Thurs, 11, Nov 2021

A Musical Offering

Loch Lomond

This is a piece we sang during the Celebration of Life for Duncan Raeside on October 22nd. Every funeral presents a unique opportunity to get to know the people in our community, whether they be the ones planning the service or the departed. Through phone calls, meetings around the conference room table, or even emails, we get to hear stories of joy, grief, and so much love!

Duncan Raeside loved a good Scottish folk song. This tune immediately came to mind as one that would be easily recognizable and meaningful. The popular refrain, "You'll take the high road and I'll take the low road, and I'll be in Scotland before you, but me and my true love will never meet again, on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond" (are you humming along, yet?). This evokes emotion not only in those who listen, but those who are singing as well (speaking from experience!) It supposedly refers to a Jacobite soldier's soul returning to his homeland after his death in the war.

Participating in these services is one of the greatest privileges of working in ministry - one that we don't take for granted. (written by Jennifer McPherson)