TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH Progressive ✦ Inclusive ✦ creative ✦ downtown
A celebration of the life of Keithley Bowen Sparrow June 11, 1946- June 13, 2020
Wednesday, June 24, 2020, 7:00pm On-Line Service Trinity Episcopal Church 316 Adams St. Toledo, Ohio 43604 www.trinitytoledo.org
Keithley B. Sparrow June 11, 1946 - June 13, 2020 Keithley Bowen Sparrow, 74, died peacefully on June 13, 2020 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was born June 11, 1946 in Worchester, Mass., to Charles Bowen and Paula Little Sparrow, who met at a camp for aspiring actors and performers. Raised in Washington D.C. and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School there, Keith kept lifelong close ties with his high school friends. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1967 and attended American University in Washington, studying journalism. He became an editor at the Alexandria (Va.) Gazette before moving west to join the Toledo Blade. Working as the Blade's court reporter sparked his interest in law. Enrolling at the University of Toledo Law School and graduating in 1977, Keith chose to practice family law and carved a career spanning over 40 years. A vigorous booster of his profession, he was active in the Toledo Bar Association for over 40 years, serving on many committees including lawyer referral, domestic relations, professionalism, and juvenile court. He also served on the Fee Arbitration and Grievance Investigation subcommittees, chaired the Bar Admissions committee, and was active in the Ask the Attorney program. Despite all his duties, Keith found time for many Pro Bono cases over his career. A trained mediator, some of his favorite work was as a Guardian ad Litem for families. Colleagues appreciated his pragmatic approach to the law and willingness to mentor and support other attorneys. Keith loved Toledo and his Old Orchard neighborhood. He volunteered at many organizations including the Arts Commission, Toledo Grows, Toledo Pride, Children's Rights Council, Toledo Roadrunners, and Mobile Meals. An officer of the Old Orchard Neighborhood Association, Keith also supported the Valentine Theatre, Toledo Museum of Art, and Toledo Symphony. He was a longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Church. An avid reader and book collector, Keith was an accomplished sailor and longtime member of North Cape Yacht Club who especially enjoyed sailing with family and friends. His yearly voyages with friends Larry, Terry, Mike and Sheldon highlighted many summers and spawned adventures and stories to fill a lifetime. He enjoyed traveling, cars, and all genres of music. One of Keith's favorite spots was his family's cottage in northern Michigan where family and friends gathered. He visited there frequently. He also was a fervent Mud Hens and Detroit Tigers fan who loved introducing new fans to the game. He was a bighearted and generous man who loved to share experiences and support energy, creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit wherever he saw it. He will be remembered by those who knew him as quickwitted, funny, warm and giving of his time and spirit. Keith loved his family and being a husband, father and grandfather were his most important roles. He is sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 33 years, Suzanne Smitley; beloved son, Ethan B. Sparrow (Gemma Kim) and the apple of his eye, granddaughter Alafair Kim Sparrow. Also surviving are brother-in-law, Christopher Smitley (Cheryl); niece, Kyle Smitley (Alex Rhea) and daughters, Wyatt and Sawyer; niece, Hannah P. Smitley; nephew Zack (Amberly) Smitley and family; Keith's favorite octogenarian, Gerry Evans; and Glen Menendez and family, Lisa Geary and family, and Ann Peart and family, who are the children of his late sister, Dana Sparrow Menendez. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister; and brother-in-law, Brian D. Smitley. The family suggests you hold your loved ones close, sit by the water and enjoy some live music. Donations in Keith's memory are suggested to North Cape Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program, Toledo Community Foundation, or the Toledo Bar Association Foundation for Pro Bono Legal Services.
Keith will be laid to rest at Trinity Episcopal Church at a private family service at a future date.
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+ The Liturgy of the Word + PRELUDE
O Love by George Matheson arr. Elaine Hagenberg Trinity Jobst Choral Scholars
OPENING SENTENCES
The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray Book of Common Prayer 491
I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord. Whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though they die. And everyone who has life, and has committed themselves to me in faith, shall not die for ever.
As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives and that at the last he will stand upon the earth. After my awaking, he will raise me up; and in my body I shall see God. I myself shall see, and my eyes behold him who is my friend and not a stranger. For none of us has life in themselves, and none becomes their own master when they die. For if we have life, we are alive in the Lord, and if we die, we die in the Lord. So, then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s possession. Happy from now on are those who die in the Lord! So it is, says the Spirit, for they rest from their labors. I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord.
WELCOME
The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray
THE COLLECT Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Let us pray. O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that your servant, Keith, being raised with him, may know the strength of his presence, and rejoice in his eternal glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING
ISAIAH 61:1-3 Read by Gretchen Rohm
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. Reader: People:
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
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PSALM 23
arr. By Bobby McFerrin Offered by the Trinity Jobst Scholars
The Lord is my Shepard, I have all I need She makes me lie down in green meadows Beside the still waters, She will lead She restores my soul, She rights my wrongs She leads me in a path of good things And fills my heart with songs Even though I walk, through a dark and dreary land There is nothing that can shake me She has said She won't forsake me, I'm in her hand She sets a table before me, in the presence of my foes She anoints my head with oil And my cup overflows Surely, surely goodness and kindness will follow me All the days of my life And I will live in her house, Forever, forever and ever
Glory be to our Mother, and Daughter And to the Holy of Holies As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be world, without end
2 CORINTHIANS 4: 16 – 5: 1
SECOND READING
Read by Dave Rohm So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Reader: People:
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GRADUAL HYMN
All Day, All Night (Kim Buehler, Chelsie Cree, and Nate Leonard) All night, All day; Angels watching over me, my Lord! All night, All day; Angels watching over me! (repeat 3x)
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Otis L. McCoy
THE GOSPEL Celebrant: People:
JOHN 14: 1-6 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. Glory to you, Lord Christ.
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Celebrant: People:
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.
TIME OF REFLECTION
The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray The following family and friends will offer their reflections: Sue Smitley (Wife), Chris Smitley (Brother-in-Law), Kyle Smitley (Niece), Donna Llyod (Friend), Steve O’Brien (Friend), Jimin Kim & Seonja Jee (Korean Relatives), Gemma Kim (Daughter-in-Law) & Alafair Kim Sparrow (Granddaughter) and Ethan Sparrow (Son)
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
BCP PAGE 496
Celebrant: In the assurance of eternal life given at Baptism, let us proclaim our faith together and say, I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. 5
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Offered by Donna Steppe, Trinity Member
Leader: For our brother, let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ who said, “I am Resurrection and I am Life.” (Pause) Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw near to us who mourn for Keith, and dry the tears of those who weep. People: Hear us, Lord. Leader: You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend; comfort us in our sorrow. People: Hear us, Lord. Leader: You raised the dead to life; give to our brother eternal life. People: Hear us, Lord. Leader: You promised paradise to the thief who repented; bring our brother to the joys of heaven. People: Hear us, Lord. Leader: Our brother was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit; give him fellowship with all your saints. People: Hear us, Lord. Leader: He was nourished with your Body and Blood; grant him a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom. People: Hear us, Lord. Leader: Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother; let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope. Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother Keith, who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that his death may recall to us your victory over death and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father’s love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. Amen.
Musical Reflection
Draw the Circle Wide (Trinity Jobst Choral Scholars & Lisa Tucker-Gray) Thank you for all the pictures capturing the myriad of loving, vibrant, generous, joyful and passionate moments of Keith’s beautiful life among us.
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by Mark Miller
Lord’s Prayer
From The New Zealand Prayer Book Led by Hugh Grefe, Trinity Member
Those gathered are invited to join.
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world! With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth! In times of temptation and test, strengthen us. From trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen.
Blessing
May the rain fall off your shoulders when you’re caught in a storm. When the frost comes a callin’ may it find you safe and warm. May your place be set, and may your promises be kept. And may you never forget that you are loved.
Sending Hymn Dismissal Leader: People:
O God Our Help in Ages Past (Trinity Canterbury Choir)
1982 HYMNAL #680
Offered by Trinity Members, Ayden Tennant & Eleanor Devine Jones Let us go forth in the power of the Resurrection. Alleluia! Alleluia! Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!
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