Church Family Update - May 7, 2020

Yesterday morning it was warm and the sun was shining. There was a slight breeze and it was remarkably quiet. A few cars, not many, pulled up and parked outside the gates. We gathered (while keeping our distance) and then slowly walked together to the black car that was waiting.

The pallbearers were given instructions and each one grabbed a handle of the lovely homemade casket. It’s not possible to practice social distancing when you’re carrying a casket so they scrunched together as they carried Beth’s remains and laid the casket on the straps above the rectangular hole. 

Lyrics to a hymn were passed around. And a folded piece of paper with a picture of Beth on the front and a tribute to her on back. 

Once we were all situated around the grave, an opening prayer was prayed. Followed by words of comfort and hope from the Holy Scriptures. We were reminded that from dust we were created and to dust we return. We were also reminded that death is a defeated enemy that has lost its sting. 

But it does sting sometimes. Not for Beth. She’s at home with the Lord. But for those who are grieving their loss. 

We recited the Apostles’ Creed together as an affirmation of the faith that Beth held so dearly. And we prayed together the words of the Lord’s Prayer. Then we sang “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” And then it was quiet again for a while.

Eventually, the man from the cemetery came over and lowered her remains down to rest right above those of her beloved husband. Final goodbyes were said. Some tears were shed. And then we dispersed. 

I wandered over to my father-in-law’s stone and thought about how strange it all is. We weren’t made for this. Death wasn’t part of the original plan and every time someone dies it’s a reminder that things are not the way they’re supposed to be. It’s painful and sad. 

When we’re grieving it’s good for us to be together. So we can be reminded of God’s promise that death is not the end of the story. And so that we can celebrate the life of the loved one who passed. And so that we can sing. And so that we can experience the comfort of just being in one another's presence. It’s good to be together when we’re sad. It’s not just good; it’s part of the healing process. 

Ebenezer, yesterday should have been a day when we all gathered together to sing and cry and laugh and hug and eat buns with cheese on them and drink coffee and comfort each other. And we didn’t get to do that. 

Many of you have known Beth for decades. I’m sorry that we weren’t able to gather together to mourn and to celebrate. It’s a big loss. It makes me look forward to the day when we’ll all be back together again for worship services at Ebenezer. And it also makes me look forward to the day when we’ll all be together in the presence of the Lord. In a place where there is no more weeping or mourning or death or sad departures. Just worship. And joy. And love. Forever. 

Rest in peace Beth.

Come Lord Jesus.

I’m praying for you today Ebenezer.

Pastor Jason