Heritage Presbyterian Church, November 19, 2005
Meditation by Reverend Bill Teng
Scripture: John 15:1-11

Memorial Service for John "Jack" Chauncey Adamson

"Connected To The Vine"

Lord, you are our shepherd. In times of pain and confusion and loss, you restore our souls. Even though we walk today through the valley of the shadow of death, we know that you are with us. Your shepherd's rod and staff - they comfort us. We pray that you will continue to give us peace, and the assurance that our dear friend is now dwelling in your eternal home. In the name of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, we pray. Amen.

One of recurring theme that we hear this morning has to do with Jack's faith in God — not only when things were going well for him, but especially when things didn't go too well in the last two years!

The writer Annie Dillard tells the story of a moth she once observed circling the flame of a candle. The moth loved the light so much that it circled closer and closer until it actually caught fire. It fell onto the top of the candle and burned to death, flaming brightly as it died.

Then the most amazing thing happened. The moth's body began to draw wax out of the candle, and it became a second wick for the candle's flame. In death, the moth became part of the light it loved so much. Annie Dillard reports that it burned all night, giving light to the room.

There are certain people we encounter in the church and in the world who are like this moth. They love Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. They love this light so much that they spend their lives circling it. When they die, they become part of this light, and even in death they share this light with others.

Jack was one of these people. He loved the Lord, and served him faithfully in this congregation. As a devoted elder in the church, Jack gave of himself without reservation. He demanded nothing of the church except that it be a place where he could encounter his God. He circled the light, and now, even in death, he shares the light with others. There was so much about his life that will continue to inspire those of us who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a man who followed the commandment of Jesus to "let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Jack will be remembered, with thanksgiving, in many ways. As a man who cared deeply about people: his family, his coworkers, his friends, his neighbors, his fellow church members. He was a considerate person, always concerned about other people's feelings. One example was that when his oldest son, John, was about four, he asked his great aunt in front of everybody why her hair was blue. It wasn't a bright blue, just the blue hue you see from time to time. She asked John back, "Why? Is my hair really blue?" Jack jumped in and said, "No! It's not blue at all. It looks very nice." John jumped back in and said, "Oh yes, it certainly is blue!" After that Jack picked him up and carried him out of the room and they had a talk about how well John knew his colors, but then "we don't need to share our knowledge with everyone!"

Jack was also a hard worker: in the Navy, later with Booz Allen Hamilton, in this congregation, in various Bible study groups. He was an avid hunter — in fact he, Sandy and Admiral Christensen had planned to go hunting tomorrow, the first day of deer season. He was the light of every party, or not — for he would fall asleep at every dinner party. I understand that on one of the fishing trips with his office, he fell asleep in his chair on the deck, and his coworkers took turns having their pictures taken with him and their catch while he slept.

Jack was also a man who thought for himself: It was impossible to predict where he would stand on any given issue. He looked at problems squarely, and made up his own mind about where he stood. Sometimes he would sound more liberal or more conservative; about all you could predict was that Jack would take a thoughtful stand, a stand that he believed in. We should thank God for the special qualities that he had, qualities that touched our lives in so many ways.

Of course, these expressions of gratitude don't make Jack's death any easier to accept. The loss is real, the pain is intense, and a sense of emptiness will always remain. But we can gain comfort from the knowledge that Jack had faith; as much as anything else, he was a man of deep and abiding faith. He believed strongly in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and as fellow Christians we can share his belief that we have been given victory over death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Many of you know that a passion that Jack had developed later in life was his interest in the vinery: things that he had learnt on his own how to run a vineyard is much more than I will ever know how to describe. And I don't doubt that it might have to do with Jesus' statement that he is the "true vine," and God, "the vinegrower," in John 15; and Jack somehow saw the connection between that and his faith in God.

The reason for that is Jesus is the "true vine" — the only source of spiritual life. We all know branches that are lying on the ground cannot bear fruit because they have no vital connection to the vine. In the same way, if we want to be alive spiritually and have the opportunity to bear spiritual fruit, we need to establish an authentic union with Jesus Christ.

This union is a personal relationship. Many people think a relationship with God is like a relationship with the IRS: We discharge responsibilities, and hope that maybe we will receive some benefits in return — but it is impersonal and distant. But God is a Person, and he wants to establish a personal relationship with each of us. Because he is infinite, he can relate to each one of us on a deeply personal level. It isn't difficult to establish this relationship because Jesus has paid a great price so that we may know him as a free gift. All you have to do is receive Christ (John 1:12).

Before Jesus said these words in chapter 15, he said in chapter 14, "Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" I have no doubt that Jack believed these words with all his heart, because he showed in word and deed that he trusted God completely. He experienced every day as a gift, especially as his health began to fail, and he felt the Lord's presence in a special way. Like the writer of the 23rd Psalm, he walked through the valley of the shadow of death, but feared no evil. He knew that God was with him, preparing a table before him, and eventually making ready a room in his heavenly house. I truly believe the reason that Jack was able to have his strong faith was because he was attached firmly to the "true vine," Jesus Christ himself, with God as the "vinegrower."

Jack lived his life fully, as a family man, an officer and a gentleman, a leader, a Christian. He circled Christ's light, and even now he shares the light with others. May our faith be strengthened by the example of Jack's faith, and may we be comforted in our sorrow by the promises of the Lord he loved and trusted so much. Goodness and mercy followed Jack all the days of his life, and we can believe that he is now dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.

In less than a week's time, we'll be celebrating our National Day of Thanksgiving, and one of the all-time favorite Thanksgiving hymns is "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come." On first reading the text, one may think that it's all about thanking God's bounty to us, but upon closer examination, you'd notice that it has much more to do with preparing ourselves to be gathered as God's people than merely gathering harvest. As we give thanks to God for Jack's life in how he had blessed all of us through him, let us also prepare ourselves to be gathered some day by God as his people!

Let us pray:

God of light and love, we praise you that Jack did not hide his light under a bushel. He let his light shine before others, so that they could see his good works and give glory to you. We thank you for his leadership in the church, his concern for others, his hard work, his good disposition in life and his thoughtfulness.

Although we mourn his death, we are grateful that his pain is now ended, and he has entered the heavenly place prepared for him. May we follow Jack's lead in trusting you completely, and in believing that we are given victory over death through our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray all of this in Christ's holy name. Amen.

Comments by Andrew Chauncey Tabb Adamson

I've been reading your letters and emails as they've been coming in and I've appreciated them all. It's nice to know that my father was loved by so many. It makes me feel lucky because he was my father and I got to spend a lot of time with him.

My father tried to make the most of the day that was presented to him. Not that everyday was a carnival but that he tried to appreciate everyday even boring and bad days. He tried to take advantage of the opportunities around him. Being a military family we moved a lot and at every duty station he would take advantage of the locale. Of course it didn't hurt that of all his assignments one was in Hawaii and another in Key West. But even in less exotic locales like Northern VA, we went fishing on the Chesapeake, drove through the Shenandoah in the fall, cooked blue crabs, and took in the sights of DC.

Cancer is a tough disease and in Jack's case good news was hard to come by. He lived life to the fullest while every two months receiving a cat scan that literally illustrated the degeneration of his health. But he seemed to take everything in stride always couching the latest series of bad news as something that the doctors didn't like, as if they were quacks who were predisposed to being negative.

He would stop at the doctor's office, get his update, and move on with business as usual. I think this is what touched so many during his fight. Not that he was a super hero, but that he was normal and conducted a normal life in the midst of terminal illness.

He researched and participated in experimental studies, he even sought out alternative and quaky therapies and after this work he'd go back to normal life. He was living life, and making perhaps the most important plans: he needed to spray for Japanese beetles, he had to draw up plans for his new shed, and he had to get the tree stand ready for hunting season.

Many of you have told me that you'll miss my father's sage counsel. As I've been sharing your messages and comments with my mother she said she was hearing the same thing. I'd have to agree, in fact this is probably the thing I'll miss the most about my father. I sought his advice all my life. Every once in awhile when I was younger we'd linger at the dinner table discussing various topics. Everything under the sun was allowed: engineering, cars, work, religion. Occasionally we'd remain there for an hour or longer making sure we'd fully exhausted all angles of a topic.

In the last few months when my dad was slowing down (for the rest of us that'd be coming down to a normal pace) he was a captive audience. And knowing his grave situation I tried to think of all the questions I had for him, I even tried to think of questions I'd have in the future.

I think the thing that put the sage in my father's counsel was that he knew when to say, "I don't know." Or he knew when to let me make my own decision. For these tough decisions he'd help me size up the pros and the cons, and he helped me consider the outcomes of the choices I would make. Which is what one would hope of a parent: to give the tools of success to the child so he can make his way in the world.

His advice was just one thing my father shared with me, and certainly there are many more things. These are the things that I consider my Father's wealth. My father was a rich man. And I'm talking about true wealth here, the stuff that remains long after we're gone.

My brothers and I didn't have to worry about material wealth while growing up. And if there was a concern about money my parents were suave enough to keep it from us. And while this was nice we were always taught that money is not all important and that friends, family and God were where true wealth resides. We had treasure like the anonymous neighbor that shoveled the driveway, the faithful friends who made us dinner, who stayed with us, who visited us, who prayed for us, who sent their cards, their love and their thoughts. I think about wealth because today because I am poorer for not having my father here, and I am sad for you all who will miss my father and the role he played in your lives. But here in this sanctuary is Jack's wealth. Each other, the things he's shared with us, the jokes, the friendship, the prayers . . . his sage counsel.

And speaking of treasure, I'd like to thank an individual and one of my Father's true gems: My mother, Tina Adamson. I must be honest and say that we were a little worried about her in the early stages of this battle. But during the most intimidating and demanding parts she was a rallying point for the people closest to Jack. During his emergency hospitalization she was cracking jokes and taking care of business, she carried our flag while we trembled on the sidelines. And during his final decline she was able to care for him at home which was one of his 5 wishes. With a smile and a joke that always made us laugh during dreadful situations. I'd like to thank her for her strength during the toughest times. Thanks Mom.

My father has left us all with many gifts, true wealth. I know that my Dad is free from suffering, I know he is in a better place, I know he has been called home. It's because I'm deprived of my father and all the things he does that makes me sad.

My Father was a treasure, but he left behind great treasure in all of you. Thank you all for your kind support over the last few years, and especially in the last week. My family is touched, thank you.

Comments by Captain Sandy Clark

Faith: Losing the Battle but Winning the War

This was the public side of Jack we all knew and loved and respected...leader and patriot, Modest, humble, caring family man.

I want to tell you stories too...

-- About a man's man who loved everything having to do with nature and the outdoors.

-- About two beginning skiers, tackling the fabled Siberian Chutes at Schweitzer Mountain- a VERY bad idea, born of the erroneous notion that we could measure the steepness of the slope from the comfort of a distant chairlift.

-- About taking our sons duck hunting in the freezing North Idaho rain - and calling it fun.

-- About the annual rituals of hunting for White tail deer in Page County Virginia - where today, not coincidentally, is opening day.

-- About a man who appreciated a good story, who liked good cabernet and quality gin martini (but not on the same night because he'd sleep through dessert).

But these will have to wait.

Because, at his request, I promised Jack about 2 months ago that on this occasion, I'd share with you a message of Hope and some very private, very personal, and yet critical thoughts, which might come under the heading of: "Faith: Losing the Battle but Winning the War."

When two men hunt, and fish and ski, and share sea stories together, sooner or later the subject of God and faith and 'What's Next,' comes up. For the two of us, this conversation occurred in 1989 - over lunch in Pentagon City, when we discovered we shared the same abiding faith in God.

Of all the things we ever talked about, this is the subject we always came back to and is what cemented our lasting friendship.

Over the years, we talked a lot about life issues. Very personal things - important things - eternal things - that one only discusses with the absolute confidence of knowing the other person very well. Jack was a great listener for me, for which I'll always be grateful.

As I watched him deal with some of life's more challenging episodes, I learned first hand that Jack's every move was dictated by prayer and petition to God, who is of course in control of everything.

When he got sick, Jack naturally became more focused and purposeful in his Faith. And near the end, he said he wanted me to share with you some of his thoughts in the hope that what he knew to be true would resonate with some of you.

So, I figure that rather than paraphrase his thoughts or merely characterize his most strongly held beliefs, I'll share some things Jack himself wrote about 6 months ago.

These are Jack's very words. And his message to each of us is unmistakable and unambiguous:

Quote

"For those of you who are Christian believers, I hope to stimulate your thinking about the nature of faith, and bolster your confidence in the reality and power of your own faith. For those of you who are not yet believers, I hope I can arouse your curiosity about this good and personal God that we Christians claim to serve and that your curiosity will lead you to make an objective assessment of the truth claims of Christianity."

Sound like Jack? I could never be that eloquent. In his essay he mentioned the process of being diagnosed with Cancer and the ordeal of having his operation in 2003.

Quote

"What do you do when faced with such circumstances? If you're a Christian and thinking correctly you turn to the basics—prayer and God's word. Fortunately, for once, I was thinking correctly. The bible passage I clung to then (and still do) is Philippians 4:5b-7."

"The Lord is near. Don't be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Then, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus."

He said later, that from the morning of the operation in 2003, and every day thereafter for the rest of his life, he knew his life had changed...but that he had 'peace.'

Quote

"I can't understand or explain this peace, I can just tell you that it's real and that it's the result of my faith in God. I must tell you that at the beginning, when I first learned that I had cancer, I was afraid that the faith that I had proclaimed during my 30 years as a Christian would be crushed under the weight of this crisis. That it would turn out not to be real. That these ominous circumstances would reveal that I had only been nurturing an illusion that I called faith. Obviously this didn't happen. The crisis I faced confirmed the reality of my faith, and made it stronger."

So, What IS this FAITH that Jack talked about?

One of the definitions of faith from the Bible is "...faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb 11:1) Christian faith is based on evidence. It is not, as some say, a blind faith.

Jack's favorite definition was "Faith is a channel of living trust between man and God." And when you trust God, you are trusting in all his attributes such as love, mercy, goodness, power, sovereignty, and knowledge.

Jack trusted God with all his heart and all his mind and with all his soul. And anyone who was with him over the past 24 months and saw his confidence, his optimism, and his personal strength, knows this Faith.

Over the years and especially in the past 2 years, Jack and I talked a lot about two very important things:

• God's will — that He is sovereign and that he does everything for good. As he once told me, "Look. The mortality rate for Humans is 100 percent. We're all leaving this earth. It's a question of where we end up."
• Eternal Life — that it's the fulfillment of God's promise that by having Faith in Him, through believing in Christ, we are saved, set aside, singled out by God in a positive, life-GIVING way.

Finally, and to put things in a modern (military) context that we all understand, when it comes to winning battles in life we're not afraid to throw as much money, men, machines, technology as needed to accomplish our mission. But what if someone ELSE could pay that price for us - free of charge...someone ELSE bought the tanks and planes, and someone ELSE's men and women were going into battle and shedding their blood on our behalf to defeat the enemy...Would we accept it? We'd be crazy not to.

Yet, as Jack said, in the most important battle each of us faces --

what happens at the end of our days, -- eternal life or not,

the ransom HAS been paid, the ticket HAS been punched and there's someone who IS willing to do all the work on our behalf...Jesus Christ, son of God. All we have to do is accept His offer by having the Faith that Jack described:

-- Faith in God, faith in his Son and what he did for us on that cross 2,000 years ago.

Andrew forwarded a final quote from Jack that I want to share with you: When asked how he wanted to be remembered, he said:

"As a man who put his life completely in God's hands and trusted God's plan for his life, (and) whatever outcome God, in his sovereignty, ordained."

And now Jack's gone. He has faced what every human ultimately does. The bad news is that Jack has lost his BATTLE with Cancer. But the GREAT news is, he won that war with life thanks to his unshakable faith in God and the good news of Salvation. He has won that great battle and is with our Heavenly Father - right now.

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