The Celebration Service/Reception

The Celebration Service
Monday, May 7, 2001
6:30 PM
Papago Park
Phoenix, Arizona

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

The Reception
Following the Celebration Service

Immediately following the Celebration Service there was an area displaying memorabilia which represented various aspects of Noel's adventurous journey through life on Earth. Photographs, yearbooks, memory books, climbing equipment, certificates of accomplishment, diplomas, cycling shoes, ropes, camping equipment, etc. Food and drink were also available.

People visited, people laughed, people cried, people hugged, people kissed, people told stories, people shared memories. People loved! Just what Noel would have wanted!

It was a perfect Celebration Service from beginning to end. Although his family planned it, we believe that Noel and God orchestrated it and put life into it. Noel's spirit lives on!