Eulogy auction

Culture & Society Forum

GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska (AP) -- The Rev. Jim Keyser promises to say nice things at your funeral -- if you're the highest bidder.

The pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church said he felt a little out of step as he tried to think of something related to his work that he could offer at Saturday's Rotary Radio Auction.

After all, people can't buy redemption, he said.

So alongside the auction's portable DVD player, the gas grill, sprinkler systems and other worldly items, Keyser is offering a eulogy.

"For an extra $50, I'll say some really nice things," Keyser said.

Keyser's offer of a eulogy for the charity auction began as tongue-in-cheek at first.

But auction co-chair Randy Blair said it took on a life of its own, so to speak.

The auction now has a package that includes a funeral urn and cremation service.

Man, I can imagine myself trying to outbid old Mrs Bartelwich who just lost her husband, for an urn and eulogy for my loved ones too.

Auctions are crazy though, you bid without really caring what you're buying. I would probably buy a Eulogy and an Urn too. I once bought a broken chair and a cracked vase at Auction

hehehe they do that to trick you. No matter how crappy the thing is, you don't want to "lose" to someone else, so you keep bidding.

I don't mean to hurt anyone's religious sentiments, but this is insane. Bidding to get nice things done at your funeral? At events and moments like these, words should come from sentiments and feelings (and courtesy), not an extra $50.

M.

I'd hope this old priest would die before me anyway...