The memorial service for Kevin Thomson was sad, joyful, moving, reflective, nostalgic, encouraging, and rocking.
I saw people whom I had not seen in nearly forty years, met people whose music I have listened to for those thirty plus decades, and of course, made some new friends.
Of course, the focus was on Kevin Thomson. Speakers with personal reflections included Pastor Bob Probert, a long time friend of Kevin’s, Pastor Oden Fong, friend of Kevin and member of early Jesus music group Mustard Seed Faith, Duncan Bryan, of the Sweet Comfort Band, and Kevin’s two sons, Elijah and Joshua Thomson.
The words of Bob, Oden, and Bryan were primarily memories of Kevin as a friend. Elijah and Joshua’s words were of a dad, and I was moved to tears upon hearing them tell about growing up with him.
A wonderful video of Kevin’s life, produced by Troy Lamberth, was shown. I loved the way it started with the video of the Sweet Comfort Band at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, circa late 1970s, with Kevin preaching just before the band goes into his favorite SCB song, “Get Ready”. We got to hear Kevin doing the two things he loved most…telling of the love of Jesus, and rockin’ on his bass. The video also showed photos while the music played. Very well done video.
Bob Bennett, one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters, sang “(I Know That) My Redeemer Lives”, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. Bob is a wonderful musician, highly intelligent, soft spoken, and a gentleman.
Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa gave the message.
The Sweet Comfort Band, plus some friends, played four songs after the eulogies and Pastor Chuck’s message. Musicians were:
Drums: Kevin’s brother, Rick Thomson
Guitar and vocals: Randy Thomas
Vocals and keyboard: Bryan Duncan
Guitar: Joshua Thomson
Bass guitar: Eli Thomson
Harmonica: Darrell Mansfield
Keyboard: (sorry, I didn’t get this fellow’s name)
Songs played:
“I Love You With My Life”
“Searching For Love”
“Get Ready”
(There was one more, but for the life of me I can’t recall which song it was.)
After the service, a reception was held at Mariner’s Church, where there was food and more talk of Kevin.
I’m so glad I was able to attend. As I said in my last post, I feel like Kev was a friend I never met. Listening to so many memories of him makes me so sad I never did get to meet him face to face, but I know that I will see him in Heaven. As Pastor Chuck said, “Kev just got there ahead of us.”
I have posted several videos that people made at the service on my Facebook page.
From Bryan Duncan’s Facebook page:
“Well Kevin’s funeral is wednesday, We will sing “I love you With my Life” , “Somebody Loves You” “When I was alone”. 1pm service at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, where we played so many wonderful concerts.”
TOPIC
This is going to be a different sort of Lifespring. I owe you an explanation for the long absence, and it’ll take a while to do that, so let’s call this episode of Lifespring the State of Steve Address. I promise to try not to bore you like some presidents do with their state of the union addresses, and I hope to even inspire you with a message of hope. So hang on!
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 57:1-12 [show] Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.
I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven and save me;
he will put to shame him who tramples on me.
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!
My soul is in the midst of lions;
I lie down amid fiery beasts--
the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my way,
but they have fallen into it themselves.
My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
Awake, my glory!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
MUSIC
Artist: Helen Yousaf
CD Title Child of Mine
Song: Meets You Where You Are
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Artist: wahba
CD Title The Beautiful Effect
Song: Giver
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LINKS
Matt and Mareena’s Wedding Website
100 Best Spirituality Blogs
Kenny Metcalf Interview
Del Brixey Interview
Kathi Brixey Interview
Ok. Show of hands. Raise your hand if you are addicted to internet connectivity. Since this show is primarily downloaded from the internet, I’m going to make the assumption that most of you are fairly well internet savvy, and some of you are complete geeks, and you are connected nearly 24/7. What happens when you lose your internet connection? Do you experience withdrawal symptoms? Weight loss? Paranoia? Preoccupation?
How does this relate to God? Listen to the show to find out!
Music On Today’s Show
Steven Coy Cook…”I Think He’d Dance”
Sharon Wilbur…”Out Of Zion”
