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The Order of Service Prelude:Keyboard Selections played by Ken Reeves Welcome and Opening Prayer: Pastor Paul Sorenson Song #1: Amazing Grace by Cecilia From: Voice of the Feminine Spirit Reflections on Noel's Life & God's Love: Pastor Paul Sorenson A Father's Message: John Schuderer A Mother's Letter: Marna Chvarak [Not Shared Publicly at Service] Song #2: Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton From: Eric Clapton Unplugged Reading #1: Barbara Schuderer (Stepmother) Excerpt from A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles by Marianne Williamson Song #3: A Place in the World by Mary Chapin Carpenter From: A Place in the World Reading #2: Ryan Schuderer (Brother) On Joy and Sorrow From: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran Song #4: Bourée by Johan Sebastian Bach Performed by Jethro Tull From: Standup Email and a Love Poem: Heather Burns (Partner) Song #5: Dante's Prayer by Loreena McKennitt From: The Book of Secrets Open Sharing: by Family and Friends Closing Comments and Prayer: Pastor Paul Sorenson Postlude/Song #6: Standing in Motion by Yanni From: In Celebration of Life Reception Spreading of Ashes |
Spreading of Ashes
This ceremony took place at Joshua Tree National Park five months following the Celebration Service, on the weekend of Noel's Birthday. It was primarily for family and close friends. It was a clear, beautiful day. The location was chosen because Noel loved to rock climb there with his friends. We chose an area up against the mountains near Indian Cove. It was a beautiful area with beautiful mountains to the south and a view of the desert floor to the north. The day was very loosely planned. A gathering, a sharing, a spreading, a singing of "Happy Birthday", and a time for personal "good-byes". Afterward, there was a potluck lunch. After everyone arrived, we all sat in a circle and shared feelings and stories. We listened to two songs. The first song was a beautiful blending of Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World sung by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, an Hawaiian singer. The second song, played after the sharing was a version of Love, written by John Lennon, and sung by Kenny Loggins. During the playing of Love, we all held hands. Many of us cried.
Next we all took a very short walk to another location, away from the picnic area. We again assembled into a circle. Noel's father initiated the reciting of the Lord's Prayer after which each person took turns sprinkling some of Noel's ashes and saying a few words. We sang Happy Birthday to Noel. As we departed, several people chose to sit quietly in the area for a while... hugging, crying, talking. Shortly thereafter, it was time to eat, drink and be merry... to celebrate Noel's birthday, his life, and his gifts to us. After eating our fill, we all went our separate ways. Again, it was another perfect celebration. A little too hot, perhaps, but otherwise perfect.
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