The Fisherman

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Welcome

Good Morning. For those of you I haven’t had the chance to greet personally today my name is Kevin Adams. To most of you I’m a stranger, officiating at a memorial service for a man you loved, a man that influenced you in deep ways. And so, I simply want to say thank you for this brief opportunity to meet some of you for the first time and to reflect for a few moments on why we can be thankful for the time God gave to know and spend time with Ed.
Let’s begin with a word of prayer.
Father in Heaven we thank you this morning for the life of Ed Arch. We thank you for each person he impacted in some way during the 75 years of life you gave him. We thank you for each person here today and most of all we thank you for Jesus - who lived on earth, laughed and loved but also felt grief, pain and sadness. Because you understand grief, we can ask you to comfort us in our grief.

Prayer

Father in Heaven we thank you this morning for the life of Ed Arch. We thank you for each person he impacted in some way during the 75 years of life you gave him. We thank you for each person here today and most of all we thank you for Jesus - who lived on earth, laughed and loved but also felt grief, pain and sadness. Because you understand grief, we can ask you to comfort us in our grief. We ask this morning that you would minister individually to each person here today, in their specific need. Thank you for loving us, Amen.

Scripture Verse/Transition

In the book of Ecclesiastes (), King Solomon, one of the wisest and wealthiest men to ever live is quoted as saying
there is a time for everything
a time to give birth
a time to die
a time to plant
a time to uproot
a time to mourn
a time to love
a time to remember
a time to rejoice
Ecclesiastes 3 CSB
1 There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; 3 a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; 5 a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing; 6 a time to search and a time to count as lost; a time to keep and a time to throw away; 7 a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak; 8 a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace. 9 What does the worker gain from his struggles? 10 I have seen the task that God has given the children of Adam to keep them occupied. 11 He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. 13 It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. 14 I know that everything God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of him. 15 Whatever is, has already been, and whatever will be, already is. However, God seeks justice for the persecuted. 16 I also observed under the sun: there is wickedness at the place of judgment and there is wickedness at the place of righteousness. 17 I said to myself, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every work.” 18 I said to myself, “This happens so that God may test the children of Adam and they may see for themselves that they are like animals.” 19 For the fate of the children of Adam and the fate of animals is the same. As one dies, so dies the other; they all have the same breath. People have no advantage over animals since everything is futile. 20 All are going to the same place; all come from dust, and all return to dust. 21 Who knows if the spirits of the children of Adam go upward and the spirits of animals go downward to the earth? 22 I have seen that there is nothing better than for a person to enjoy his activities because that is his reward. For who can enable him to see what will happen after he dies?
Today, we embody this passage of Scripture as we both mourn and remember, rejoice and love - regarding the birth and death of Henry Edward “Ed” Arch.

Obituary

Whether you knew him as Henry, Ed, or both, you know, as I quickly learned from Carolyn, that Ed loved the open waters - fishing and boats, boats and fishing. That made up a large part of Ed’s 75 years of life. From his time on the water Ed understood that this beautiful creation didn’t just happen but realized there must be a God. But the love of the water, fish and boats wasn’t the only thing Ed left with those he loved.
Read actual obituary.

Brief Comment/Transition

Whether you knew him as Henry, Ed, or both, you know, as I quickly learned from Carolyn, that Ed loved the open waters - fishing and boats, boats and fishing. That made up a large part of Ed’s 75 years of life. From his time on the water Ed understood that this beautiful creation didn’t just happen but realized there must be a God. But the love of the water, fish and boats wasn’t the only thing Ed left with those he loved.
how God used Ed to help shape who you are today. I believe with all my heart that there are no accidents in life and that Ed was used in a special way to
Ed was also a caregiver, especially in the latter years of his life. Ed was a care giver for his dad, his mom, his Aunt and a friend. In their last days, Ed was there for them. Ed cared for people. Ed cared for family. Thus, it should come as no surprise that Ed’s pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He was so proud of Michael and Sandra for pursuing and finishing their doctorates. He loved his grandchildren and he loved his nephews, even to playing the spontaneous Santa for Greg and Jeff, Sheryl’s sons.
It is no accident that Ed was part of your life. This was but one reflection of the grace of God in your life. As an image bearer of God, with creativity and energy to be directed as we choose, God saw fit to allow Ed to be a blessing in your life in various ways. Ed’s creativity, a reflection of God’s creativity, is seen at least as far back as his high school days when he made, by hand, a violin and bow, going on to win one of the top awards for his handiwork. Ed was creative, loved creation, loved his children and grandchildren, and cared for others.
At this point we will take a few moments to hear from the family; first from Sandra, Ed’s daughter, then Michael, Ed’s son, and lastly from Richard, Ed’s brother-in-law.

Comments From Family (15 minutes)

Comments From Family

Sandra (daughter of Ed)
Michael (son of Ed)
Richard (brother-in-law to Ed)
Thank you for sharing these moments with us.

Sermon

The ability to experience the great open waters, to experience the love of another person, to be mentored by another person - these things are all graces - gifts - specifically, gifts from God. His gifts are far more numerous than we often realize - even time is a gift - a precious gift that can only be used once, but that can be used for so many things, good or bad.
God’s greatest gift came in the form of a man - the only man to have lived in heaven before living on earth! The only one to have fished on the very waters He created. Jesus, God in the flesh, who became a man, experienced life on earth, never sinned yet was tempted in all ways that you and I are, watched his friends die and cried, saw broken humanity and healed many, saw hunger and fed many, was killed on a cross and then came back from the dead three days later. This Jesus, both carpenter and fisherman extraordinaire came here to this broken earth for just one reason - to show you and me what grace looked like.
Like Ed, Jesus spent quite a bit of time on the water as well. In fact, at least 7 of Jesus’ first followers were fishermen. The imagery of fish and fishing has punctuated Christianity ever since, with the fish or ichthus being one of, if the not the earliest sign of being a Christian.
On one of Jesus’ early encounters Peter, Jesus told him to throw his nets over the side of the boat - this was after Peter, an experienced fisherman had been fishing all night () without success. Exhausted and probably a little irritated (I know I would be), Peter throws the net out and the catch is so great they can barely haul it in.
On another occasion, the miracle working God-Man turns a boys lunchable into a Golden Corral feeding 5,000 with just a couple fish.
Jesus even had Peter get money from a fish’s mouth to pay some taxes. Water, Fish, and Jesus - they go together quite well.
In fact, fishing is such a big deal it became a metaphor for proclaiming the Good News of God’s Grace to the world. Jesus told his first followers he would make them fishers of men and the Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a dragnet - a huge fishing net bringing the fish home.
The intrusion of death into our lives is distasteful and often disturbing. Jesus didn’t laugh at it, rather he cried with his friends Mary and Martha over their brother’s death. He didn’t just cry though, He committed himself, despite the torture it would cause him, to put an end to this thing called death - and turn it into a door to a renewed life with relationships that last forever with the God who gives us all the good that’s in our lives.
The gross distortion and destruction that humanity imposed on God’s very good creation, a result of both rebellion and failure to be responsible for what we’ve been given brought such sorry to God that He entered our story, our lives, knowing that we would reject him - at least initially - to build a bridge back to the Father for us. It’s like the two brothers who shared adjoining farms.
We all know, simply by looking around, that things are not right in this world. Nothing lasts, even if you remember the good old days when a toaster lasted a lifetime, it still broke down eventually. Pollution, Politics and Pundits abound
The gross distortion and destruction that humanity imposed on God’s very good creation, a result of both rebellion and failure to be responsible for what we’ve been given brought such sorry to God that He entered our story, our lives, knowing that we would reject him - at least initially - to build a bridge back to the Father for us. It’s like the two brothers who shared adjoining farms.
Building Bridges
For over 40 years they worked side by side, sharing equipment and helping each other out whenever needed. Then one day a rift developed. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by months of angry silence.
One day a man showed up at the elder brother’s door carrying a carpenter’s toolbox. “I’m looking for a few days work” he said. “Perhaps you would have a few small jobs I could do for you?”
“Well, yes I do,” the elder brother said. “See that creek down there, it’s the border between my brother’s farm and mine. Me brother keeps it nice and deep to stop me from setting one foot on his beloved farm. Well I’ll oblige him. I want you to take that timber over there by the barn and build me a new fence, a real tall one, so I don’t have to look over at my brother and his farm no more.”
So the carpenter set about working. Meanwhile farmer Pete drove into town to the cattle auction. When he returned at sunset he was shocked to see what the carpenter had done.
So the carpenter set about working. Meanwhile farmer Pete drove into town to the cattle auction. When he returned at sunset he was shocked to see what the carpenter had done.
There was no fence. Instead the carpenter had built a bridge and walking across it was the younger brother, arms outstretched, ready to embrace and forgive his brother. He held out his hand and spoke to his brother, “Pete after all I’ve done to you these past few weeks I can’t believe you’d still reach out to me. You’re right. It’s time to bury the hatchet.”
The two brothers met at the middle of the bridge and embraced, tears trickling down their cheeks. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. “No, wait! Stay a few days. I’ve a lot of other projects for you,” said farmer Pete. “I’d love to stay on,” the carpenter said, “but I have more bridges to build.”
Adapted from https://storiesforpreaching.com/building-bridges/
Anger is not the primary characteristic of God in the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, the pages of Scripture reveal a God who is slow to anger, compassionate and always ready to forgive, with arms stretched wide - so wide the filled the cross - and with hands scarred by the nails of his accusers ready to embrace you forever.
He’s waiting for you - I was 21 when I first understood this, and I didn’t wait to take the free gift of salvation He was offering. I pray today you may find eternal hope and comfort in His arms as well. Let the carpenter’s bridge lead you to the Savior, Jesus and leave behind the old ways. He’ll show you His ways as you simply listen and follow Him.
On one of Jesus’ early encounters Peter, Jesus told him to throw his nets over the side of the boat - this was after Peter, an experienced fisherman had been fishing all night () without success. Exhausted and probably a little irritated (I know I would be), Peter throws the net out and the catch is so great they can barely haul it in.

Committal

On another occasion, the miracle working God-Man turns a boys lunchable into a Golden Corral feeding 5,000 with just a couple fish.

The service at the grave is brief, consisting of the committal and a benediction. The benediction may consist of a prayer, a poem, or a formal closing. The minister should then step from the head of the grave and go down the line shaking hands with each member of the deceased’s family, quietly expressing his sympathy.

Jesus even had Peter get money from a fish’s mouth to pay some taxes. Water, Fish, and Jesus - they go together quite well.
In fact, fishing is such a big deal it became a metaphor for proclaiming the Good News of God’s Grace to the world. Jesus told his first followers he would make them fishers of men and the Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a dragnet - a huge fishing net bringing the fish home.

Poem

At the request of his wife Carolyn, I’d like to read a poem that she thought would be reminiscent of Ed.
I pray that I may live to fish Until my dying day. And when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray: When in the Lord's great landing net And peacefully asleep That in His mercy I be judged Big enough to keep. Source: https://www.beliefnet.com/prayers/protestant/other/fishermans-prayer.aspx#gh0lEdmQ60Cy759W.99
Thankfully in God’s grace, any fish caught up in His net is promised to be kept, whether it’s a minnow or a great white! That’s the grace of God. As you reflect on God’s grace be thankful for the time with Ed, remember the good times and challenge yourself to be a true follower of the true fisher of men.
how God used Ed to help shape who you are today. I believe with all my heart that there are no accidents in life and that Ed was used in a special way to
how God used Ed to help shape who you are today. I believe with all my heart that there are no accidents in life and that Ed was used in a special way to
There are few occasions that draw family together from around the country or even around the world. Births, Marriages and in our case today, a funeral, tend to be the primary reasons this occur. The first two of these are usually happy occasions, the last, just the opposite.
I remember as a little boy the day I watched the policeman walk up the steps to our front porch as I was playing on the wood floor with some toy trucks to tell my mom they had found my dad’s body in the river and the minister would be over shortly.
We all know, simply by looking around, that things are not right in this world. Nothing lasts, even if you remember the good old days when a toaster lasted a lifetime, it still broke down eventually. Pollution, Politics and Pundits abound

Obituary

Comments From The Family

Michael
Arby

Of Jesus’ first disciples, at least seven were fishermen-Peter

Final Instructions

The New Bible Dictionary, Third Edition II. Fishermen and Their Methods

At least seven of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen: Peter, Andrew, probably Philip, who also came from Bethsaida (Aram. for ‘house of fishing’) on the Sea of Galilee, James, John, Thomas and Nathanael (Mt. 4:18, 21; Jn. 1:44; 21:2). Some of these were partners in fishing and were used to working together (Lk. 5:7, 10).

Fish were a favorite food and a chief source of protein (Num. 11:5; Neh. 13:16).

Most fishing in the Bible was done using a net, though some was done with hooks and lines. For example, Jesus commands Peter to cast a hook (Matt 17:27). Harpoons are mentioned in Job 41:7.

Three types of nets were used in the ancient world:

• Small circular nets were cast from the shore into shallow water. The leaded edge of the net formed a cone, with the fisherman holding the center of the net in his hand.

• A long net, or seine, was cast into the water and dropped 1–2 fathoms. Ropes fastened to the ends were carried ashore, drawn in by 5–10 men on each rope.

• In deeper waters a similar net was dropped 4–5 fathoms deep. The ends were brought together to form a circle. Fishermen then dived down and brought one portion of the weighted edge under the rest. The net was then narrowed and the fish were emptied into the boat. Sometimes fishermen would tow the net into shallow water before drawing it up. The disciples probably used this method (Matt 4:18; Mark 1:16; Luke 5:2–10; John 21:3–11).

Lunch plans. I’m not attending.

The Bible contains numerous figurative uses of fish and fishing. Human helplessness is compared to fish taken in a net (Eccles. 9:12; Hab. 1:14). Fish caught in a net symbolized God’s judgment (Ps. 66:11; Ezek. 32:3). Jesus mentioned fishing when He called disciples to be witnesses (Matt. 4:18–19). Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a net thrown into the sea and loaded with fish of many varieties (Matt. 13:47).

I’m not attending

In early Christian churches the Greek word for fish (ichthus) came to be interpreted as a cipher for Jesus. The first letter of each of the Greek words for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” spell ichthus. We do not know when this cipher was first used; but once the identification was made, the fish became a standard Christian symbol.

Both Carolyn and her sister Sheryl have my contact information if you would like to get hold of me for any reason.

Habakkuk described God’s people as helpless fish who would be captured by hooks (1:15) and nets. Amos 4:2 refers to the practice of ancient conquerors of leading captives with hooks through their lips. Such was the fate of Manasseh according to one interpretation (2 Chron. 33:11 NASB, NIV, TEV).

The New Bible Dictionary, Third Edition V. Figurative and Symbolic Uses

Jesus called disciples to become fishers of men (Mt. 4:19). The kingdom of heaven is likened to a drag-net (Mt. 13:47).

The New Bible Dictionary, Third Edition V. Figurative and Symbolic Uses

The fish was one of the earliest symbols of Christian art, because the letters of Gk. ichthys were taken as an acronym for Iēsous Christos Theou Hyios Sōtēr, ‘Jesus Christ, of God the Son, Saviour’ (see F. J. Dölger, ΙΧΘΥΣ, 1928).

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