We remember: Henry (Maury) Liebich
July 10, 2018 – Texada Island United Church
Piano Prelude (pianist Maureen Northrop) - Gathering
Welcome: Minister Karen May, DLM
Scripture: “Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11: 25-26
Hymn #266 VU “Amazing Grace”
Let us pray:
Loving God, Creator of all that is, who loves us with an everlasting love and can turn the shadow of death into the light of a new day: help us now to wait upon you with trusting hearts, that as we hear the words of eternal life, we may have hope, and be lifted above our present darkness and distress into the light and peace of your presence, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The 23rd Psalm
Reflection
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
The Lord’s Prayer (unison): Our father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory. Forever and ever. Amen.
Eulogy: Kelly Liebich
July 10, 2018 – Texada Island United Church
Piano Prelude (pianist Maureen Northrop) - Gathering
Welcome: Minister Karen May, DLM
Scripture: “Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11: 25-26
Hymn #266 VU “Amazing Grace”
Let us pray:
Loving God, Creator of all that is, who loves us with an everlasting love and can turn the shadow of death into the light of a new day: help us now to wait upon you with trusting hearts, that as we hear the words of eternal life, we may have hope, and be lifted above our present darkness and distress into the light and peace of your presence, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The 23rd Psalm
Reflection
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
The Lord’s Prayer (unison): Our father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory. Forever and ever. Amen.
Eulogy: Kelly Liebich
Hymn #333 VU “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
Blessing and Closing.
May I go?
May I go now? Do you think the time is right? May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights?
I’ve lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be. So I can take that step beyond and set my spirit free?
I didn’t want to go at first. I fought with all my might. But some thing seems to draw me now to a warm and living light. I want to go, I really do. It’s difficult to stay. But I will try as best I can to live just one more day. To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.
I know you’re sad and afraid, because I see your tears. I’ll not be far. I promise that, and hope you’ll always know, that my Spirit will be close to you wherever you go.
Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too. That’s why it’s hard to say good-bye and end this life with you. So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say, because you care so much for me, you’ll let me go today.
(Anonymous)
Pall Bearers at Graveside: Mike, Tim, Kelly Liebich, Kathy & Dwight Bailey, & Sue Savarella
In Loving Memory
Henry Maurice Liebich
Oct.23, 1938-July 1, 2018
Blessing and Closing.
May I go?
May I go now? Do you think the time is right? May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights?
I’ve lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be. So I can take that step beyond and set my spirit free?
I didn’t want to go at first. I fought with all my might. But some thing seems to draw me now to a warm and living light. I want to go, I really do. It’s difficult to stay. But I will try as best I can to live just one more day. To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.
I know you’re sad and afraid, because I see your tears. I’ll not be far. I promise that, and hope you’ll always know, that my Spirit will be close to you wherever you go.
Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too. That’s why it’s hard to say good-bye and end this life with you. So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say, because you care so much for me, you’ll let me go today.
(Anonymous)
Pall Bearers at Graveside: Mike, Tim, Kelly Liebich, Kathy & Dwight Bailey, & Sue Savarella
In Loving Memory
Henry Maurice Liebich
Oct.23, 1938-July 1, 2018
Funeral Service: Henry Maurice Liebich
Welcome family and friends to this time of remembering: we remember a dear husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, a friend. We remember a dearly loved member of this congregation. We all remember, and we mourn our loss.
And we remember that Jesus said in the gospel of John chapter 11, verses 25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.”
Maury was a faithful follower of Jesus. These words meant something to him.
Hymn #266 VU “Amazing Grace”
Let us pray:
Loving God, Creator of all that is, who loves us with an everlasting love and can turn the shadow of death into the light of a new day: help us now to wait upon you with trusting hearts, that as we hear the words of eternal life, we may have hope, and be lifted above our present darkness and distress into the light and peace of your presence, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The 23rd Psalm (Read)
Reflection: Karen May
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I’ll not want…” In his own quiet, unassuming way, I believe Maury lived his life by these words. I’m sure there were times when he had doubts, but his spiritual guidance was never very far away, and he forged ahead, always striving to do the right thing, to live in love, not in hatred or resentment.
I never heard Maury say a harsh word about anyone. He was a gentle giant of a man. Beloved husband, cherished father, caring family member and good and loyal friend. We are all going to miss him.
“You prepare a table before me…you anoint my head with oil” Be comforted, friends, for Maury does not disappear into oblivion. Something better has been prepared for him – there will be a new adventure – and we are called now – painful as that is – to release him to whatever comes next.
“and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord” We do not- cannot – know what comes next. Like the caterpillar that lives its life munching its way around our gardens, and then spins a cocoon. It enters the darkness – and essentially then, it dies to life as a caterpillar. It does not know what comes next – but unlike us – it does not question, does not worry about it – it just does what it is called to do. In that darkness something magical and mysterious happens. The fat little grub is transformed! Everything about it becomes new! It emerges from the cocoon months later as a beautiful butterfly! A completely new life form has been created!
“my whole life long” There is the suggestion in these words of the promise of eternal life. This life, lived as faithful husband and father is not all there is. Some say this is a school, where we learn the lessons of how to “live right” and to “die right” – a place where we grow spiritually (rather than physically like the caterpillar!) to prepare ourselves for what God will call us to next.
Our beloved Henry Maurice Liebich was called to be exactly what he became – a loving member of the human race who did his best to live according to his beliefs and his principles – the guidance he received thru his life from church, Jesus, Spirit and experience. He has entered the “cocoon” stage and who knows what beauty, and happiness, and adventure lies ahead!
But like the butterfly released from the cocoon, he has not gone far. He is still with us, our love for him is still present for him, as his love for us is still with us. We have a little plaque on the wall in the meeting room that says: “Death ends a life; not a relationship.”
Maury told Irene that he wanted to go out “with all the bells and whistles”! Somehow he knew that this should be a celebration not a time of lament. For “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” and he will be held safely, as we all will, in the arms of our loving God.
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession p.273 in Service Book
The Lord’s Prayer (unison)
The Eulogy – Kelly Liebich
Hymn #333 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
Yes, Maury, it is time for us to let you go. We who love you so much release you now into the loving embrace of your God.
Blessing: May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, the love of God which washes away all our pain and grief, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit which lights our way, be with you always – for we are all beloved children of a loving and patient God. Go now in peace.
Please know that you are welcome to join us at the graveside for a brief service of committal.
Family members: Wife Irene. Daughters Susan Savarella and Kathy Dwight. Sons Michael, Tim, Kelly Liebich.
Pall Bearers: Mike, Tim, Kelly Liebich, Kathy & Dwight Bailey, Sue Savarella
Welcome family and friends to this time of remembering: we remember a dear husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, a friend. We remember a dearly loved member of this congregation. We all remember, and we mourn our loss.
And we remember that Jesus said in the gospel of John chapter 11, verses 25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.”
Maury was a faithful follower of Jesus. These words meant something to him.
Hymn #266 VU “Amazing Grace”
Let us pray:
Loving God, Creator of all that is, who loves us with an everlasting love and can turn the shadow of death into the light of a new day: help us now to wait upon you with trusting hearts, that as we hear the words of eternal life, we may have hope, and be lifted above our present darkness and distress into the light and peace of your presence, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The 23rd Psalm (Read)
Reflection: Karen May
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I’ll not want…” In his own quiet, unassuming way, I believe Maury lived his life by these words. I’m sure there were times when he had doubts, but his spiritual guidance was never very far away, and he forged ahead, always striving to do the right thing, to live in love, not in hatred or resentment.
I never heard Maury say a harsh word about anyone. He was a gentle giant of a man. Beloved husband, cherished father, caring family member and good and loyal friend. We are all going to miss him.
“You prepare a table before me…you anoint my head with oil” Be comforted, friends, for Maury does not disappear into oblivion. Something better has been prepared for him – there will be a new adventure – and we are called now – painful as that is – to release him to whatever comes next.
“and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord” We do not- cannot – know what comes next. Like the caterpillar that lives its life munching its way around our gardens, and then spins a cocoon. It enters the darkness – and essentially then, it dies to life as a caterpillar. It does not know what comes next – but unlike us – it does not question, does not worry about it – it just does what it is called to do. In that darkness something magical and mysterious happens. The fat little grub is transformed! Everything about it becomes new! It emerges from the cocoon months later as a beautiful butterfly! A completely new life form has been created!
“my whole life long” There is the suggestion in these words of the promise of eternal life. This life, lived as faithful husband and father is not all there is. Some say this is a school, where we learn the lessons of how to “live right” and to “die right” – a place where we grow spiritually (rather than physically like the caterpillar!) to prepare ourselves for what God will call us to next.
Our beloved Henry Maurice Liebich was called to be exactly what he became – a loving member of the human race who did his best to live according to his beliefs and his principles – the guidance he received thru his life from church, Jesus, Spirit and experience. He has entered the “cocoon” stage and who knows what beauty, and happiness, and adventure lies ahead!
But like the butterfly released from the cocoon, he has not gone far. He is still with us, our love for him is still present for him, as his love for us is still with us. We have a little plaque on the wall in the meeting room that says: “Death ends a life; not a relationship.”
Maury told Irene that he wanted to go out “with all the bells and whistles”! Somehow he knew that this should be a celebration not a time of lament. For “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” and he will be held safely, as we all will, in the arms of our loving God.
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession p.273 in Service Book
The Lord’s Prayer (unison)
The Eulogy – Kelly Liebich
Hymn #333 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
Yes, Maury, it is time for us to let you go. We who love you so much release you now into the loving embrace of your God.
Blessing: May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, the love of God which washes away all our pain and grief, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit which lights our way, be with you always – for we are all beloved children of a loving and patient God. Go now in peace.
Please know that you are welcome to join us at the graveside for a brief service of committal.
Family members: Wife Irene. Daughters Susan Savarella and Kathy Dwight. Sons Michael, Tim, Kelly Liebich.
Pall Bearers: Mike, Tim, Kelly Liebich, Kathy & Dwight Bailey, Sue Savarella
