It is with deep sorrow that I bring you news of Clarence Wilson’s death earlier today. In the midst of grief, I find myself joining with all Clarence’s family in remembering his always present smile, the joy of his company, and his great enthusiasm for life. God was most assuredly with him in the gift of his life among us, and now, in the fullness of the promise of new life which God gives freely to each of us in Holy Baptism, God is most certainly with him now.
A funeral service celebrating Clarence’s life is planned for 10:30 am on Tuesday, January 11, at First Lutheran Church in Chariton. Visitation is being planned for 5 to 7 pm on Monday, January 10, at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton.
Hear now a reading from Romans:
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced 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. (Romans 8:35-38)
Let us pray…
Eternal God, your love is stronger than death, and your passion more fierce than the grave. We rejoice in the life of Clarence, whom you have drawn into your eternal embrace. Keep us in joyful communion with him until we join the saints of every people and every nation gathered before your throne in your ceaseless, smiling praise, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the peace of Christ be with you. +
Pastor Rich