Funeral freshman
In our small community of 10,000, there were two deaths over the weekend. One was Jordan Newman, a 24 year-old guy who died in a motocycle accident, after having just gotten the cycle the same day. The other was Martha Tucker, an 87 year-old woman who had been to the Newman’s home on Saturday, helping with things and who had a car wreck on the way home, killing her. Jordan was a member of First Baptist, while Mrs. Martha was a member of Journey.
Two deaths. Two families. Many friends.
After delivering the message at Mrs. Martha’s funeral today and helping serve lunch to the family at Journey (still meeting in the Wal-Mart shopping center here in Monticello), I arrived home exhausted but surreally content.
I served as a campus minister to collegians for 8 years at the University of Arkansas at Monticello before helping start Journey, and since I have been in ministry (almost 20 years!), I’ve never had to do a funeral. Before today, I was a funeral freshman. That’s highly unusual. I’ve spoken at gravesides and presented eulogies, but until today, I never was “the preacher.”
Meeting a family in the middle of their grief is a daunting task. It was not one that anyone, much less me, is ever truly prepared for. However, all day today I had the calm sense of God’s abiding presence and power. The family was deeply grateful, and I was truly moved.
I was exceptionally proud of the people of our church who brought food, helped with details, sang at the funeral, provided lunch and dropped by to visit family so often over the past few days. From what I understand, although their hearts are a little empty tonight, their fridge is full.
People – created by God – are not just earth-occupiers. They are time-bound gifts. I’m grateful for having known both of those who have stepped across spiritual thresholds this past weekend. May their lives continue to resound with vibrancy to those of us with ears to hear.
On this day...
Possibly Related Posts:
No Comments
Leave a comment
About
Notes from the Trail
The Personal Blog of Jeff Noble
Info: From the misty hills of Virginia, "Notes from the Trail" seeks to encourage you on your journey. Written by a graphic designer-pastor, this blog is a blend of humor, insight, and faith discovery.
Recent Posts
Life Shots
Feeling sweet?
Copy this number: 6058013378446529, and then reload my Starbucks card here!Lifestream
-
RT @TheFactsBook: The ancient Greeks believed that redheads would turn into vampires after they died. Eeek. Be nice to @libby_bish. [journeyguy]
-
I just became the mayor of Blacksburg Middle School on @foursquare! http://t.co/EDjfDQ81 [journeyguy]
-
Cool. http://t.co/3kqbSwYa [journeyguy]
-
RT @jackieflake: @vthoneybee, Melissa u lived as Christ, your death is gain. God thank u for sharing our sister w/us. Living well yields ... [journeyguy]
-
Praying for the@bcmvt and Cheliras families upon learning of Melissa's death from cancer today. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 [journeyguy]
Most Commented in Past Year
Social Media
re: having to do your first funeral – for some reason, (i’m sure it’s a gift) my dad is great at doing funerals. especially at non-Christian funerals. he does evangelical messages at every one which is good when this is the time when loved ones have eternity on their mind. hopefully tho, you won’t have to do much more of them