Geroge McGovern: The Hometown Prophet
From left, Rev. Robert Ruedebusch, Monsignor James Doyle and Bishop Bruce R. Ough take part in McGovern’s funeral service. M. SPENCER GREEN / AP
“When you meet your maker and he asks, ‘Have you fed the hungry, given drink to the thirsty, and cared for the lonely?’ you can answer, ‘Yes’, Pope John XXIII to George McGovern, Director of Food for Peace, in Rome, 1962. "
SIOUX FALLS – Hundreds of people filled the Mary Sommervold Hall at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The life of Senator George McGovern was celebrated at a service at 1:oo pm on Friday, October 26, 2012.
The Reverend Robert Ruedebusch, Sioux Falls First United Methodist Church, Bishop Bruce R. Ough, Dakotas-Minnesota Area and Monsignor James Doyle officiated. Scripture included Psalm 121, Isaiah 40: 28-31, Matthew 25: 31-44; and Luke 4: 14-30.
Traditional United Methodist hymns, so loved by George McGovern echoed through the hall: “Nearer My God To Thee”, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.”
Bishop Bruce R. Ough preached the gospel based on Luke 4: 14-30 – Jesus returns to Nazareth as the hometown profit. Bishop Ough’s message commended McGovern as the hometown prophet. Here are some excerpts from the message.
“We don’t know like to be reminded of what we know is the truth. That is the role of the prophet, and that is what the senator did for our country. In his humble, profoundly courageous way he (McGovern) time and time reminds of what God requires.”
“We don’t like to play by God’s rules all of the time. This is the key to preaching and living the gospel with integrity. The Senator played by God’s Rules.”
“Well-done George. Well done good and faithful servant of the Lord. You knew what to do and you did it. “
