Good afternoon, Salaam and peace be with all of you. I know you’re going to hear these next few words often. Thank you. Thank you for coming today. To honor Justice Randy J. Holland and to show solidarity and support to his dear family. I am honored to be here because I had the good fortune of being his pastor in Milford and in Lewes. Would you pray with me?

Almighty God, Lord of Creation, look upon your people gathered here with love and kindness. Meet us in our places of need, sorrow and brokenness. Give comfort to the sorrowful, strength to the weary, and hope to the disconsolate. We thank you for your servant, Justice Randy J. Holland, and cherish every fond memory we have of him.

Lord, keep them vivid in our hearts and minds and inspire us by the example of Randy’s well-lived life as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, colleague, professor and associate justice. In the warmth of your holy presence, comfort all who grieve this day, especially his dear wife and family.

We thank you, Lord, for Randy’s remarkable life of service and for the quality of his character, the depth of his intellect and his laudable service to the people of Delaware and all humankind. May we, who celebrate his exemplary legacy, recommit ourselves to all things noble, true and just that we might usher in a more just world, and grant most gracious Lord that we may hear the call that Randy heard.

“He has shown you O mortal what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?” May we respond as Randy did, with purpose and action, to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. These things we pray with thankful hearts in your holy name. Amen.

Rev. Earle Baker was a pastor on Delmarva for 40 years. Prior to retiring, he served at  Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes, DE.
Learn more: https://www.capegazette.com/article/rev-earle-baker-set-retire-after-40-years-delmarva/200369