We have now been able to finalise the funeral arrangements :-
Providence Baptist Chapel (Naunton Parade, Leckhampton, Cheltenham)
12 noon
Tuesday 18th December 2007
Followed by "family only" burial at Cheltenham cemetery at 1:15pm, while the friends at Providence provide light refreshments for a time of fellowship for those who wish to stay.
No flowers, but donations (either at the chapel, or via Mason & Stokes) to Macmillan Cancer Support.
TO THOSE WHO MAY BE THINKING OF COMING, PLEASE NOTE.......
(1) Seating
We are expecting a large number, and while the chapel can seat about 120 it is possible that late arrivals may have to stand. Our apologies.
(2) Parking
The chapel car park is quite small, and should really only be used by those who are unable to walk very far. There is a public car park on the other side of the Bath Road (access between NatWest Bank and the card shop)
BUT....
I had assumed that this car park would provide sufficient space for all wishing to attend the funeral. I have however just been advised that, although large, this car park is very busy, and spaces will be at a premium. This is of course made worse by the fact that family members wishing to come to the burial will have to lose their space and hope to find another if they come back to the chapel for refreshments. The only alternatives are either local residential streets, or the town centre car parks. PLEASE ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME TO FIND A SPACE AND THEN FIND A SEAT AS NEITHER CAN UNFORTUNATELY BE GUARANTEED.
I would like to thank the many readers who have made blog comments and/or sent cards or emails of support; they are all much appreciated. Suffice to say that when people ask how I am, I just say "Philippians 4:7!" Sadly only a few know immediately what I am talking about, so I tell them to go and look it up! But it is true, and it is a privilege to be able to testify to the grace and mercy and goodness of the Lord at this time. Prayer is being answered.
Of course there are waves of tears, and the loss gives rise to other tensions that would otherwise blow over. We all deal with things in different ways; in part a matter of temperament, and in part having friends or relations available to talk things through with. But my mother-in-law Vera (84), who lives with us, will find it hardest of all; she has been with Sue all day over the past year (when the girls have been away at work/Uni, and I have been at work), and they have been "there for each other" through it all. So come January, when the girls have gone, and I am back at work, Vera will find it hard - so please pray for her in particular.
And of course, please pray for Tuesday, when we believe many unsaved relatives friends and colleagues will be at the service. May Sue's Saviour and Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, be glorified in the atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving that only a Christian funeral service can have.
"We sorrow not as those that have no hope"
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My f-i-l died in this same week of December 7 years ago...He was a man of deep faith and transparent love for God, and as I drove away from the hospital the radio played (in Christmas vein) two movements from Messiah
"I know that my Redeemer liveth..." followed by the Hallelujah chorus.
It seemed such a perfect reflection of his passing, as of Sue's.
Still praying...will come and knock on the door once you've negotiated all the busyness that is part of these times, but please say if I can do anything meanwhile.
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