Memorial Service for an Elder

[Craig Laughlin]

Saturday I am doing the memorial service for the man who was my second pastor. (I was like 6 months old) When I came to Marysville I became his pastor. All his life he poured himself into ministry. He really didn't have much of a life beyond that. He had extraordinary "pastoral" gifts for loving on people and being loved by them. His entire career was in smaller churches and several of them were bi-vocational. After retiring he and his wife had so little that they lived the last 20 years of their lives with their daughter.

This is a man that literally gave everything he had to serve God and his Kingdom and did so in the lowliest places counting it great privilege. This is the first time I have done an Elder's memorial service and it seems to me like there should be a special honor for his and his families profound sacrifice for the church. I am going to focus on Rev. 14:13 - ... for their deeds follow them and 1 Cor. 3:5-12 which talks about testing the things we build in this life. My bottom line message is that he lived his life investing in the life to come and now his real reward is in heaven.

What do you think? - What are your thoughts about services for Elders who pour their lives out like this. What is it important for me to say?

You have until Friday night! - okay, I have until Friday night but maybe what we write could help us all at some point.

[Wes Smith]

Craig,

Anyone I would know?

Friend,

Wes

[Craig Laughlin]

Craig,

Anyone I would know?

Friend,

Wes

Bill Edgbert. Debbie's father.

[Jon Bemis]

I did the funeral for an elder earlier this year and used Philippians 2:1-13 which speaks of imitating Christ's humility. My approach was "Reflecting on a Life Well Lived" and I spoke regarding the man's legacy and how it was a witness to each of those who knew him.

[Wes Smith]

I did not know Bill, but, of course, think the world of Debbie. Quite likely this apple didn't fall far from the tree. Debbie sure has made a life of giving, and, influencing people for Christ and the Kingdom!

Friend,

Wes

[Jon Twitchell]

You might consider some of these "race" references... particular the 2 Timothy reference that talks about "being poured out"

2 Timothy 4:6-8
Acts 20:24
I Corinthians 9:24-27
Hebrews 12:1-3

[John Reilly]

Craig, I count it a precious honor to officiate at the home going celebration of an elder. I call for the elders of the district to assembly for an elders choir and they sing "Holiness Unto the Lord" and "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" and whatever favorite hymns might be. My message focuses on "The Victory of a Holy Life" using Psalm 116, (The King's Psalm) and I emphasize entire sanctification using the life experiences of the elder as real life illustrations of holiness lived out. A Celebration of Life Service is opportunity for us to illustrate that Living a Holy Life is actually possible.

[Jim Franklin]

Craig, your discription of this elder's ministry sounds very much like my dad's I think his churches averaged around 25 to 40 in attendance but a couple were over 100.

[Bill Evans]

My mother's funeral (she was the wife of an elder much like the one b eing described) was highlighted by a statement at the graveside. The officiant advised the family to look for continued answers to our mother's prayers. It has proven true for my family and it might be true for the one Craig is performing for.

[Dennis M. Scott]

Praying for you this morning.