A Service of Worship in Witness to the Resurrection and in Thanksgiving for the Life of

MARILYN HANSEN MEYER

who received the Gift of Life on June 15, 1930 and the Gift of Eternal Life on April 20, 2020

Saturday, May 30 Eleven o’clock in the morning (CST) Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church

Streamed at: www.phpc.org/streaming

A Christian memorial service does not focus upon the feats of humankind, but upon the hope of God, upon Jesus Christ and his victory over death. Consequently, God's word is central. The congregation proclaims God's Word not only through the reading of Scripture, but also through the singing of hymns, through an affirmation of faith, and through prayer. Today we gather to worship God. In worship, the reality of the death of Marilyn is confronted; our grief and sorrow are taken seriously; we are comforted by the Lord, who is maker of heaven and earth; and we celebrate the assurance of victory over death.

Welcome

Call to Worship Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. People: I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Leader: This inheritance to which we are born is one that nothing can destroy or spoil or wither. People: As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear God. As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you, says the Lord. Opening Prayer Hymn “This is My Father’s World” Prayer of Confession (unison)

Holy god, you see us as we are, and know our inmost thoughts. We confess that we are unworthy of your gracious care. We forget that all life comes from you and that to you all life returns. We have not always sought or done your will. We have not lived as your grateful children, nor loved as Christ loved us. Apart from you, we are nothing. Only your grace can sustain us. Lord, in your mercy, forgive us, heal us, make us whole. Set us free from our sin, and restore us to the joy of our salvation now and forever. Amen.

The Words of Forgiveness Leader: Friends, hear and believe the good news of the Gospel: People: We are saved by grace through faith. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen! Family Remembrances Jim Meyer (son), Andrea Crouch (daughter), and Mark Meyer (son) Prayer from Paul Meyer (son) John Meyer (grandson)

Scripture Readings John Meyer (grandson) and Sharon Balch (family friend) Psalm 100 John 3:16 Romans 8:31-39

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

Homily Rev. Dr. Sarah Johnson

Hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth” Affirmation of Faith Psalm 23 (KJV)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Hymn “All Things Bright and Beautiful” Benediction Closing Voluntary “Joyful, Joyful”

Following the service, the family invites you to view a slideshow presentation on our streaming page (to the right of the screen, click “Slideshow Presentation) and permanently at http://www.phpc.org/meyer

Today’s Leaders in Worship Pastor Rev. Dr. Sarah Johnson Organist Steven Jobman

Contributions in celebration of Marilyn’s life may be made to the following:

Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services, Missouri Region https://giving.pchas.org/

Marilyn was born on June 15, 1930, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and died April 20, 2020, in Dallas, Texas, less than two months from celebrating her 90th birthday. Throughout her life, 'Lyn's mission was to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, living her faith in daily prayer and service to others. 'Lyn grew up in Chicago and was devoted to her divorced, hardworking mother, Dorothy Riley, who worked multiple jobs to support the two of them and save money for 'Lyn's college education, which often meant placing 'Lyn in the care of other families. The experience instilled many skills in frugality she imposed on herself throughout her life. This discipline resulted in

enormous generosity to others: family, friends, church, and charity. 'Lyn graduated cum laude from the University of Dubuque, where she studied home economics and voice. She was the president of the Home Economics Society for the State of Iowa and represented Iowa at their National Convention in Los Angeles. 'Lyn excelled in classical singing as a soprano and won a regional voice competition. As part of the University choir, she met her future husband and father of their children, Duane Gilbert Meyer, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. 'Lyn and Duane were married in the Chapel at the University of Dubuque. After a brief honeymoon that included working on their respective undergraduate theses, they moved to Iowa City, where they both earned advanced degrees at the University of Iowa and started their family. They subsequently moved to Springfield, MO, where 'Lyn was a teacher, wife, and mother, as Duane pursued his career as a history professor, then dean and finally president at Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University). As the wife of the university president, 'Lyn was an elegant and tireless first lady hosting many dinners and banquets, leaving her personal touch in every endeavor and building strong friendships with the faculty, staff, and students. They were especially fond of international students, often hosting them at their home on holidays. 'Lyn was an active volunteer and philanthropist. She was particularly passionate about helping teenage girls who needed a home or shelter. To address this need, she co-founded the Regional Girls' Shelter in Springfield, MO, now a part of Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services. The Soroptimist Club awarded 'Lyn the "Women Helping Women" award for her work in this area. She was an active member of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church and served in numerous capacities including as a member of the session and Director of Education. She was also instrumental in starting a group for young adults. 'Lyn was a member of the Mayor's Commission on Human Rights that drafted and approved an ordinance prohibiting discrimination in any facet of real estate transactions in Springfield. She also co-founded the Springfield School Volunteers Program that focused on increasing reading skills for elementary students in the public school system. 'Lyn was a talented artist, writer, poet, and creative gardener. She illustrated the Heritage of Missouri book authored by Duane, painted a mural of the university campus at the president's residence, designed and painted a ceramic backsplash of native Missouri flowers, and left a legacy of handmade gifts for friends and family. 'Lyn enjoyed writing her family history and writing short stories too. She had a flair for poetry she used in correspondence or dinner toasts. The priority of her garden included an abundance of flowers 'Lyn cut for bouquets to deliver to hospitalized friends and shut-ins, or for table arrangements at home and other gatherings. She was diligent in corresponding with her friends and family, sending illustrated holiday letters, "thank you" notes, and, most importantly, Christmas and birthday "hugs" decorated with a beautiful hand-drawn butterfly or another subject. The family has fond memories of summer trips across the United States, to Europe, and New Zealand, several of which 'Lyn documented in handmade scrapbooks. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Duane Gilbert Meyer, her mother Dorothy Susan Riley, nee Sophia Kazmerchak, and her son-in-law, John Clayton Crouch, Sr. Four children survive her: Paul Meyer and his wife, Deborah, in Chappaqua, NY; Mark Meyer and his wife, Judiann, in Dallas, TX; Jim Meyer and his wife, Louisa, in Dallas, TX; and Andrea Crouch in Lookout Mountain, GA, in addition to nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.