June 2, 2012 - Church at Worship

Sermon: "A Memorial of Hope" - Darold Retzer

Pastoral Welcome: Joelle Reuer

Children’s Feature: Genevieve Koh Isidro

Meditation:

“It is invaluable for each generation to be told time and again what has gone before—those whose shoulders we all stand on.  Remembering our past is the best way to ensure our future.” –  Richard Hart
 
“The resurrection and its victory over death brought a decisive new word to the vocabulary of pain and suffering: temporary.” – Philip Yancey
 
“The coming of the Lord has been in all ages the hope of His true followers.  The Savior’s parting promise upon Olivet, that He would come again, lighted up the future for His disciples, filling their hearts with joy and hope that sorrow could not quench nor trials dim.” – Ellen White

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, TNIV - Mickey and Ladan Ask

Sermon Notes: 

Memories are important to us. We take pictures and videos and share stories of
major events to help us remember and share. We are in the midst of three weekends of graduations. The Academy baccalaureate service is during our normal Sabbath School time today. Many people will be taking photos and videos to remember
these events. We take pictures also to remember special events like birthdays and
anniversaries—and of course our vacations!

Memories and memorials were important in the Old Testament, too. When Israel
came out of Egypt, God instituted the Passover as a memorial feast to remember
the bondage and bitterness of Egypt AND the wonderful deliverance He gave to
them. When Israel crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land, God
instructed Moses to take twelve stones from the riverbed and make a memorial
at their first camp. This was so they would remember God’s providences, and the
monument was to be used to instruct their children: That all people might know
the Lord is powerful; and that Israel might always reverence, and serve the Lord
(Joshua 4).

Today, we come together for our annual memorial service to remember those who
have died this past year. As we look back and remember them, may we celebrate
their lives and look to the hope of the resurrection. Let them be our memorial
stones. Our hope is in the coming of our Lord that Paul calls “the blessed hope”
(Titus 2:11–13) and the resurrection at Christ’s coming (1 Thess. 4:13-–18). What a
glorious day that will be!

Darold Retzer
Executive Pastor