Celebrating the Life of Sylvia H. Hoke: Memorial Program
Saturday, August 17, 2024 | 11:00 AM
River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation Church
6301 River Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Reverend Kären Rasmussen
ZOOM LINK
Zoom Meeting ID: 981 2996 7220
Zoom Passcode: 727000
Complete Zoom Invitation Link:
https://upenn.zoom.us/j/98129967220?pwd=d2ZuVlJhVUtNVnpoaGszd05xWnBNUT09
MEMORIAL PROGRAM
Prelude
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”
Welcome, Chalice Lighting and Opening Words – Highlights of Life
Rev. Kären
Reading
“This World is not Conclusion” by, Emily Dickinson: Magda Andrews-Hoke
Reading
“Remember Me” by, Margaret Mead: Nicolette Tuck
Music
“Amazing Grace”
Reflections
Frank Hoke & Bonnie Hoke-Scedrov
Music
“Be Still My Soul”
Memories to Share: In Person and on Zoom
Invitation for attendees to briefly share personal stories or memories.
Reflections
Larry Hoke
Hymn
#123 “Spirit of Life”
Reading
“The Dash” by, Linda Ellis: Jesse Hoke
Closing Song
“I’ll Fly Away”
Bonnie Hoke-Scedrov, Magda Andrews-Hoke, and Levi Andrews-Hoke
Pastoral Prayer and Meditation
Rev. Kären
Closing and Benediction
Rev. Kären
KARAOKE TECH PROGRAM
Prelude Music
The musician plays for 15 minutes or so before the start of the service.
Welcome, Chalice Lighting and Opening Words – Kären
A brief welcome followed by lighting of the chalice and opening words by Kären.
Highlights of Life
Read by Kären.
Sylvia Hoke loved to read, especially mysteries. A Lifelong member of the Women’s National Democratic Club. They would have lectures downtown in Washington and she loved going to them. She was a devoted wife and mother who raised four kids beautifully. She tolerated a naturalist for a husband and was a very good sport about her children bringing home reptiles such as turtles, snakes, and furry creatures. Mom and Dad spent three years early in their marriage in Suriname — Dutch Guyana in South America — where the critters brought home were more exotic. We had sloths and anacondas on our property, and an exotic parrot. She took an individual interest in all of her children, doing unique events for each of them. She took us to the Flying Circus, on hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and on lovely trips to Nagshead, North Carolina every year for the whole family. She was a wonderful and generous woman.
Reading
“This World is not Conclusion” by, Emily Dickinson: Magda Andrews-Hoke
Reading
“Remember Me” by, Margaret Mead: Nicolette Tuck
Music
A musical piece selected by the family or the musician.
Reflections
Frank Hoke & Bonnie Hoke-Scedrov
Music
Another musical piece, either chosen by the family or the musician.
Memories to Share: In Person and Zoom
Invitation for attendees to briefly share personal stories or memories. This is where the remote Hydes/Hokes and other family members and local friends can share in person or on Zoom?
Reflections
Larry Hoke
Hymn
A familiar hymn from the hymnal, such as #123 “Spirit of Life”.
Reading
Jesse Hoke
“The Dash” by, Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning… to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own, the cars… the house… the cash.
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand the way other people feel.
To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash,
Would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?
Closing Song
“I’ll Fly Away” sung by, Bonnie, Magda, and Levi
[Note! Transpose up three half steps = +3]
Pastoral Prayer and Meditation – Kären
Kären leads the congregation in a pastoral prayer and meditation.
Closing and Benediction – Kären
Final remarks and benediction by Kären
LOCATION
Saturday, August 17, 2024 | 11:00 AM
River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation Church
6301 River Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Reverend Kären Rasmussen