Thank you to the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce and to Frank Chivas for continuing to raise money for the Sherri Callahan Memorial Trust. We truly appreciate it!
EMAIL bclifford@clearwaterflorida.org for purchasing information
Friday, June 24, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thank you
I want to Thank everyone for their comments, prayers, and kind gestures. I have never been so proud of Sherri as I was over the past several weeks. I loved hearing the stories from co-workers and friends of the amazing way she pulled things together or how she "saved" them on different occasions. I was especially moved by the generosity of so many, including Frank Chavez for the reception after the funeral as well as the dinner packages that started off the donations to the memorial trust established for the kids. Also, all of you from The Jazz Holiday who put on an amazing tribute to Sherri Sunday evening. I know she was looking down smiling!!! (probably with a To Do list).
Although life goes on, my family and I will continue our quest to raise money for Sherri's children, Bailey and Maddie. We are also discussing the idea of raising awareness for Rheumatoid Arthritis and the potential risks involved with the medications that are available to treat this condition. We will keep you posted on these efforts.
Again, thank you. Our family will be forever grateful!!!!!
Heather
Pictures
Here are two more photos of Sherri that we love. Please email susanpmoss@gmail.com if you would like to share with us some of your favorite Sherri photos. We will add them to the blog.
Thanks
Michelle Gallagher Read this Poem at the Sunday Tribute to Sherri
If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane
We would walk right up to heaven
And bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why.
Our hearts ache in sadness
And tears still flow,
What it meant to lose you
No one can ever know.
But now we know you want us
To mourn for you no more,
To remember the happy times,
Life still has so much in store
Since you will never be forgotten
We pledge to you today
A hallow place within our hearts
Will forever stay.
Author Unknown
And memories were a lane
We would walk right up to heaven
And bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why.
Our hearts ache in sadness
And tears still flow,
What it meant to lose you
No one can ever know.
But now we know you want us
To mourn for you no more,
To remember the happy times,
Life still has so much in store
Since you will never be forgotten
We pledge to you today
A hallow place within our hearts
Will forever stay.
Author Unknown
Kathryn Pankow Read this Poem at Sherri's Funeral
I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white
sails to the morning breeze and starts
for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length
she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come
to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says;
"There, she is gone!"
"Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull
and spar as she was when she left my side
and she is just as able to bear her
load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone
at my side says, "There, she is gone!"
There are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout:
"Here she comes!"
From a poem by Henry Van Dyke
A ship at my side spreads her white
sails to the morning breeze and starts
for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length
she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come
to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says;
"There, she is gone!"
"Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull
and spar as she was when she left my side
and she is just as able to bear her
load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone
at my side says, "There, she is gone!"
There are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout:
"Here she comes!"
From a poem by Henry Van Dyke
Pastor Randy Evans Comments from Sherri's Funeral
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SHERRI P CALLAHAN
GRACE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2011
Funerals or memorial services are always difficult; they are never happy occasions. Even when I have officiated a service for an elderly saint of the church, although I can share with the family and friends a sense of satisfaction and peace in knowing that their loved one had lived a long life and is now enjoying their eternal rest with their Lord Jesus that they have yearned for all of their life, it is still a painful time.
But when I have to officiate a service for someone like Sherri Callahan – a believer who has suddenly and unexpectedly left us because of an illness – a child of God who was so full of life, energy, and personality – well, it’s all the more difficult – even though we have a complete and utter confidence that she is with Jesus.
Every one of us here today is shocked and saddened by the passing of our dear Sherri – a devoted mother, sister, daughter, and princess of the King of kings.
Today we have gathered here at Sherri’s church to remember, grieve, and yet celebrate the life of our sister-in-Christ and friend Sherri Callahan.
So, on behalf of the Callahan, Pankow, Williams, Moss, and Cayo families, I want to thank all of you for coming out to this morning’s service as we participate in this rite of passage in honor of Sherri Pankow Callahan.
For anyone here this morning that may not know, I am Pastor Randy Evans of this church - Grace Christian Fellowship – the church that Sherri and her family called home for many years.
At times like this we can be thankful for the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, who is called the Comforter. The Word of God tells us in the Book of Isaiah that the Lord is well acquainted with our grief and it is His desire to lift our hearts as well as comfort us all during this time. The Lord also comforts His children through His Word – the Bible – and at this time I would like to read for us two different portions of Scripture.
First, I’d like to read one of the most familiar and comforting passages of in all the Scripture – the 23rd Psalm. And then I’d like to read from the New Testament a portion of Scripture that many have found comforted, especially at a time like this – John 14:1-7.
Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for
His names’ sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before
me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the
days of my life, and I will dwell
in the house of the Lord forever.
And now John 14:1-7 –
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God; trust also in Me.
In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so,
I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back and take you to be with Me
that you also may be where I am.
You know the way to the place where I am going.’
Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we don't know where
You are going, so how can we know the way?’
Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth
and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through Me. If you really knew Me,
you would know My Father as well. From now on,
you do know Him and have seen Him.’
Sherri loved music. So at this time to honor our Lord, as well as audibly acknowledge Sherri’s love for great music, let’s all sing the great hymn of the church, “How Great Thou Art”.
SONG: HOW GREAT THOU ART
PRAY
READING: At this time Kathryn Pankow – Sherri’s sister – is going to read a poem for us.
BIOGRAPHY:
Sherri Callahan was born on July 6, 1965 in Fort Myers, Florida and went home to be with the Lord on June 2, 2011.
Sherri was preceded in death by her mother, Carole Pankow, who passed away in 2005. Sherri is survived by her two children – son Bailey and daughter Madison of Belleair; their father Mark Callahan of Belleair; her boyfriend Don Cayo of Tampa; her father and step-mother – Jerry and Pat Pankow of Tampa; her brother Rich Pankow of Tennessee; and sisters Heather Williams of Texas; Susan Moss of Virginia; and Kathryn Pankow of Tampa.
Sherri was a Florida girl through and through. Born and raised in Ft. Myers – went to college in Orlando – and lived most of her adult life here in the Clearwater/Largo/Belleair area.
Sherri graduated from Ft Myers High School, and received her AA degree from Valencia Community College in Orlando. Prior to working with the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce Sherri was very busy working with Mark in their family owned bottled water company - Callahan Water.
As every one of us here knows, Sherri was full of life. Her effervescent personality lit up any room that she walked into. She was quick-witted, personable, assertive, spontaneous, outspoken, and loveable. As I mentioned earlier Sherri loved music, loved to sing, enjoyed scrapbooking, and had an earnest passion for whatever she was involved in.
As can be attested by the number of people that are here from the City of Clearwater, and the responses the family and church have received from area businesses and individuals, Sherri was well loved and respected for the work that she did for the Chamber of Commerce and her important love and devotion and hard work with the annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday.
But Sherri was indeed happiest and most fulfilled when she was with her children – and all who knew her were aware of her love and passion for her two lovely children.
In a moment you will hear from others who were close to Sherri, but first we are going to hear a great old hymn of the church ‘Be Still My Soul’, sung by Kirk Blank.
KIRK’S SONG
At this time I would like Rich Pankow to come forward to share a few words, and then we will hear from Bob Childress, Sherri’s employer.
EULOGIES:
RICH
BOB
HOMILY: RANDY
Death is inevitable for mankind, but it is still a shock – especially when it comes to a lively and still relatively young woman like Sherri.
As difficult as it may be for all of us to grasp the painful fact that Sherri is no longer with us, there is no mystery – no wondering – no doubts as to where Sherri is this very moment. God’s Word makes it very clear as to her whereabouts. We read in Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthian Church – To be absent of the body is to be in the presence of the Lord.
As Christians we have the assurance of eternal life through our faith in Jesus Christ. The moment Sherri came to faith in Christ years ago her future was guaranteed. Her home – her residency – her citizenship was, is, and always will be in the Lord’s presence, and there she now finds her rest, her peace, her healing, and her comfort.
Not only is Sherri now free from any lung conditions or bodily infections, she is enjoying something that we believers all long for – to be in the glorious presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus promised to all of His children that faith or trust in Him – in the meaning of His life, death, and resurrection – would ensure a place in His family and eternally in His presence. In John 11:25 we read these words of security from Jesus:
I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies;
and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.
So, we can rest assured this day that Sherri is safely wrapped in the arms of her God and her Savior – Jesus Christ. Even though Sherri went home earlier than any of us would have anticipated, Sherri has fought the good fight – she has run and finished the race – and Jesus has taken Sherri into His arms and softly spoken Welcome Home child. Well done good and faithful servant. Come and share your Master’s happiness!
Now, at a funeral or memorial service it is very typical and normal to focus our attention on the life and times of our loved one who has passed away – and that we have done. For the believer who has died it is also appropriate to reassure all who are present that their loved one is safe and at peace with the Lord.
But so often we forget why we really have these services. As much as they may honor the deceased, and assure us of their presence with the Lord, in reality, the funeral or memorial service is really for those who are left.
Sherri has gone to her eternal rest – and those of us who know the Lord have the guarantee that we will see her again - but we who are left still must deal with our grief. Although 45 is far too young to pass away, Sherri lived a good, exciting, and fulfilling life by comparison to many in this world, but again, her loss still strikes us as sudden.
We don’t understand how and why things happen the way they do in this world. I’m sure every one of us has questions as to why this has happened, and I would be a presumptuous fool if I claimed to have the perfect answer as to why Sherri had to leave us so soon and suddenly. We humans have a strong tendency to determine or find an answer to every problem that we face, but sometimes we have to just stop and realize that there are some things in this life that are just a mystery and out of our control and understanding. But that doesn’t mean that we must remain completely in the dark, and think that this world is capricious, arbitrary, and random - without any order or stability.
Although we may not or do not know why Sherri was taken from us – other than a medical explanation – we do know – or at least those who know the Lord and trust His Word and His wise and benevolent character – know – this: God is sovereign (He is in control of all things); He is omnipotent (He has all power to do anything He desires to do); He is benevolent (He is good and desires good things for His children); and He loves His children.
We can trust God – even in our grief and confusion – that God really does care for us, and despite the mysterious nature of the sad events before us – we can rest in all assurance that the Lord is with us, understands our pain, and will take us through this storm.
We can trust that – according to the Word of God - the Lord is the giver and taker of life, the footsteps of the righteous are ordered of the Lord, and not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Lord - not only being aware of it, but being in control of that sparrow as well. As Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 tells us:
There is a time for everything, and a season for
every activity under Heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die.
Although we can trust that God knows what He is doing – we still grieve the loss of a loved one. Grief is that unpleasant feeling we have when we have lost something or someone that we love or value. And again, our grief in this situation is somewhat softened because of the fact that Sherri knew the Lord - but we still miss her.
At every funeral or memorial service I always like to share certain thoughts about grief because I believe an understanding of our sorrow is essential (and often neglected). Admitting, confronting and dealing with this sadness it is essential to our personal growth and enables us to move forward in our life.
Sometimes even Christians don’t want to acknowledge their grief and would rather just focus on the biblical truth that their loved one is with Jesus, which is certainly a cause to truly celebrate. But we can’t deny that we still hurt. My intention is not to drum up or force us to be sad. Actually, it is just the opposite. By understanding our grief we will actually be able to rise above it – in due time.
There are three important things to remember about our grief: first, it is normal. All humans and even other animals grieve when loss occurs. We aren’t to deny it – we shouldn’t try to be strong – and we aren’t to believe the lie that true believers shouldn’t grieve because we know our loved one is in Heaven.
Although it is true that 1 Thessalonians 4:13 tells us that we – as Christians – don’t grieve as the rest of the world does that has no hope – that is not to imply that Christians don’t need to grieve.
That’s not what that verse teaches. We read here that we are to grieve – but we don’t grieve in such a pitiful and hopeless manner as unbelievers might – and we don’t because we that are Christians have hope. We know Whom we have believed in. So, we grieve – grief is normal – but it’s not a hopeless grief. Grief is our body and soul’s way of dealing with the loss.
Our grief may include some anger, some disappointment, or sadness; you may be very verbal and expressive, or you may become very quiet. You may even laugh at times and you may certainly cry. It is very unhealthy for any of us to physically, emotionally and spiritually deny the feelings that we may be experiencing – no matter what they may be.
The shortest verse in the Bible is found in John 11:35, where it simply says two words, Jesus wept. Jesus was crying because His friend Lazarus had died. The people around Him even commented when they saw His tears: Look how much He loved Him! Jesus cried or grieved the lost of His friend even though He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead within a minute. If Jesus, the Son of God, can grieve the lost of a loved one then so can we. So, number one: our grief is normal.
The second thing to remember about grief is related to the first. Yes, it is perfectly normal for humans to grieve the loss of a loved one – but we should also realize that grief is necessary. Grief is our body and mind’s way of buffeting the pain, while still allowing the person to experience the loss. Grief is actually a gift from God that allows us to deal with, and face our loss, in order that we might regroup and move forward with Him.
Although the scriptures don’t speak specifically about this necessity of grief, we see very clearly that people in the Scriptures were expected to take time to reflect, feel the pain, adjust and recover from their loss. We see this is in Genesis with the prescribed time of mourning when Jacob died, as well as with the passing of Moses and others.
If we don’t grieve, we don’t adjust. If we don’t come to grips with the loss, we ourselves will be loss. Again, grieve - however you need to grieve. It is the normal and necessary reaction to any loss.
Now, again, I’m trying not to be negative and gloomy. I just want us to understand the truth so that while we rejoice that Sherri is with Jesus and we will soon – maybe even over our fellowship time after the service, or dinner later on – be laughing at some of the things Sherri said and did - we can also acknowledge our pain and not feel that there’s something wrong with us.
My third point is good news: Not only is grief normal and necessary, but it is also temporary. At times like this we think that the pain may never go away - but it will. Psalm 30:5 tells us, Weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning.
This isn’t to imply that our grief will be over in a day but it does remind us that our grief will dissipate in time. This is why we have funerals and memorial services. This is a rite of passage and is necessary to bring closure and encourage the healing of grief.
So, we aren’t to rush our grief, yet we shouldn’t wallow in it either. We will always have our memories of Sherri and for a while they may be tainted with some pain because of the loss, but as I said, in time the memories will become sweet and enjoyable.
The Lord delights in bringing healing to our souls so He wants us to understand that this grief is normal, necessary, and temporary. The Lord understands. As I said at the beginning of this message: God’s Word clearly tells us in Isaiah 53:3 that the Lord is well acquainted with our grief.
Before I make some closing remarks to us all to consider this morning, I would like Al Ruechel, our Sunday morning music leader, to sing a song that has always ministered to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, yet who also find comfort that their loved one is Jesus.
AL’S SONG – FLY TO JESUS
As a believer – as a woman who, by God’s grace, put her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, Sherri has flown to Jesus. There is one last thing we need to keep in mind this morning: One of the other reasons we feel sadness at the passing of a loved one is because their death brings eternity into our own minds and this causes us to think of our own mortality. So, as these thoughts enter our minds it is important that we take some time to reflect on eternal things.
Memorial services cause us to see the brevity of our life, and thoughts concerning our own existence and spiritual condition are placed before us. This isn’t the time to ignore these matters - for our eternal destiny is of utmost importance. We don’t have to wonder about our destiny. We can have the full assurance of the afterlife with Jesus just as Sherri received when she came to faith.
We must understand that our good works and accomplishments, as wonderful as they may be, do not win, buy or guarantee our entrance into Heaven. Sherri Callahan isn’t in the Lord’s presence today because she was a good person – although she certainly was by human standards.
She’s not in Heaven today because she was a patriotic American, or an outstanding advocate and supporter of the City of Clearwater, or because she prayed, was baptized, or celebrated the Lord’s Supper, or because she once hosted one of our ladies Bibles studies in her home. Sherri is not in Heaven today because she was a good neighbor, or because she loved her family, her children, and her friends.
Sherri is in the presence of the Lord today because of one reason and one reason only. Sherri is with Jesus – healed and at peace - because she trusted her life and eternity in Jesus Christ, which was given to her by the Grace of God.
When Sherri came to faith so many years ago she realized that she could not save herself or have her sins forgiven and her guilt washed away by living a good life – even a good religious life. Salvation, forgiveness, and assurance only came to her through her faith in Jesus Christ.
One of the most definitive verses in all the Scripture – taken from a portion that I read earlier from John 14, said it very plainly when Jesus said I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. It is our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that enables us to be called children of God.
Other than the 23rd Psalm the most famous Bible verse is John 3:16 and it sums up all the theology that you need: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but will have everlasting life.
So I know that Sherri would want me to ask all of you this simple question: Is all well between you and the Lord this day? Let’s examine our own hearts and do what is right so that we can enjoy the fruit of that relationship we can have with Him. Jesus said that He came to give us life and life more abundantly. Our salvation is not something we work for or earn – it is a gift from God. That’s what Grace is: God’s undeserved favor – His kindness in saving us – that’s Grace. We are saved or forgiven, and placed in a loving relationship with the Lord by His Grace – His free gift of life to us.
So, in our short time together this morning we have remembered and celebrated the wonderful life of Sherri Callahan, and have been comforted in knowing that our grief is normal, necessary and temporary.
I also know that all who are here this morning can be thankful that you not only knew Sherri, but that Sherri – in some small or large way – added love and joy to your life. In our sadness we can still find comfort and satisfaction in the fact that not only is Sherri now at her eternal rest and at peace, but that knowing her has enriched our lives.
I found out something yesterday that really touched me about Sherri’s influence. One of our dear friends and members here at Grace Christian Fellowship, who has found spiritual peace and a much deeper relationship with Jesus while attending Grace, is Angela Willsey; and Angela told me that it was Sherri who told her to come to Grace so many years ago. I had not been aware of that fact until this week.
Sherri has touched all of our lives, and her influence and love will continue to touch people in this sanctuary and around this community. I pray that you have found some comfort in the words that were spoken today, and most importantly, that you have been comforted by the presence of God’s Holy Spirit. We rejoice at Sherri’s heavenly homecoming although from our side of eternity it may for a while seem bittersweet.
And we ask the Lord to continue to manifest His peace to His children – a peace (as His Word tells us) that passes all understanding. Let’s close by singing Amazing Grace, and I’ll dismiss us in prayer….
GRACE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2011
Funerals or memorial services are always difficult; they are never happy occasions. Even when I have officiated a service for an elderly saint of the church, although I can share with the family and friends a sense of satisfaction and peace in knowing that their loved one had lived a long life and is now enjoying their eternal rest with their Lord Jesus that they have yearned for all of their life, it is still a painful time.
But when I have to officiate a service for someone like Sherri Callahan – a believer who has suddenly and unexpectedly left us because of an illness – a child of God who was so full of life, energy, and personality – well, it’s all the more difficult – even though we have a complete and utter confidence that she is with Jesus.
Every one of us here today is shocked and saddened by the passing of our dear Sherri – a devoted mother, sister, daughter, and princess of the King of kings.
Today we have gathered here at Sherri’s church to remember, grieve, and yet celebrate the life of our sister-in-Christ and friend Sherri Callahan.
So, on behalf of the Callahan, Pankow, Williams, Moss, and Cayo families, I want to thank all of you for coming out to this morning’s service as we participate in this rite of passage in honor of Sherri Pankow Callahan.
For anyone here this morning that may not know, I am Pastor Randy Evans of this church - Grace Christian Fellowship – the church that Sherri and her family called home for many years.
At times like this we can be thankful for the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, who is called the Comforter. The Word of God tells us in the Book of Isaiah that the Lord is well acquainted with our grief and it is His desire to lift our hearts as well as comfort us all during this time. The Lord also comforts His children through His Word – the Bible – and at this time I would like to read for us two different portions of Scripture.
First, I’d like to read one of the most familiar and comforting passages of in all the Scripture – the 23rd Psalm. And then I’d like to read from the New Testament a portion of Scripture that many have found comforted, especially at a time like this – John 14:1-7.
Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for
His names’ sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before
me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the
days of my life, and I will dwell
in the house of the Lord forever.
And now John 14:1-7 –
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God; trust also in Me.
In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so,
I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back and take you to be with Me
that you also may be where I am.
You know the way to the place where I am going.’
Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we don't know where
You are going, so how can we know the way?’
Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth
and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through Me. If you really knew Me,
you would know My Father as well. From now on,
you do know Him and have seen Him.’
Sherri loved music. So at this time to honor our Lord, as well as audibly acknowledge Sherri’s love for great music, let’s all sing the great hymn of the church, “How Great Thou Art”.
SONG: HOW GREAT THOU ART
PRAY
READING: At this time Kathryn Pankow – Sherri’s sister – is going to read a poem for us.
BIOGRAPHY:
Sherri Callahan was born on July 6, 1965 in Fort Myers, Florida and went home to be with the Lord on June 2, 2011.
Sherri was preceded in death by her mother, Carole Pankow, who passed away in 2005. Sherri is survived by her two children – son Bailey and daughter Madison of Belleair; their father Mark Callahan of Belleair; her boyfriend Don Cayo of Tampa; her father and step-mother – Jerry and Pat Pankow of Tampa; her brother Rich Pankow of Tennessee; and sisters Heather Williams of Texas; Susan Moss of Virginia; and Kathryn Pankow of Tampa.
Sherri was a Florida girl through and through. Born and raised in Ft. Myers – went to college in Orlando – and lived most of her adult life here in the Clearwater/Largo/Belleair area.
Sherri graduated from Ft Myers High School, and received her AA degree from Valencia Community College in Orlando. Prior to working with the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce Sherri was very busy working with Mark in their family owned bottled water company - Callahan Water.
As every one of us here knows, Sherri was full of life. Her effervescent personality lit up any room that she walked into. She was quick-witted, personable, assertive, spontaneous, outspoken, and loveable. As I mentioned earlier Sherri loved music, loved to sing, enjoyed scrapbooking, and had an earnest passion for whatever she was involved in.
As can be attested by the number of people that are here from the City of Clearwater, and the responses the family and church have received from area businesses and individuals, Sherri was well loved and respected for the work that she did for the Chamber of Commerce and her important love and devotion and hard work with the annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday.
But Sherri was indeed happiest and most fulfilled when she was with her children – and all who knew her were aware of her love and passion for her two lovely children.
In a moment you will hear from others who were close to Sherri, but first we are going to hear a great old hymn of the church ‘Be Still My Soul’, sung by Kirk Blank.
KIRK’S SONG
At this time I would like Rich Pankow to come forward to share a few words, and then we will hear from Bob Childress, Sherri’s employer.
EULOGIES:
RICH
BOB
HOMILY: RANDY
Death is inevitable for mankind, but it is still a shock – especially when it comes to a lively and still relatively young woman like Sherri.
As difficult as it may be for all of us to grasp the painful fact that Sherri is no longer with us, there is no mystery – no wondering – no doubts as to where Sherri is this very moment. God’s Word makes it very clear as to her whereabouts. We read in Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthian Church – To be absent of the body is to be in the presence of the Lord.
As Christians we have the assurance of eternal life through our faith in Jesus Christ. The moment Sherri came to faith in Christ years ago her future was guaranteed. Her home – her residency – her citizenship was, is, and always will be in the Lord’s presence, and there she now finds her rest, her peace, her healing, and her comfort.
Not only is Sherri now free from any lung conditions or bodily infections, she is enjoying something that we believers all long for – to be in the glorious presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus promised to all of His children that faith or trust in Him – in the meaning of His life, death, and resurrection – would ensure a place in His family and eternally in His presence. In John 11:25 we read these words of security from Jesus:
I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies;
and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.
So, we can rest assured this day that Sherri is safely wrapped in the arms of her God and her Savior – Jesus Christ. Even though Sherri went home earlier than any of us would have anticipated, Sherri has fought the good fight – she has run and finished the race – and Jesus has taken Sherri into His arms and softly spoken Welcome Home child. Well done good and faithful servant. Come and share your Master’s happiness!
Now, at a funeral or memorial service it is very typical and normal to focus our attention on the life and times of our loved one who has passed away – and that we have done. For the believer who has died it is also appropriate to reassure all who are present that their loved one is safe and at peace with the Lord.
But so often we forget why we really have these services. As much as they may honor the deceased, and assure us of their presence with the Lord, in reality, the funeral or memorial service is really for those who are left.
Sherri has gone to her eternal rest – and those of us who know the Lord have the guarantee that we will see her again - but we who are left still must deal with our grief. Although 45 is far too young to pass away, Sherri lived a good, exciting, and fulfilling life by comparison to many in this world, but again, her loss still strikes us as sudden.
We don’t understand how and why things happen the way they do in this world. I’m sure every one of us has questions as to why this has happened, and I would be a presumptuous fool if I claimed to have the perfect answer as to why Sherri had to leave us so soon and suddenly. We humans have a strong tendency to determine or find an answer to every problem that we face, but sometimes we have to just stop and realize that there are some things in this life that are just a mystery and out of our control and understanding. But that doesn’t mean that we must remain completely in the dark, and think that this world is capricious, arbitrary, and random - without any order or stability.
Although we may not or do not know why Sherri was taken from us – other than a medical explanation – we do know – or at least those who know the Lord and trust His Word and His wise and benevolent character – know – this: God is sovereign (He is in control of all things); He is omnipotent (He has all power to do anything He desires to do); He is benevolent (He is good and desires good things for His children); and He loves His children.
We can trust God – even in our grief and confusion – that God really does care for us, and despite the mysterious nature of the sad events before us – we can rest in all assurance that the Lord is with us, understands our pain, and will take us through this storm.
We can trust that – according to the Word of God - the Lord is the giver and taker of life, the footsteps of the righteous are ordered of the Lord, and not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Lord - not only being aware of it, but being in control of that sparrow as well. As Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 tells us:
There is a time for everything, and a season for
every activity under Heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die.
Although we can trust that God knows what He is doing – we still grieve the loss of a loved one. Grief is that unpleasant feeling we have when we have lost something or someone that we love or value. And again, our grief in this situation is somewhat softened because of the fact that Sherri knew the Lord - but we still miss her.
At every funeral or memorial service I always like to share certain thoughts about grief because I believe an understanding of our sorrow is essential (and often neglected). Admitting, confronting and dealing with this sadness it is essential to our personal growth and enables us to move forward in our life.
Sometimes even Christians don’t want to acknowledge their grief and would rather just focus on the biblical truth that their loved one is with Jesus, which is certainly a cause to truly celebrate. But we can’t deny that we still hurt. My intention is not to drum up or force us to be sad. Actually, it is just the opposite. By understanding our grief we will actually be able to rise above it – in due time.
There are three important things to remember about our grief: first, it is normal. All humans and even other animals grieve when loss occurs. We aren’t to deny it – we shouldn’t try to be strong – and we aren’t to believe the lie that true believers shouldn’t grieve because we know our loved one is in Heaven.
Although it is true that 1 Thessalonians 4:13 tells us that we – as Christians – don’t grieve as the rest of the world does that has no hope – that is not to imply that Christians don’t need to grieve.
That’s not what that verse teaches. We read here that we are to grieve – but we don’t grieve in such a pitiful and hopeless manner as unbelievers might – and we don’t because we that are Christians have hope. We know Whom we have believed in. So, we grieve – grief is normal – but it’s not a hopeless grief. Grief is our body and soul’s way of dealing with the loss.
Our grief may include some anger, some disappointment, or sadness; you may be very verbal and expressive, or you may become very quiet. You may even laugh at times and you may certainly cry. It is very unhealthy for any of us to physically, emotionally and spiritually deny the feelings that we may be experiencing – no matter what they may be.
The shortest verse in the Bible is found in John 11:35, where it simply says two words, Jesus wept. Jesus was crying because His friend Lazarus had died. The people around Him even commented when they saw His tears: Look how much He loved Him! Jesus cried or grieved the lost of His friend even though He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead within a minute. If Jesus, the Son of God, can grieve the lost of a loved one then so can we. So, number one: our grief is normal.
The second thing to remember about grief is related to the first. Yes, it is perfectly normal for humans to grieve the loss of a loved one – but we should also realize that grief is necessary. Grief is our body and mind’s way of buffeting the pain, while still allowing the person to experience the loss. Grief is actually a gift from God that allows us to deal with, and face our loss, in order that we might regroup and move forward with Him.
Although the scriptures don’t speak specifically about this necessity of grief, we see very clearly that people in the Scriptures were expected to take time to reflect, feel the pain, adjust and recover from their loss. We see this is in Genesis with the prescribed time of mourning when Jacob died, as well as with the passing of Moses and others.
If we don’t grieve, we don’t adjust. If we don’t come to grips with the loss, we ourselves will be loss. Again, grieve - however you need to grieve. It is the normal and necessary reaction to any loss.
Now, again, I’m trying not to be negative and gloomy. I just want us to understand the truth so that while we rejoice that Sherri is with Jesus and we will soon – maybe even over our fellowship time after the service, or dinner later on – be laughing at some of the things Sherri said and did - we can also acknowledge our pain and not feel that there’s something wrong with us.
My third point is good news: Not only is grief normal and necessary, but it is also temporary. At times like this we think that the pain may never go away - but it will. Psalm 30:5 tells us, Weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning.
This isn’t to imply that our grief will be over in a day but it does remind us that our grief will dissipate in time. This is why we have funerals and memorial services. This is a rite of passage and is necessary to bring closure and encourage the healing of grief.
So, we aren’t to rush our grief, yet we shouldn’t wallow in it either. We will always have our memories of Sherri and for a while they may be tainted with some pain because of the loss, but as I said, in time the memories will become sweet and enjoyable.
The Lord delights in bringing healing to our souls so He wants us to understand that this grief is normal, necessary, and temporary. The Lord understands. As I said at the beginning of this message: God’s Word clearly tells us in Isaiah 53:3 that the Lord is well acquainted with our grief.
Before I make some closing remarks to us all to consider this morning, I would like Al Ruechel, our Sunday morning music leader, to sing a song that has always ministered to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, yet who also find comfort that their loved one is Jesus.
AL’S SONG – FLY TO JESUS
As a believer – as a woman who, by God’s grace, put her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, Sherri has flown to Jesus. There is one last thing we need to keep in mind this morning: One of the other reasons we feel sadness at the passing of a loved one is because their death brings eternity into our own minds and this causes us to think of our own mortality. So, as these thoughts enter our minds it is important that we take some time to reflect on eternal things.
Memorial services cause us to see the brevity of our life, and thoughts concerning our own existence and spiritual condition are placed before us. This isn’t the time to ignore these matters - for our eternal destiny is of utmost importance. We don’t have to wonder about our destiny. We can have the full assurance of the afterlife with Jesus just as Sherri received when she came to faith.
We must understand that our good works and accomplishments, as wonderful as they may be, do not win, buy or guarantee our entrance into Heaven. Sherri Callahan isn’t in the Lord’s presence today because she was a good person – although she certainly was by human standards.
She’s not in Heaven today because she was a patriotic American, or an outstanding advocate and supporter of the City of Clearwater, or because she prayed, was baptized, or celebrated the Lord’s Supper, or because she once hosted one of our ladies Bibles studies in her home. Sherri is not in Heaven today because she was a good neighbor, or because she loved her family, her children, and her friends.
Sherri is in the presence of the Lord today because of one reason and one reason only. Sherri is with Jesus – healed and at peace - because she trusted her life and eternity in Jesus Christ, which was given to her by the Grace of God.
When Sherri came to faith so many years ago she realized that she could not save herself or have her sins forgiven and her guilt washed away by living a good life – even a good religious life. Salvation, forgiveness, and assurance only came to her through her faith in Jesus Christ.
One of the most definitive verses in all the Scripture – taken from a portion that I read earlier from John 14, said it very plainly when Jesus said I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. It is our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that enables us to be called children of God.
Other than the 23rd Psalm the most famous Bible verse is John 3:16 and it sums up all the theology that you need: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but will have everlasting life.
So I know that Sherri would want me to ask all of you this simple question: Is all well between you and the Lord this day? Let’s examine our own hearts and do what is right so that we can enjoy the fruit of that relationship we can have with Him. Jesus said that He came to give us life and life more abundantly. Our salvation is not something we work for or earn – it is a gift from God. That’s what Grace is: God’s undeserved favor – His kindness in saving us – that’s Grace. We are saved or forgiven, and placed in a loving relationship with the Lord by His Grace – His free gift of life to us.
So, in our short time together this morning we have remembered and celebrated the wonderful life of Sherri Callahan, and have been comforted in knowing that our grief is normal, necessary and temporary.
I also know that all who are here this morning can be thankful that you not only knew Sherri, but that Sherri – in some small or large way – added love and joy to your life. In our sadness we can still find comfort and satisfaction in the fact that not only is Sherri now at her eternal rest and at peace, but that knowing her has enriched our lives.
I found out something yesterday that really touched me about Sherri’s influence. One of our dear friends and members here at Grace Christian Fellowship, who has found spiritual peace and a much deeper relationship with Jesus while attending Grace, is Angela Willsey; and Angela told me that it was Sherri who told her to come to Grace so many years ago. I had not been aware of that fact until this week.
Sherri has touched all of our lives, and her influence and love will continue to touch people in this sanctuary and around this community. I pray that you have found some comfort in the words that were spoken today, and most importantly, that you have been comforted by the presence of God’s Holy Spirit. We rejoice at Sherri’s heavenly homecoming although from our side of eternity it may for a while seem bittersweet.
And we ask the Lord to continue to manifest His peace to His children – a peace (as His Word tells us) that passes all understanding. Let’s close by singing Amazing Grace, and I’ll dismiss us in prayer….
Bob Childress Comments from Sherri's Funeral
Pray
This past Thursday a hole was ripped into the heart of our community and into all those who know Sherri. I say know and not knew because though while Sherri will not be with us in body, she is here with us inside each and every one of you. We are all bearing a little bit of Sherri because she lived a life that was poured out for and into others. Consistently giving of herself for the people and causes she believed in.
Matthew 22:34-40 The Greatest Commandment
36 Jesus was asked: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Sherri did love God and by evidence of those attending here she loved people.
Some here are saying that you don’t believe in a God that you cannot see and I would submit to you cannot see the wind, but you can see the effects of the wind. In the same way you may not be able to see God with the natural eye, but you can see Him in the love the Sherri poured out. She is His gift to us.
She lived out loud – challenging us to be better, stronger, go further than we thought possible. We had a lot of laughs even when things were crazy and you felt more like crying. She had that way about her.
We cry today and perhaps in the days ahead as we remember Sherri, but do not cry for her as she is in a much better place. – She rests now in paradise
-Crow’s feet, clothes, and shoes - no more deadlines or praise God taxes.
Seeds in an orange
John 15:8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit.
Sherri was a good seed who bear much fruit in her life, more than some bear in a lifetime
Lets honor her by following her selfless example and giving of ourselves and loving others even when it is sometimes difficult to do.
Moments like this cause us to question our own mortality and to some of you that scares you deeply. I ask the question, if this were your time, do you know for sure without any question where you will be for all eternity?
Jn 3:16 Doesn’t matter what you’ve done He is willing to accept you just the way you are and you too can live with Peace and spend eternity in heaven
This past Thursday a hole was ripped into the heart of our community and into all those who know Sherri. I say know and not knew because though while Sherri will not be with us in body, she is here with us inside each and every one of you. We are all bearing a little bit of Sherri because she lived a life that was poured out for and into others. Consistently giving of herself for the people and causes she believed in.
Matthew 22:34-40 The Greatest Commandment
36 Jesus was asked: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Sherri did love God and by evidence of those attending here she loved people.
Some here are saying that you don’t believe in a God that you cannot see and I would submit to you cannot see the wind, but you can see the effects of the wind. In the same way you may not be able to see God with the natural eye, but you can see Him in the love the Sherri poured out. She is His gift to us.
She lived out loud – challenging us to be better, stronger, go further than we thought possible. We had a lot of laughs even when things were crazy and you felt more like crying. She had that way about her.
We cry today and perhaps in the days ahead as we remember Sherri, but do not cry for her as she is in a much better place. – She rests now in paradise
-Crow’s feet, clothes, and shoes - no more deadlines or praise God taxes.
Seeds in an orange
John 15:8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit.
Sherri was a good seed who bear much fruit in her life, more than some bear in a lifetime
Lets honor her by following her selfless example and giving of ourselves and loving others even when it is sometimes difficult to do.
Moments like this cause us to question our own mortality and to some of you that scares you deeply. I ask the question, if this were your time, do you know for sure without any question where you will be for all eternity?
Jn 3:16 Doesn’t matter what you’ve done He is willing to accept you just the way you are and you too can live with Peace and spend eternity in heaven
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