Tree Planting Service in Memory of the Life of John McNairn

On September 12, 2004 we planted a tree at Camp Canterbury Hills in Ancaster, Ontario. We chose a Pin Oak tree, because it is one of the types native to a Carolinian Forest. My mom and I both took pictures that day and those will be uploaded to this site soon. Afterwards the Brothers of the Oddfellows lodge in Dundas provided wonderful food and drink for those who attended.

"He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green, and it not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

- Jeremiah 17:8

Gathering Prayer

God of heaven and earth, the work of your hands is made known in your bountiful creation and in the lives of those who faithfully live their lives in your grace. Today we especially remember the life and work of our brother, John, trusting your promise of everlasting life and love. Be present with us this day as we mark his life and remember him and his life in you through the planting of this tree. May this tree speak the power of your life in our midst, deeply rooted and ever growing in all creation, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Reading: Isaiah 55

Listen, every one who thirsts, come to the waters, Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant.

Seek the Lord while he may be found while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for God will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts are than your thoughts.

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return not thither but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

For you shall go out in joy, and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier, shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign which shall not be cut off.

Planting of the Tree / Remembering

Reading of the Bench Plaque (Bill and Grace Reed have arranged to have a bench built with a plaque in memory of John which will be placed near the tree.)

Dedication Prayer

Creator of life and Sustainer of seed and soil, of tree and flower, you have created this world and all that lives in it. It is to you that we come in this prayer of dedication and blessing, for you are the giver of life and the sustainer of all that lives. We come to you do dedicate this tree in memory of John who you continue to hold in your generous grace. We give you thanks for his life. May this tree remind us of the one whom we love and who is held forever in your never-ending love. May this tree be a tree of life to all the earth. May its leaves breathe forth the life-breath of oxygen. May its branches be living space for those who climb among them and for birds of the air that shall nest there. May those in need of shelter from the summer heat find in its shade a refreshing refuge. May it give to all who look upon it the gift of life-renewing beauty. We ask for your blessing upon this tree and upon us, who remember John, that life might dwell and bear witness to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, through who we pray. Amen

Blessing

Dismissal :