Scattering Seeds

PROPERS:          BURIAL OF THE DEAD, RITE 2   

TEXT:                JOHN 12:24                 

PREACHED AT THE FUNERAL FOR ELLEN FRANKS NEWSOM AT CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION, STARKVILLE, ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022.

 

ONE SENTENCE:        The many seeds which Ellen cast in her life will bear fruit for years to come.         

 

            At the outset, I want us to be clear about the undeniable.  We have all sustained a significant loss.  We have lost someone that we all loved. We cannot dismiss those emotions.

 

+ + + 

 

            During the eight years we lived here in Starkville, we could count on one thing:  On the morning of May 1 – May Day – there would be an assortment of fresh flowers at our doorstep.  We knew who had been by:  Ellen.

 

            The flowers of various types, colors, and fragrances had been lovingly snipped from Walt’s garden behind their home of 47 years on Grand Ridge. The seeds for those flowers had been planted in that expansive, lush garden.

 

            It was a simple gesture, but it was so emblematic of Ellen. So emblematic of her whole life.

 

            The 12^th Chapter of John’s gospel tells us of Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha’s home in Bethany – during the last week of his earthly life.  He goes from there into Jerusalem for what has become known as Palm Sunday – his triumphant entry into the Holy City.  While there, a group of Greeks wish to see him.  His words to them speak a truth to us about Jesus, and a truth to which we cling today. Hear his words:

 

^24 “Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

 

            We understand, of course, that Jesus is speaking of his approaching crucifixion and death.  It is from that death and resurrection that we, as his followers, will find that mysterious, elusive concept of eternal life.

 

            Her life bears witness to that truth – and so much more.

 

            When it comes to spreading seed, Ellen put Johnny Appleseed in the shade.

 

            If we think of the sweep of her life and the many touchstones and lives she encountered, our breath is taken away.

 

            To name a few…

 

            Her family… Walt, her husband of 57 years… her children, Matt and Emily… her grandchildren, Tyler, Tanner, Jack and Will… her father, Wendell, and mother, Alice… her delightful nieces and nephews.  

 

Oh, yes… Ellen has two brothers, Dan and Mart.

 

And I am always astounded by Ellen’s stories of her Arkansas aunts (whom I never met) who lived more than 100 years each – touching on three centuries and two millennia.  It is a remarkable family.

 

            I have long said that Alice was my favorite parishioner of all time.  That may now be held by two people.

 

            And there was her many-faceted nursing career – ranging from her care of sick babies… helping and encouraging prospective mothers… and comforting homesick children at camp.

 

            There was the worldwide travel with Walt – 50 states visited, touching the ground of 101 countries, and stepping foot on seven continents. At each stop along the way… whether it was the Serengeti, parasailing in the Alps, or kayaking the waters of Alaska… she saw and touched people – people she would likely never see again.  But that once, she did.

 

            And who could count the number of people she introduced to Bulldog baseball? I count Nora and myself among those so blessed. We proudly noted our reserved seats in Section and row K-9. She organized the feasting on Super Bulldog weekend.  Several Easter Sundays we consumed her Jello Eggs at Dudy Noble.

 

            Those people with whom she planted seeds were dozens of Bulldog baseball players she helped adjust to college life.

 

            I am incredibly grateful that she lived to see the Dawgs win a College World Series.

 

            Ellen was the irresistible force in the church.  I, for one, valued her friendship, her guidance, and her wisdom.  Many were the times when her always joyous presence affected the trajectory and, therefore, the future of this parish.

 

            The bottom line is this: Ellen touched lives… she spread seeds wherever she went. Across Starkville… around the state… in all fifty states… and spanning the globe. She scattered seeds of hope, seeds of joy, seeds of friendship.  No one could come into contact with Ellen without being affected for the better.  We are all better people for having known her.

 

            As the New Testament missionary Barnabas’ name meant son of encouragement, Ellen would be known as daughter of encouragement. She found the diamond in the lump of coal.

 

            The truth of Jesus’ words applies in that short-term sense.  She has spread seeds across her world – with family, friends, and an expansive universe of casual contacts.  Those seeds have been cast throughout lands far and near.

 

            But now we see the eternal truth: The seeds are taking root and will bear fruit for decades to come.  That is true whether it is among her family, her friends, or the countless souls she touched during her nearly four-score years.

            Her seed has fallen to the ground and died. But the fruits of the harvest will be bountiful.