and honest in his sharing and brave too, to be able to even stand up and deliver such a heart- wrenching message. It must’ve been so hard, but, it allowed that special love we can give that grief brings to touch him. It was both moving and powerful.
Then, Ted Hasegawa, sang “I Remember You” while accompanying himself on the ukulele was such a tender rendering that there probably wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Simply beautiful!
The presentation of a flower offering allowed all in the congregation to honor and remember those whom they have lost whether it was recently or long past. It was such a colorful tribute and truly honored all our loved ones whom God has called to be with him.
We are thankful to the Stephen ministers who annually host this important event and served during the worship service. Stephen Ministry leaders, Helen Morimoto and Pat Higuchi, introduced all present and past Stephen Ministers. Michiko Collins, also a Stephen Ministry leader, read Scripture; Gene Kinoshita provided the Offertory Prayer; Jim Mar did the Opening Prayer, and Barbara Mulford read the Litany of Remembrance.
Throughout the year, our Stephen Ministers care for and listen to and pray with those in need of a friend. They offer that hand of love to uplift any who are suffering physical, emotional problems or loss. This is such a vital service because they provide a one-to-one outlet for those seeking intimate and privately held sessions. Stephen Ministers heal those who are broken through God’s love and embrace. We thank them all for their service.
Rev. Dr. Bobbie Corson gave us the OK to grieve, to cry, and to free ourselves from those worldly imposed boundaries. That the purpose of this service is to remember and share memories along with our own personal heartache and through this all we are embraced with love. This was indeed a cherished moment in the life of the church.
Mark Teagle gave a poignant message on “Remembering.” Just a few days prior to this service, he lost his mother, Carol Teagle, and talked about those final days with love and heartbreak. Many of us cried for him and others cried for those they are missing during this time of honoring our loved ones. Indeed, God’s presence allowed all of us to experience our own humanity in loss but in a safe and loving environment, our sanctuary. We were blessed with Mark’s message, one which truly honored his mother and showed the love of family during this very emotional and difficult week. We thank him for being so open and honest in his sharing and brave too, to be able to even stand up and deliver such a heart- wrenching message. It must’ve been so hard, but, it allowed that special love we can give that grief brings to touch him. It was both moving and powerful.
Then, Ted Hasegawa, sang “I Remember You” while accompanying himself on the ukulele was such a tender rendering that there probably wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Simply beautiful!
The presentation of a flower offering allowed all in the congregation to honor and remember those whom they have lost whether it was recently or long past. It was such a colorful tribute and truly honored all our loved ones whom God has called to be with him.
We are thankful to the Stephen ministers who annually host this important event and served during the worship service. Stephen Ministry leaders, Helen Morimoto and Pat Higuchi, introduced all present and past Stephen Ministers. Michiko Collins, also a Stephen Ministry leader, read Scripture; Gene Kinoshita provided the Offertory Prayer; Jim Mar did the Opening Prayer, and Barbara Mulford read the Litany of Remembrance.
Throughout the year, our Stephen Ministers care for and listen to and pray with those in need of a friend. They offer that hand of love to uplift any who are suffering physical, emotional problems or loss. This is such a vital service because they provide a one-to-one outlet for those seeking intimate and privately held sessions. Stephen Ministers heal those who are broken through God’s love and embrace. We thank them all for their service.
Active Stephen Ministers: from left: Michiko Collins, leader; Pat Higuchi, leader; Jim Higuchi; Gene Kinoshita, Jim Mar; Barbara Mulford; Helen Morimoto, leader; and Joanne Kumano.
Rev. Dr. Bobbie Corson talked about the purpose of the “I Remember You” Service.
Mark Teagle, Director of Spiritual Formation, gave a poignant message on “Remembering."
Ted Hasegawa sang “I’ll Remember You.”
Rev. John Oda gave the pastoral prayer after the floral presentation.
Offering flowers were Jeffrey Oldham, Shigeko Hori, Gene Kinoshita and Rev. John Oda with Michiko Collins looking on.
Posted in Newsletter 2023-11-16