PAT ARTHUR

Pat Arthur's funeral took place this morning. It was the coldest day this winter, minus seven degrees at 10am, with the sun shining brightly. The church was packed with family and friends. The Scripture readings with their focus on the hope that we have through Christ were a great comfort. I particularly appreciated the fact that we had one of our own bands leading the worship. They played beautifully. Thank you to Stephen, Aileen, Shona, Jo and Rory. It was also great to have a variety of people who had shared with Pat leading prayers and doing the readings. Amidst the sadness of the day, there was so much to give thanks for about Pat's life. We will miss her so much, but as the poem below indicates, she is now experiencing unimaginable glory in God's presence.

this day in paradise

new feet are treading through

high halls of gold

this day in paradise

new legs are striding over jewelled fields

in which the diamond is considered ordinary

this day in paradise

new eyes have glimpsed the deep fire ready

to flame the stale earth pure

this day in paradise

new blood, the rose red juice that gushed at golgotha

now ripples and races down the pure veins

of a recently arrived beloved

this day in paradise

a new heart pounds in praise

a new body shaped by sacrifice

this day in paradise

the daunting dart of death has no point

no place and no meaning

and whilst we mourn and weep

through these human hours

this day in paradise

the blazing embrace

between saviour and daughter goes on and on and on...

(by stewart henderson)