Yesterday, I conducted a funeral service which was odd in the nice sense of the word!
The people involved were from out of town in an area considered by townies as a "Hillbilly" district... and the family certainly lived up to that reputation! But they were really nice people, despite the outward appearances.
What was interesting was that the son who had taken on the role of organising everything came about an hour before the service to help set things up, but that wasn't necessary. We gave him a cup of coffee and then other people started coming and also drinking coffee and cold drinks. By the time of the funeral we had quite a thriving coffee shop going.
People sat at our outdoor tables and on the cane chairs just generally doing what churches call "fellowship."
After the service it was more of the same as the body was going to Gunnedah to be cremated. We waved off the hearse and people stayed for ages just having a good time together.
One lady started talking to Margaret and it turned into a 2 hour counselling session.
I believe it is this kind of "ordinary" event (as opposed to "religious" events) that really is a sign of the Kingdom of God in our midst.
Blessings
Keith
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