This web site is to honour the memories of two precious little angels that were taken from us far too soon.

JANUARY 30, “2004 – 2005”

One year today!

THIS PAGE CONTAINS THE FULL 2005 MEMORIAL SERVICE

January 30, 2005 - 2:00 p.m.

Woodroffe United Church Chapel,

207 Woodroffe Avenue

Ottawa, Ontario

Minister: Rev. Dr. J.C. Burke, Ph.D.  Organist: Billie Potter

A Memorial Service for Chelsea and Cole Rodgers

Prelude

Call to Worship

 Greetings: Today we gather to remember two beautiful children that brightened the lives of those around them. While they are no longer with us, yet, their happy smiles, their joy of life, their love of friends, and their dreams to live life to the full, still resonate with us and encourage us to live our lives in the same positive, joyous way that they lived their short, but impressionable lives.

Nothing that we say or do today will bring them back, but our gathering at this time is a time for healing and remembering, a time when we reflect on what had happened a year ago and what Chelsea and Cole's death can teach us about living safely in a very complicated world.

Coming together to remember these dear children will hopefully inspire us to be ever alert to the welfare of other children who may be in danger, or whose lives may need our help and support. Let this time be a time of commitment to fostering an environment where all of us, young and old, can live together in harmony and good will, where we can look into the eyes of a child, or the face of a senior citizen and see there someone to love, to support, and to protect.

Chelsea and Cole Rodgers left us a legacy of love, laughter, and good will. They loved life, loved their school and schoolmates, and were like candles burning in a dark world. Let us not forget them, but let us, together, determine to go from here to make a better, safer world for all. Let us light our own candle of hope in their memory.

The Scriptures offer us words of comfort:

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yea, wait for the Lord. Ps. 27.14

Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.

Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Mk 10.14

Let us Pray:

Most loving God, whose ear is ever open to the cry of your children, and who is a very present help in times of trouble: unto you we turn in our hour of sorrow, knowing your love for us, and trusting in your wisdom. Most gracious Lord, today we come to remember the lives of Chelsea and Cole Rodgers, whose lives were swept from them far too soon, whose smiles we miss, whose laughter is silenced, and whose love we still feel in our hearts. Draw near to their family at this time, help heal the emptiness in their hearts and sadness in their souls. Give them a heart to go on living their own lives, bearing in their attitudes and outlook, the innocence and love that shone forth in Chelsea and Cole.

Be with us now as we offer our prayers and give thanks for the love you shared with us in Chelsea and Cole, and may you continue to bless us as we go forward in love. These prayers we offer in Jesus name. Amen. 

Hymn                 The Lord's my Shepherd 

1.    The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want:

      

       he makes me down to lie

      

       in pastures green; he leadeth me

       

        the quiet waters by.

 2.   My soul he doth restore again,

       and me to walk doth make

         within the paths of righteousness,

         even for his own name's sake.

 3.    Yea, though I walk through death's dark vale,

         yet will I fear no ill;

for thou art with me, and thy rod

and staff me comfort still.

4.     My table thou has furnished

in presence of my foes;

my head thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows.

       5.     Goodness and mercy all my life

               shall surely follow me,

and in God's house for evermore

 

my dwelling-place shall be.

 Scripture Readings:      Matthew 18. 1-5, 10-14 Mark 10.13-16

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face

of my Father who is in heaven.

 Mark 10. 13-16

They were bringing children to Jesus, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

 John 14. 1-6

Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am there you will be also."

to learn to live again, to laugh again, to remember those things that pull us upward and onward. It is your will that we live life to the full.

Lord be with the parents of Chelsea and Cole, help them to appreciate the rich blessings they received from them, despite the shortness of time, and may they cherish them always in their hearts. Comfort them, we beseech thee, and give them strength to move on with life, ever mindful that you had given them a precious gift - the gift of love.

Be with us all, as we move on in life. Be with us in our trials and challenges, in our joy and in our grief, and may our faith be strengthened in your great promise of the fullness of life and life eternal. These prayers we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

 Hymn In the Bulb there is e Flower

In the bulb there is a flower, in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise: butter flies will soon be free!

In the cold and snow of winter there's a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

There's a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;

there's a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

 

Benediction The peace of God which passeth all understanding,

                      keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love

                      of God, and of his son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the

                      blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the

                      Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain in you always.

                      Amen.

 

The Rodgers family wishes to thank all those who offered expressions of sympathy and gave support to the family over the past year. It has been a difficult time, but with your help and support it was made much easier. Thank you.