Goodbye, Dennis!

We have been busy at church today with the Thanksgiving Service for our dear friend Dennis who died just before Christmas. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend- as well as being very involved in the life of our church, having served as a Deacon, Treasurer and Boys’ Brigade Officer. He loved relaxing with a game of bowls, and by walking in the countryside [he started the church’s Walking In Good Company group]

The last time Bob visited him in hospital, Dennis wanted to talk about the arrangements for his funeral – he knew it would not be long. Dennis had three requirements

1. That everything should be cool, calm and collected [he was a stickler for things being done ‘in the right way’]
2. That it should be a time for saying thanks – to family and friends [particularly his beloved Margaret] but also to God, for the wonderful, long and blessed life he’d enjoyed.
3. That above all, JESUS should come first – Dennis was so grateful for his salvation, and for the faithfulness of God, and certain of his home in heaven, and he wanted to share that with everyone else.

And Bob delivered a service exactly to those requests. As the service ended, we watched a presentation of photographs of Dennis’ life, while David, the organist, played the BB hymn “Will your anchor hold?”

Will your eyes behold through the morning light
The city of gold and the harbour bright?
Will your anchor safe by the heavenly shore,
When life’s storms are past for evermore?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!

I am confident that Dennis has anchored safely – and now our thoughts and prayers are with Margaret and the family.