The Perkins Chapel hosted yesterday “A Service of Memory” honoring those recently deceased in the SMU community.

The ceremony began at noon and opened with “In God Alone,” performed by Taize, who was accompanied by seminary singers. The singers also performed two other songs before William M. Finnin welcomed everyone.

“They will never be forgotten – they are part of who we are,” said Finnin, speaking of those who were recently deceased.

The Call to Worship was lead by Judy Henneberger. “In our time of worship together, we honor and remember those who have loved and served Southern Methodist University,” said Henneberger. She then asked everyone to join her in singing “The God of Abraham Praise.”

Mark Stamm read Malachi 3:16-4:2a from the Bible, “So a book of remembrance was written before him.”

Richard Nelson gave the sermon for the service. He spoke of a time when he was younger and his friend wanted him to take her to the cemetery to visit her grandmother’s grave. Upon arrival to the cemetery, she handed him a handful of pebbles. His friend then placed a pebble upon her grandmother’s headstone. When Nelson inquired as to what she was doing, she said she was remembering. “We were remembering and honoring those who had died,” said Nelson.

Nelson then said that today we were remembering those in our university community who died in the last year. “Names that we hold dear-names of friends and colleagues, names of those who have served us and this institution well,” said Nelson, “We must not forget those names.”

Nelson said sometimes human memory is short and vulnerable. “Our memories turn to dust.” Nelson said though humans may forget, God does not, and it is God’s act of remembering that makes all the difference.

Marci Pounders along with three other accompanying speakers led “Litany of Remembrance.”

Finnin and Henneberger then performed a remembrance for those who died. As Finnin read aloud each name individually, Henneberger struck a chime. Those who attended the service were asked to stand for those who had touched their lives in some way.

After the Kaddish was read by Rabbi Heidi Cortez, everyone was asked to sing “O God Our Help in Ages Past,” led by St. Anne. The service was closed by Taize and the seminary singers, performing “Da Pacem Cordium.”