DETROIT, MI (May 8, 2013) – A Celebration of Life service will be conducted this coming Saturday, May 11, for Larry Sherman, associate superintendent of the Great Lakes Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), who died Tuesday aboard a flight from Nashville, Tennessee, to Detroit, Michigan.
Sherman, who celebrated his 60th birthday last September, also served as director of church planting for the conference and had been meeting with Covenant churches in Nashville and in Paducah, Kentucky, over the weekend, according to conference Superintendent Garth McGrath.
Visitation will be observed from 5 to 8 p.m. this Friday at Faith Covenant Church, 35415 West 14 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
The Celebration of Life service will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Life Covenant Church, 7001 North Haggerty Road in Canton, Michigan.
“We do not know a cause of death at this time,” McGrath said, noting that a coroner met the flight when it landed in Detroit. “We do know that we have lost a great friend, a devoted man of God, and a gifted colleague who served Christ faithfully and passionately every day of his life.”
Joe Muzzi, pastor of the Shermans’ home church – Crossroads Community Church in South Lyon – and his wife, JoAnne, were caring for Larry’s wife, Debbie, as news of Larry’s passing became public Tuesday afternoon.
“Larry was resolutely committed to the mission of God in the world, which we all respect, said ECC President Gary Walter upon learning the news. “He lived a ‘God first’ life as a husband, father, friend, and colleague. Pray for Debbie, their children, and grandchildren at this time of great mourning and crying out to God.”
It is suggested that memorial gifts be designated for church planting and directed to the Great Lakes Conference office, 6900 North Haggerty Road, Suite 90, Canton, MI 48187. Memorial gifts can also be given during both the visitation and the celebration service. Debbie Sherman will oversee distribution of the gifts.
For those desiring to send flowers for the visitation, it is suggested that flowers be sent to Faith Covenant Church. A recommended local florist is Flower-Solutions located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
For those desiring to send flowers for the Celebration of Life service, it is suggested they be directed to Life Covenant Church. A recommended local florist is Keller and Stein Florist in Canton, Michigan.
Cards and messages of condolence may be mailed to the conference office or emailed to Jody Eidnes, conference office administrator, who will forward them to the family.
Editor’s note: Covenant News Service was informed of Sherman’s death early Tuesday afternoon, but after consultation with Covenant leaders and family members, elected to withhold publication of the news until today, after all family members could be personally notified.
