Personal from Ministerial and Member Services
Last Sabbath I visited both congregations that Shawn Cortelyou pastored, Elkhart and Munster, Indiana. It was apparent to me that Shawn was truly loved by the members of both congregations and that he is going to be sorely missed. They were all quite welcoming, but I could sense their concern and sadness over the very recent death of their beloved pastor.
After having an opportunity to fellowship for considerable time in both congregations after services, I joined with most of the members of the Munster congregation as we gathered at one of the members’ homes for a very enjoyable evening of extended food and fellowship. The host had mentioned to me that he just felt they all needed to be together as much as possible right now—to help comfort and strengthen one another.
I was able to spend both Friday and Saturday nights with my oldest sister and her husband who live in South Bend, Indiana. Then on Sunday I drove the five hours to the small town of La Harpe, Illinois, where Shawn had grown up. In the late afternoon, I gathered with some church members at the funeral home to reminisce on some of our thoughts and experiences with Shawn and his family, and to watch a video collage of Shawn’s life.
Those videos of one’s life are so powerful and meaningful; it is truly inspiring to consider the impact that one person can have on so many others. This was certainly true of Shawn. His personality came to life before our eyes by his numerous facial expressions that appeared throughout the video to bring joy and laughter to those he loved. Some of his hobbies and interests were displayed, and his love of family and friends was apparent. I found it quite moving and inspirational for me, personally.
Shawn’s memorial service was the next morning and the funeral home was packed with family and friends from the Church and from the community. A close personal friend and fellow pastor, Len Martin, officiated and spoke of his own personal knowledge of Shawn’s character and dedication as a true man of God.
It was good to see so much support for the Cortelyou family. There were teens and young adults who came to show their love and support for Shawn and Beth’s daughters. There were several close friends of theirs in the ministry who traveled to show their support. There were friends who attended from all the congregations served by Shawn and Beth and from the congregations where Larry and Terri serve, in addition to friends with other connections to the family. This was a classic fulfillment of the scriptures that encourage us to love and support one another at all times, but especially during the most difficult times.
After the service at the funeral home, there was a short graveside service at the local cemetery only about a mile away. It was a beautiful day, sunny and very warm for February. Most everyone stayed a full hour to fellowship even further.
Please continue to remember Shawn’s wife, Beth, and their three daughters, Megan (husband, Jake Crouse), Heather, and Emma in your prayers for the “God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3) to continue to comfort and strengthen them—likewise for Shawn’s parents, Larry and Terri Cortelyou.
