Funeral Service for George Johnson - Wednesday 16th at 10:30am 

Entrance music: Great is Thy Faithfulness (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74UM7-H4pTI)

Welcome and Prayers

We are gathered today to remember the life of George Johnson, who has sadly passed away. In coming together, we also lay to rest George, knowing that his Spirit is already enjoying the reward of Heaven. It is always difficult to say goodbye to a loved one, even more so in this difficult time we all face. I know that not many have been able to join us today, but I also know that many are praying for you as I speak. George was much loved, and when the circumstances allow, I know that many will attend his thanksgiving service! Let us begin by praying to our Heavenly Father!

Father, we are joined together today in a moment of deep sadness. We are hurting, knowing that George is no longer with us. Father, we pray that you comfort Eileen, remind her that George is with you now. We pray that you help and uphold the entire family. Help them in this time of sorrow. Remind them of the many happy moments they had with George and bring them comfort at this time. Father, help them make sense of this loss, help them not be afraid and we pray that their memories will be of the loving and joyous character that George was. We thank you, that you are faithful to your promise and that George is now with you in Glory. I, along with all the church at Lincoln Baptist, praise you for the many years that George loved you and honoured you with his life. We pray this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Reflections by the family 

Moment of quiet reflection

Reading – Psalm 100

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”

Prayer

Reflections 

In preparation for our time together today, Eileen passed me a note of verses that were highlighted in George’s Bible, having looked through them, the very last one noted stood out at me. Let me read it for you: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practise these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

When I think upon George, I have some fond memories. After each church service, he would be in a rush to come over and tell me how much he enjoyed the service. After each achievement in life, he would share a few encouraging words. And even when everything seemed to go wrong, there was George, smiling away, knowing that somehow, all would be fine in the end. Yet as I ponder over these verses in Philippians, I realise that there was more to George than just a cheeky smile, the encouraging word, and the occasional telling off, which only George could get away with. You see, George was the reflection of these words. 

He was known for his rejoicing, he was known as someone that trusted the Lord completely, and simply asked those around him to pray, that the Lord would be glorified. He was known as one who was at peace in life. A few hours before George passed away, I sat with him. He seemed a little anxious, and so I read from the Bible and prayed with him. After saying Amen, George smiled, took a few minutes, and then said I could go and see Eileen. The Word of God, and Prayer, was the peace that passed all understanding for George. 

Yet it is verse 8 that truly reflects George, whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Now don’t get me wrong, George had issues, just like we all do. Yet he practiced each one of these characteristics. How was it possible, for someone who had lived many years, who was suffering from various medical needs, and who knew his days were numbered, to be so resolute in practicing such characteristics? Well, to use a phrase that George often encouraged me to use – it was in the name of Jesus that it was possible! 

George new with great confidence the promises of Romans 8:38-39 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” As I look at the life of George, I see a life that reflected the love he had received from Jesus. I see a life that encouraged, spurred on, and inspired others. I see a life that was faithful in reflecting Godly characteristics. Finally, I see a life that is possible for each one of us. Each of us can know the love of Jesus, each of us can know with confidence the promises of God. How do I know that? The life of George proves it! Before the final committal, let us pray once more! 

Committal (Please Stand)

Scripture tells us: 

We brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (1 Tim 6:7; Job 1:21 

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (Jn 3:16)

We have entrusted George to God’s mercy and compassion, and we now commit his body, as Adam was created from the Dust, so we commit George ashes to ashes. Yet we know, through Jesus, the Spirit of George is now with His Lord. We acknowledge the Lord God to be the creator and sustainer of all things, the one who holds our life both in this world and in the world to come in his hands, and the one who offers the gift of eternal life to all who will receive it. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Farewell (please take a seat)

As we leave today, we will hear the old Hymn, To God be the Glory. Once lost, George is now found for eternity. It is in this; we praise God and give Him the Glory. Please take as long as you need, to sit and be in stillness. May God’s Grace, Peace and Mercy be with you all! 

Exit music: To God be the Glory (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CeBoSQsBR0)