Celebration of Life Service Set for Larry Sherman

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.

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Comments

  • I just heard about Larry’s passing. He was such a kind, godly man– and a great boss! It was my pleasure to serve him for a couple of years as his secretary in Carrolton. Frank and I send our thoughts and prayers to Debbie and the family.

  • Larry was instrumental in my call to ministry and I learned much from his mentoring and leadership. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t use something that he taught me or that I learned by his example. I will miss my friend. My prayer is that his influence will continue to live on through the countless people he encouraged, mentored and equipped.

  • We were so sad to hear about Larry’s death. He and his wife we very supportive of our church plant, Morning Star Church, in Middleville. Larry and Debbie both came to worship with and lately, help us through the death of our pastor, David Korsen. We now know that Dave and Larry are together again, although we will miss them greatly. Prayers to Debbie and family.

  • My heart is broken at the news of our brother’s passing. Larry was one of the reasons why Keystone Center of life came into the Covenant in 2005. He has been a friend and a constant support to me personally and to our church family. Larry was always full of new cutting edge ideas that we could pick from and use to take our church to another level. My prayers go out to his family and to the Great Lakes Conference because he was like the glue that kept many of us connected. Peace, Comfort and Blessings to the family.

  • From the historic “ice bowl” football game between South Chicago and Ravenswood Hi-Leagues back in the 70’s to wonderful times of fellowship in the Great Lakes Conference in recent years, I have always enjoyed the depth and quality of spiritual connection with Larry. There is no one who can give a bear hug like Larry and I should know cause that is my MO as well! The Covenant, Debbie, and his host of family and friends have lost the best…he will be sorely missed.

  • Larry and I met when we were both recent church planters in Carrollton, TX.

    Over several years, Larry loved me and Bethel Bible Fellowship into the Covenant Church. The man was in many ways a replica of the ECC. Since that time of about 20 years, God gave our two families and our two congregations a special bond that will last into eternity. I cannot imagine not being a part of the Covenant Church. Thanks again Larry,

    Affectionately, Willie Peterson

  • Too many of us will be looking for a new Paul. Larry was more about face time than Facebook. May we care for and encourage those entrusted to our care like Larry did for us. Before you think of texting or emailing someone, try something new… call them. Thank you, Larry, for all the calls.

  • I grew up in Michigan and served the Lansing church while Larry was serving as Associate Superintendent, and I can’t begin to tell how much he meant to the resurrection of spirit, enthusiasm, and growth in the Great Lakes Conference. He was a remarkably gifted man in growing churches. His energy, vision, and warm smile will be sorely missed.

  • Art and Ida Mae Sherman were so proud of their son , Larry. They were a great help in growing our Fellowship Covenant in the 90s.

  • Thank you, Larry for making a difference in our lives and in our church. The Lord bless you and keep you…

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