Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, shared the sad news of the passing of The Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon on Sunday, January 7:
“Through our tears and yet with hope, we share this news with our congregation: The Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon entered the more immediate presence of God today, January 7, at noon. Surrounded by his family, they shared that he was at peace as he passed. Our hearts are grieving for a pastor, a bishop, a friend and a person bigger than any words can describe him. And yet – we do not despair – knowing that the God of this life and the life to come walks in our valleys of grief, until we are welcomed home.
Today’s Moravian Daily Text reads: “Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today.” Exodus 14:13.
Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon’s Obituary
The Rev. David Bennett, president of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, shared the following:
“Friends in Christ,
It is with heavy and sorrowful hearts, that we share the passing of our brother, the Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon. Sister Melissa Johnson and I were humbled to be present at our dear brother’s passing with his family and witnessed the deep and faithful love of kinship who gathered to embrace our brother Hopeton in the dawning hours of his resurrection to play some of his favorite hymns. There was peace in the room.
In the spirit of our shared grief, we pray…..
Epiphany God of enlightenment,
In the darkest moments of life you find a way to shine hope and bring light into what is experienced as life’s most troubling moments. On this sacred day when we celebrate those who journeyed to the Christ Child, may we be mindful of what led them. A star – a light in the dark night’s sky. To follow it, one must have had to journey through the darkest of nights to find the gift of grace and peace – Emmanuel….the Christ Child….God with us.
As we mourn the loss of our dear brother, The Rt. Rev. Hopeton Clennon, may we do so clinging to the Gospel words which he spoke, the infectious smile which blessed us, the humor which reminded us to laugh at ourselves on a regular basis, the faithfulness to ministry which declared boldly that “the next generation WILL know this sacred story of Christ.” We thank you for the gift of his presence in our lives and Church.
Now, we ask that you comfort his family in their sorrow. May the comforts and promises of the Gospel bring them both grace and peace. As his life is celebrated in the days and weeks to come, may there be the gift of a renewal of faith and kinship,
In the name of whom our dear friend and brother lived, Jesus Christ, Our Chief Elder, amen.”
The Clennon family appreciates your prayers and the caring thoughts you have shared. If you would like to send a message to the family, please email that to [email protected]. A memory tribute may also be placedat www.cantelmifuneralhome.com. CLICK HERE to read the full obituary.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central Moravian Church, 73 W. Church Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 for Camp Hope (Jamaica), and the future of the elementary schools in Jamaica.
