A Regathering to Remember Calvary Rose

On Saturday, August 23rd, several close family members and friends of ours gathered at our church for a special event: A Regathering to Remember Calvary Rose.

The heart for this evening started when we sat down with two of our pastors, Michael’s parents, and a funeral home director to begin planning our daughter’s funeral. Calvary had unexpectedly passed away 4 days prior on June 1st, and on that day, we thought we were beginning a new month, the 9th month of my pregnancy – the month we would get to meet our baby. Little did we know we would be meeting her much earlier than her due date of June 28th and that 3 days after she was born we would be planning her funeral. I can assure you, it really was every parent’s worst nightmare. In case you missed it, I wrote about our story of losing Calvary here.

“Can I ask a question?” I quietly asked the room of people. Everyone nodded and assured me that there was room for each and every one of my questions, as well as Michael’s – at least the ones they had answers for. The other questions, like “Why did this happen?” only the Lord holds the answers.

“Do people do communion at funerals?” One of our pastors, Dale Shaw, who had quickly become like family after he came to visit us in the hospital the morning of June 2nd while I was beginning the labor process, answered my question. “Not typically, but I have an idea” was his reply.

And that’s when the idea of our regathering started.

The evening consisted of sharing a meal, worshipping, and remembering Calvary together, followed by a time of communion and more worship. Individuals had the opportunity to share how Calvary has impacted them, which was powerful and healing at the same time.

After hearing the personal testimonies from some of our dear friends and family, we transitioned to a time of communion, followed by more worship.

Luke 22: 19-20 “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

At the end of the evening, people could build their own bouquet as a way to support the foundation. Sarah Wong with I Do Flowers by Sarah (Website, Instagram) graciously donated the most beautiful roses for people to bring home, and because of her generosity and the generosity of others, we were able to raise over $800 for the Calvary Rose Foundation. Praise God!