Bulletin for the Celebration of Life of Munchkin (Brownie)

In the disorienting barrage of tragedy that 2020 has been so far, it can be easy to forget even some of the most important of occasional rituals. These rituals might be small, especially in relation to the scale of suffering around us, but it is still vital to intentionally and lovingly engage with life's changes, transitions, losses, and joys. Earlier this year, we lost a family member. Though she was a dog, she was our sister, and we miss her every day. We have yet to memorialize her, and so we're posting this bulletin to her upcoming service, which will take place next Saturday.

Much of this material was drawn and adapted from the United Church of Christ Book of Worship. This post was coauthored by Wesley Snedeker and Hanny Zuniga.

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Greeting

One: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

and the love of God

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

Many: And also with you.

Sentences

One: Blessed are the dead

who die in Christ.

"Blessed indeed," says the Spirit,

"that they may rest from their labors,

for their deeds follow them."

Opening Prayer

Eternal and loving God, our scriptures proclaim that you called each one of us into being, knit us together in our mothers' wombs, rejoiced in our ultimate closeness and value to you. You walk with us in all stages on life's journey, you support us when we are in need—nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Today, we lift to you your beloved daughter Munchkin. May she find rest in your presence. May she find reconciliation and renewal in your light. May she find peace. We ask that you accompany all of us, Munchkin's family, in our time of mourning. As we grapple with this loss, may we know they do not do so alone. Grant us the wisdom to trust our feelings, the honesty to respect our needs, and the grace to find you reflected in those around us. Help us to encounter your Spirit moving through this gathering, that our worship might be acceptable in your sight and edifying to your people.

Words of Remembrance

The gathered are welcome to reflect on their fondest memories of Munchkin.

Scripture Reading

Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

he leads me beside still waters;

he restores my soul.

He leads me in right paths

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I fear no evil;

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff—

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

Commendation

One: Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Munchkin. Acknowledge, we humbly pray, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, and a daughter of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the company of the saints in light. Surround these servants gathered here, and all who love Munchkin, with your infinite and inexhaustible love and grace. We offer these prayers in your name, Creator, Redeemer, and Spirit. Amen.

Benediction

One: May God bless and keep you

Many: May God's face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

One: May God look upon you with kindness and give you peace.

Many: Amen.