November 25, 2002
Oak Hill Funeral Home
Call to Worship
On this sunny November day, we welcome you here to witness and remember the life of Gordon Chan who made a significant impact on many people including those in his family, his church, and in the larger community. We are happy to have the Chan family and close friends here and on behalf Anita, we are pleased to welcome US Congressman, Mike Honda and Agricultural Commissioner, Greg Van Wassenhove in our midst.
The Psalmist said,
“How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, indeed it faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy
to the living God…
Happy are those who live in your house,
ever singing your praise. (Psalm 84:1,2,4)
Scripture Reading
Revelations 21:1-7
Opening Prayer—James Chuck
Message—Homecoming
Almost 11 months ago, we were weary and carrying heavy burdens in our hearts. And given the enormity of the occasion, the passing of our dear loved one, Gordon Chan, God has given rest for our souls and the yoke has been easier and our burdens have been made lighter. We soon discovered that God gave us a new day, then another new day, then another. We have received from God eleven months of new days for which we are very thankful.
I believe it is providential that the Chan mausoleum was completed at this time of the Thanksgiving holiday when it is the most traveled homecoming holiday of the year. From our busy and often times, separate lives, we have taken time for a homecoming and to give thanks for God’s grace of giving us new days.
Today we are happy for the love and continuing respect that Anita and her family have for Gordon Chan expressed in the construction of this beautiful final resting place. The running brook will always remind us that Jesus is the Living Water—“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. Out of the believer’s heart, shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38) We know that much love has gone into this and that it will serve as a physical reminder of honoring those whom we love and respect for many generations to come.
In John 14, Jesus taught his disciples,
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many rooms. If it were not so, would I
have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare
a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that
where I am, there you may be also.”
My prayer for you is that as you come to this special place and sit on these benches, you will also know that our loved ones are with the Lord in God’s house.
On this day, we mark the occasion of Gordon Chan’s final resting place in his new home on earth. But as Christians, we know that beyond death, there is life in heaven. And for all of us, we know that beyond our grief, there is still much living to do on earth. As we bring closure today, may we have the courage and faith in God to start living again. God is giving us new days.
In God’s house, there are many rooms. Just like a homecoming over the Thanksgiving holidays, God knows that we are unique and special so we each need our own rooms for privacy, a time to be away from one another at times. But all of these rooms are under the same roof. You are coming home to become reunited as a family, cherishing rich memories from the past and making new plans for the future. God will continue to bless you with new days and God will want you to live them with joy and hope with the promise that some day we too will all be reunited with those who have returned to the Lord. May God bless you on this new day of homecoming and grant you many more new days to come.
Reinterment
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, we commend to God’s merciful care our brother, Gordon N. Chan; and we commit his body to this final resting place. Blessed are those who die in the Lord, they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.
Closing Prayer
God of grace and mercy, comfort and assure us with the knowledge that Gordon Chan is with you, at peace in your eternal love and care. As we go forth from this beautiful place, grant us faith in your goodness, faith in guiding wisdom, faith that tomorrow will be a new day, and faith in your everlasting promise, through your Son, Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.