A Memorial Service Of Praise
and Thanksgiving for
Jonn Scott Flath
Viewing in Confirmation Room, Family Life Building
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Uniformed members called to order
Deputy Chief Robert G. Doyle, Glendale Fire Department
Military/ROTC Honor Guard
Family member pall bearers: Luis Aguilar—brother-in-law, Jeffrey Reid—brother-in-law, Paul Crabtree—brother, Gustavo Moreno—uncle, Efren Moreno, Jr.—uncle,
Efren Moreno, Sr.—grandfather.
Video Presentation Family Memories
Invocation
Pastor: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of all mercy and the God of all consolation. He comforts us in all our sorrows so that we can comfort others in their sorrows with the consolation we ourselves have received from God.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Pastor: When we were baptized in Christ Jesus, we were baptized into His death. We were buried therefore with Him by Baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His.
Congregational Celebration …… The Celebration Hymnal, 107
“Lord, I Lift Your Name On High” (2x)
Lord, I lift Your name on high.
Lord, I love to sing Your praises.
I’m so glad You’re in my life.
I’m so glad You came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth to show the way
from the earth to the cross, my debt to pay
from the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky;
Lord, I lift Your name on high.
Word Music/Integrity Music CCLI #705490
Pastor: Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
Congregation: Our God is merciful.
Pastor: Return, O my soul, to your rest, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
Congregation: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones.
Pastor: Blessed are those who from now on die in the Lord.
Congregation: Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.
Pastor: I shall not die, but I shall live,
Congregation: And recount the deeds of the Lord.
Pastor: Open to me the gates of righteousness,
Congregation: That I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.
Pastor: Gracious is the Lord, and righteous.
Congregation: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones.
Pastor: Let us pray.
O God of grace and glory, we remember before You today our loved one, Jonn. We thank You for giving him to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In Your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us quiet confidence that we may continue our course in faith and await the day when we shall be with him in heaven, through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Congregation: Amen
Song ……...… Led by Vernon Snyder, Matthew McCulloch, and Dillon Cranston-Cuebas
“Holy Words”
Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart.
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Words of Life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home.
CHORUS:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me and changing you,
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart.
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Words of Life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home.
CHORUS:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me and changing you,
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
(Dillon Cranston-Cuebas, brief interlude)
Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.
CHORUS:
Ancient words ever true
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.
CHORUS:
Ancient words ever true
Hanging me and changing you,
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Oh let the ancient words impart.
(Dillon Cranston-Cuebas, 1 solo verse)
(CHORUS x2)
The Reading of The Holy Word
Psalm Twenty-Three (KJV) All together, led by Uncle Gustavo Moreno:
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 (NIV)
Uncle Efren Moreno
It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Gospel: John 11:21-27
"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "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. Do you believe this?" "Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
Eulogies
Kristy Reid - Jonn’s sister, Micayla Aguilar - Jonn’s niece, West Ranch Volleyball Coach Brian Ceponis, Chet Nordskog - Jonn’s best friend
Congregational Hymn …...……. Led by Vernon Snyder, Matthew McCulloch and Dillon Cranston-Cuebas
“The Wonderful Cross”
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride.
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did ne'er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
CHORUS:
Oh the wonderful cross, Oh the wonderful cross,
Bids me come and die, and find that I may truly live.
Oh the wonderful cross, Oh the wonderful cross,
All who gather here, by grace draw near, to bless Your name.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my pride.
(CHORUS)
CCLI #705490
First Homily - Deacon Mark Flath
Special Song ………... Singing led by Vernon Snyder, piano, Matthew McCulloch, guitar
“Hallelujah”
Lyrics by Papa
You said that two shall become one
And when they did they had a son.
They gave you praise and raised their son to love you (ya)
Jonn loved and lived , he laughed, and sang.
Faith You gave, believed in Christ
He worshiped you, singing Hallelujah
Congregation:
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Singers:
His faith was strong and showed to all
that Christ had come to save us all.
He never stopped giving glory to You (ya)
that Christ had come to save us all.
He never stopped giving glory to You (ya)
When time had come, to take a stance
He chose to love, risked losing friends
He chose to love, risked losing friends
The end result came shouts of Hallelujah
Congregation:
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Singers:
Our son was taken to Your home
And now we feel so all alone;
But Jonn is saying Jesus really loves you (ya)
Trust in Him our Savior.
One Lord, one faith, from God He came
to save us all and never die, Hallelujah
Congregation:
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Singers:
Jonn wants us all to follow him;
Confess your faith and believe like him.
Our God who comes, and wants to reassure you (ya)
That whoever believes in Jesus Christ
Will never die, have eternal life
And all who believe will sing out Hallelujah
Congregation:
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Singers:
Sing songs of joy and words of praise
That through Christ Jesus Jonn did raise
Into the arms of God who also loves you (ya)
To each God calls, to each shall hear
That life is nothing that we should fear
When we believe in our Lord - Hallelujah
Congregation:
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Second Homily - Pastor Roger Sonnenberg
Prayers
Pastor: Let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ, who said, "I am the resurrection and the life." Lord, You have consoled us so many times in our distress; once again, draw near to us who mourn and dry our tears.
Congregation: Hear us, Lord.
Pastor: You wept at the grave of Lazarus, Your friend; comfort us in our sorrow.
Congregation: Hear us, Lord.
Pastor: You promise life to those who believe; our loved one, Jonn, believed. Now comfort us in knowing he has eternal life in heaven.
Congregation: Hear us, Lord.
Pastor: Our loved one was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit; he continued in the faith. Console us now in knowing he is in Your arms, O Lord.
Congregation: Hear us, Lord.
Pastor: Countless times, he was nourished with Your body and blood in the Sacrament of Holy Communion; comfort us now in knowing that he has a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom.
Congregation: Hear us, Lord.
Pastor: God of all grace, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to bring life and immortality to light. We give You thanks because by His death Jesus destroyed the power of death and by His resurrection has opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Make us certain that because He lives we shall live also, and that neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come shall be able to separate us from Your love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Congregation: Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer (All)
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth
as it is in Heaven; Give us this day our daily bread;
and Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil;
For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.
Amen.
A Mutual Sharing of Comfort from God’s Word
Pastor: Fear none of those things which you shall suffer.
Congregation: I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4)
Pastor: Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Congregation: He will change our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power which enables Him even to subject all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:20-21)
Pastor: I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.
Congregation: Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Pastor: Blessed are those who from now on die in the Lord.
Congregation: “Yes”, says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)
Pastor: God will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Congregation: There will be no more death, or sorrow, or crying, or pain.
(Revelation 21:4)
Pastor: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived.
Congregation: what God has prepared for those who love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
Pastor: Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.
Congregation: But we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (1 John 3:2)
Pastor: I AM the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.
Congregation: And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. (John 11:25)
Pastor: Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come.
Congregation: And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2)
Pastor: I tell you the truth, whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life.
Congregation: They do not come into judgment, but have passed from death to life. (John 5:24)
Pastor: In My Father’s house are many rooms. I go to prepare a place for you.
Congregation: I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3)
Pastor: For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Congregation: My desire is to depart and to be with Christ, for that is far better. (Philippians 1:21 & 23)
Pastor: There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.
Congregation: For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. (Hebrews 4:9-10)
Pastor: God did not appoint us to suffer, but to receive salvation through our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Congregation: He died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)
Pastor: If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord.
Congregation: So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:8)
Pastor: The ransomed of the Lord will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Congregation: Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 35:10)
Pastor: We who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
Congregation: And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Benediction
Pastor:
May the Lord God wipe the furrows from your brow,
Smooth the lines from your face,
Lift the load from your heart,
And remove the fear from your soul
As you leave in His peace,
In the Name of the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Congregation: And so with you, Pastor. Amen.
Closing Hymn ………………...…… Ara Gevorkian, piano, Matthew McCulloch, guitar, Dillon Cranston-Cuebas, violin
“Shout To The Lord”
My Jesus, My Savior, Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength;
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You.
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength;
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand,
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.
Power and majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand,
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.
My Jesus, My Savior, Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength;
Let every breath, all that I am
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength;
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth, Let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand,
Nothing compares to the promise I have
Nothing compares to the promise I have in you.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand,
Nothing compares to the promise I have
Nothing compares to the promise I have
Nothing compares to the promise I have in you.
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand,
Nothing compares to the promise I have
Nothing compares to the promise I have
Nothing compares to the promise I have in you.
Hillsong CCLI #705490
Uniformed members called to order
Ensign Robert J. Doyle, United States Navy Seals
Processional
Pall bearers with Jonn - Friends: Javier Chavez, Dalton Peck, Chet Nordskog, Phoenix Raphael, Ryan Ross
Honor Guard
Please join the family for a reception following the service, on the lawn west of the sanctuary.
OUR THANKS TO THOSE WHO SERVE
Presiding Minister ……..… Pastor Roger Sonnenberg
Musicians / Vocalists ……….………..… Vernon Snyder,
Ara Gevorkian, Matthew McCulloch,
Dillon Cranston-Cuebas
Audio/Visual Technician ……...…..… Gordon Wilson
Elders, Ushers, Boy Scouts and OSLC Youth
OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH
512 WEST DUARTE ROAD
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA 91007
Jonn Flath
January 5, 1993 – September 23, 2011
Jonn was a gift that God gave us without any warning. When Jonn was born, he was a cesarean delivery and it took 3 doctors to pull him from the opening. They pulled and pulled; eventually Jonn came out but had to be resuscitated. Quickly we learned how strong Jonn was. When he was about 3 years old, he fell off of a horse and broke his collar bone. The very next day he was wanting to climb a tree. At the age of 3, Jonn taught himself how to ride a bike, roller blade, and at 4 he was wanting to be like his sister Robyn who would go off to school and learn. His passion to learn was evident as he taught himself how to write his own name at 4 years old. Jonn loved reading, writing, playing music, singing songs, playing sports, but most of all, Jonn showed very early a deep and profound love for God and God’s word. We would have regular small group Bible studies at our house and at 8 years old, Jonn was begging to be able to lead his own Bible study. Jonn earned a Blackbelt at 8 years old and traveled to Montreal Canada for an international tournament. Jonn was very involved with sports, school and church. Just last year Jonn went to the NYG in New Orleans where His love, friendship and passion for God and life was felt by all who met him. Jonn has touched hundreds if not thousands of lives.
Jonn had a burning passion to serve his country and he tried to enter into the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). Having received a congressional nomination by Senator McKeon, through the assistance of Pastor Sonnenberg, Supervisor Antonovich, and Secret Service Special Agent in Charge, Wayne Williams, Jonn was on his way to the USAFA. Sadly, budgetary restraints resulted in a class size reduction and Jonn was placed on a wait list. Not taking no for an answer, Jonn enrolled at College of the Canyons in Valencia, California and enlisted into the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Course at Loyola Marymount University in Marina Del Rey. Having never had any medical issues ever before, it was during the AFROTC fitness training session when Jonn’s life was lifted up to Heaven and from all accounts, God did not have to pull very hard to lift Jonn up. Jonn saw how beautiful Heaven is and followed God all the way up.
