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Helen Jindra funeral bulletin

Day Hefner

Funeral of Helen Jindra
March 24, 2023
Svoboda Funeral Home, Schuyler, NE
Presider: Pastor Day Hefner
Obituary

GATHERING

Welcome in the name of Jesus, the Savior of the world. We are gathered to worship, to proclaim Christ crucified and risen, to remember before God our sister Helen Jindra, to give thanks for her life, to commend her to our merciful redeemer, and to comfort one another in our grief.

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
When we were baptized in Christ Jesus, we were baptized into his death. We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Eternal God, maker of heaven and earth, who formed us from the dust of the earth, who by your breath gave us life, we glorify you. 
We glorify you.

Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life, who suffered death for all humanity, who rose from the grave to open the way to eternal life, we praise you. 
We praise you.

Holy Spirit, author and giver of life, the comforter of all who sorrow, our sure confidence and everlasting hope, we worship you. 
We worship you.

To you, O blessed Trinity, be glory and honor, forever and ever. 
Amen.

GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray. 

O God of grace and glory, we remember before you today our sister Helen. We thank you for giving her to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been swallowed up in the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we may live in confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered to our heavenly home in the company of all your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  
Amen.

WORD

READING: Isaiah 55:1-3, 10-13
1 Hear, everyone who thirsts; come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread and your earnings for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 3 Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.

10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

12 For you shall go out in joy and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle, and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

READING: Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
2The Lord makes me lie down in green pastures 
and leads me beside still waters.
3You restore my soul, O Lord, 
and guide me along right pathways 
for your name’s sake.

4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
I shall fear no evil; 
for you are with me; 
your rod and your staff, 
they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me 
in the presence of my enemies; 
you anoint my head with oil, 
and my cup is running over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

READING: Luke 12:22-24, 27-34
22 [Jesus] said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!

27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will God clothe you, you of little faith! 29 And do not keep seeking what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. 30 For it is the nations of the world that seek all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek God’s kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

SERMON

CREED
With the whole church, let us confess our faith.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day, he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Let us pray.

Almighty God, in holy baptism you have knit your chosen people together into one communion of saints in the body of Christ. Give to your whole church in heaven and on earth your light and your peace. God of mercy,
hear our prayer.

Grant that all who have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection may die to sin and rise to share the new life in Christ. God of mercy,
hear our prayer.

Give courage and faith to all who mourn, and a sure and certain hope in your loving care, that, casting all their sorrow on you, they may have strength for the days ahead. God of mercy,
hear our prayer.

Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet by faith, that, where this world groans in grief and pain, your Holy Spirit may lead us to bear witness to your light and life. God of mercy,
hear our prayer.

Help us, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting. God of mercy,
hear our prayer.

God of all grace, we give you thanks because by his death our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed the power of death and by his resurrection he opened the kingdom of heaven to us all. Make us certain that because he lives we shall live also, and that neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come, will be able to separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER
Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray.
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. And 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.

SENDING

COMMENDATION
Let us commend our sister, Helen Jindra, to the mercy of God, our maker and redeemer.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Helen. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.
Amen.

BLESSING
Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.
Amen.

DISMISSAL
Let us go forth in peace,
in the name of Christ. Amen.

Interment at Schuyler cemetery will follow immediately after service.

Christian Education, Special services

Training Disciples: Lent Week 4

Day Hefner

Bless the Lent We Actually Have

by author Kate Bowler

This week: “Blessed Are Those Who Feel Alone”

Song: We Will Follow
Chorus:
     We will follow, we will follow yo-ou.
     We will fo-o-ollow, we will follow yo-ou.
Verse:
     We’re gathered here together to sing aloud God’s praise,
     And God is on a pathway to our hearts
     Brothers, sisters, on a journey, long and winding road
     Faith in God will set our hearts on fi-ire (Chorus)
(Repeat a few times, ending with chorus)

Theme of the week: The pandemic has been like a magnifying glass for the loneliness that was already so pervasive in our culture. According to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, we are suffering a pandemic of loneliness. When humans are isolated, every other kind of suffering is compounded, for we are cut off from the compassion and help that others can offer, in a way that often makes us feel cut off from the God of all comfort. Yet God knows our suffering from the inside out. Psalm 23 is a vivid picture of how God comes to be with us as The Good Shepherd who goes out to seek the one who is alone and lost.

Bible reading: Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
2The Lord makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.

3You restore my soul, O Lord, and guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.
4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Bible reading: Romans 12:9-18
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Readings: From The Lives We Actually Have; 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie

  • “For when you need a little hope” (p40)
  • “For truth-telling – however bitter or sweet” (p28)

Reflecting on the readings
You are invited to quietly reflect on the readings by using the following activities, or you may silently meditate on the bible readings or spend time journaling reflections on the texts.

Prayer life check-in: God invites us into prayer and promises to meet us there, a reminder that we are never truly alone. How is your relationship with prayer these days? Circle the statements below that resonate. Reflect on how you would like to feel in your prayer life and then – you guessed it! – take it to God in prayer.

  • It comes easily.
  • It is difficult.
  • I always know what to say.
  • I never know what to say.
  • I don’t think prayer works.
  • I think God listens.
  • Prayer makes me feel better.
  • I pray whatever comes to mind.
  • I prefer scripted prayers.
  • I pray when I don’t know what else to do.
  • I pray to be changed by God.
  • I enjoy praying for myself.
  • I enjoy praying for others.

Web of connections: Grab a pen and paper. In the middle of the page, draw something—anything—that reminds you of your situation right now. Give yourself permission to be a little wild. No need to worry about how much it actually looks like the thing you mean it to! Just a playful drawing that maybe only you can recognize. (Yes, that IS a pickle in a jar. Don’t you see it? 😜) Otherwise, if you’re really stumped, you can just write your own name in a circle.

Now, all around your central image or circle, write the names of the people who love you, the people you love. If you feel so moved, add little drawings that represent them as well. Draw lines representing relationships, if you so choose. Draw a line all the way around the edge of the paper; this line represents God — because whether you write a hundred names or you can’t think of a single one, know that you and all the ones you love are held forever and always in God’s web of love.

Admire your handiwork and take a moment to thank God that you are held firmly in such a beautiful web of connection.

Telling the truth: Think of a time when you were able to truly “weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). Then think of someone who was able to do the same for you in a time of need. Thank God for the gift of being able to give and receive this kind of presence and compassion. And give thanks to God for unfailingly giving us this kind of presence and compassion, always.

Prayer

Song: Come to the Water
You said you’d come and share all my sorrows.
You said you’d be there for all my tomorrows.I came so close to sending you away, 
But just like you promised, you came here to stay.
I just had to pray.

Chorus:
And Jesus said, “Come to the water, stand by my side.
I know you are thirsty, you won’t be deni-i-ied.
I felt every tear drop when in darkness you cri-i-ied.
And I strove to remind you that for those tears I died.”

Your goodness so great I can’t understand,
And dear Lord I know that all this was planned.
I know you’re here now and always will be.
Your love burst my chains and in you I’m free.
But Jesus why me? (Chorus)

Jesus, I give you my heart and my soul.
I know without you I’d never be whole.
Savior, you’ve opened all the right doors.
I thank you and praise you from earth’s humble shores.
Take me I’m yours. (Chorus)

Christian Education, Special services

Training Disciples: Lent Week 3

St. John's Lutheran

Bless the Lent We Actually Have

by author Kate Bowler

This week: “Blessed Are Those Who Suffer”

Song: Messiah
Someone’s calling from the desert. 
Someone’s calling from the sea.
Someone’s calling from the mountain.
Someone’s calling from the va-a-ally.

Chorus: Messi——–ah, Messiah, come and be our King. (2x)

Someone’s calling from the city: 
I am young, I am cold.
Someone’s calling from the country: 
I am lonely, I am old. (Chorus)

Someone’s shouting, I am broken.
Someone’s shouting, make me whole.
Someone’s shouting, come and change me.
Someone’s shouting, save my soul. (Chorus 2x)

Theme of the week: The grand paradox of our humanity is that the life of faith is not void of pain and suffering. But present too are joy, peace, and love. Our problems or pain or suffering does not mean we are outside of God’s love… just that we are human, again today. And, lucky for us, we have a God who understands what it means to suffer intimately and promises to never leave our side, so we can learn to suffer in hope.

Bible reading: Romans 5:1-11
1 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. 8 But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. 9 Much more surely, therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Bible reading: Psalm 56
1Have mercy on me, O God, for people are hounding me; all day long they assault and oppress me.
2My enemies hound me all the day long; truly there are many who fight against me from high ground.

3Whenever I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
4In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust and will not be afraid, for what can flesh do to me?

5All day long they damage my cause; their only thought is to do me harm.
6They band together; they lie in wait; they spy upon my footsteps; because they seek my life.

7Deliver them over to trouble; O God, in your anger, cast down the peoples.
8You have noted my lamentation; put my tears into your bottle; are they not recorded in your book?

9Whenever I call upon you, my enemies will be put to flight; this I know, for God is on my side.
10In God, whose word I praise; in the Lord, whose word I praise—

11in God I trust and will not be afraid, for what can mortals do to me?
12I am bound by the vow I made to you, O God; I will present to you thank-offerings;

13for you have rescued my soul from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living.

Readings: From The Lives We Actually Have; 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie

  • “For when it is too much to handle” (p108)
  • “For this overwhelming day” (p90)

Reflecting on the readings
You are invited to quietly reflect on the readings by using the following activities, or you may silently meditate on the bible readings or spend time journaling reflections on the texts.

Reread Psalm 56 and make a list of all the emotions the psalmist describes (there are a LOT!). Good, bad, or otherwise, which of these feelings are resonating with you most today? Ask God to meet you there, in those feelings, to heal what needs healing and to help you to find what is holy in them.

Reflect: How has God met you in times when you have been suffering? What do you need from God right now?

Pray the breath prayer below for yourself, sensing the truth of your situation, and the peace that comes when it is fully acknowledged and shared. Then turn your thoughts to someone else who may be feeling lonely, and pray the breath prayer for that person. Sit awhile calmly with the awareness of their situation. Perhaps something will come to mind as to how you could reach out to them.
Inhale: God, turn to me and be gracious to me, 
Exhale: for I am lonely and afflicted.
Inhale: Relieve the troubles of my heart, 
Exhale: and free me from my anguish.

Make a list of the people, places, circumstances in your life and in the lives of your family, friends, and community that are aching for restoration, or where there has been suffering or struggle. Pray the words of Numbers 6:24-26 over your list—if you have the extra time, do it name by name. (E.g., “The Lord bless and keep _________. The Lord’s face shine upon __________, and be gracious to ___________. The Lord look upon _____________, and give ___________ peace.”)

Prayer

Song: Go in Peace (The X-es below indicate claps)
May Lord Jesus bless and keep you in his love.
May he stand beside you daily, dusk to dusk.
May he guide you through the night, in him we trust,
And lead us forth into the light. (repeat from beginning)

So go in peace. (X X) Serve the Lord your God with love,
Remembering God will be with you all until the e-e-end.
Let’s go in peace. (X X) Serve the Lord your God with love,
Remembering God will be with us all until the end.