Almost 70 Family and Friends attended a
Thanksgiving Service for "The Life and Love "of Stephen Bell on
Saturday December 2nd at Kingswinford Methodist Church in the UK.
Steve's Mother Margaret, His Sister
Janine and His Son Scott, who all attended the "Celebration of
Stephen's Life" in Saugus, were there to welcome the Guests.
In addition to his UK family, many of
Steve's old school friends, Mate's from his youth and several
members of Wolverhampton Judo Club attended. Tributes from these,
and others who could not be there, were read during the Service, and
copies of the many tributes posted on the Web Sites of AV Judo and
Judo Forum, were displayed at the Social Gathering that followed.
The Service was conducted be Rev Stuart
Davis and the tributes were read by Stephen's Step Father, David
Towner.
The highlight of a moving and memorable
occasion was undoubtedly the playing of a song, specially recorded
for the occasion, by Stephens long time friend Rue Philips who
emigrated to America with him in the 80's and now lives at Seal
Beach.
Rue's Song was titled "I Can Only
Imagine"
Stephen's Mother, Margaret, wishes to
say thank you to all the Members of AV Judo for the Love and
Friendship that you gave to her Son.
A welcome
The King of love my
Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never,
I nothing lack if I am his
And he is mine forever.
Where streams of living
water flow
My ransomed soul he leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow
With food celestial feedeth.
Perverse and foolish oft I
strayed,
But yet in love he sought me,
And on his shoulder gently laid,
And home, rejoicing, brought me.
In death’s dark vale I
fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.
Thou spread’st a table in
my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
And O what transport of delight
From thy pure chalice floweth!
And so through all the
length of days
Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
Within thy house forever.
Henry William Baker
Prayers
Readings:
Psalm 23 and 1 Corinthians 13: 4 – 13
Remembering Stephen
Prayers of thanksgiving
Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us
O’er the world’s tempestuous sea;
Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us,
For we have no help but thee,
Yet possessing every blessing
If our God our Father be.
Saviour, breathe forgiveness o’er us;
All our weakness thou dost know;
Thou didst tread this earth before us,
Thou didst feel its keenest woe;
Tempted, taunted, yet undaunted,
Through the desert thou didst go.
Spirit of our God, descending,
Fill our hearts with heavenly joy,
Love with every passion blending,
Pleasure that can never cloy;
Thus provided, pardoned, guided,
Nothing can our peace destroy.
James
Edmeston
A
blessing
We depart to the music of “Smokin’ Roadie”
The members of Stephen’s family wish to thank
you for attending this Service of Thanksgiving and for the many
comforting expressions of sympathy and cards received.
You are invited to join them, after the
service,
in the Church Hall for refreshments.
†
If you wish, you may give a donation to the
British Heart Foundation
in memory of Stephen
Service
of Thanksgiving
for the life and
love
of
Stephen Bell
28th January 1960 – 23rd
October 2006
on
Saturday 2nd
December 2006
at
Kingswinford
Methodist Church
Stream Road
commencing
4.00pm
(Hi Mr. Neely this is Cory Bell, Steve's son and I would like to know
how to post a message.(as follows))
To every one who loved and respected my father.
On behalf of Liam, William, me(Cory), I just wanted to say thank you. I
just got the courage to look at the web site and we appreciate all of
the support. We would like to say to everyone that we are holding up we
miss him much and it was a tragedy. But for my family and my brother
Liam I must stay strong. Plus, dad wasn't the type to "mope",
as he would put it. He worked hard and loved all of his students and
would love most for us to remember the great man he was and forever will
be. To all our friends at AV JUDO and in WOLVERHAMPTON, we shall see
each other again and thank you for every thing.
