Memorial Service: D. Joe Merry

Funeral Service for D. Joe Merry

— Good morning, friends and family. Thank you for taking time to be here.

— My name is Jeff Pagel, I was Joe’s pastor for the last 6 years here at Sunnyside First Baptist

— We gather today to celebrate and honor the life of Joe Merry, a Father, cherished Elder in our church, beloved friend, brother, uncle, friend to many, and faithful Christian.

—In this time of sorrow and remembrance, let us find comfort and hope in the promises of God and the beautiful example of Joe’s life.

.

— So this morning I am going to share a scripture passage and then I have some reflections.

— Then I’ll introduce Jim Slinker, Jim also is an Elder in our church.

— He has spent considerable time with Joe, memorizing scripture, discipling, building up a great friendship.

— Jim is going to have some reflections to honor Joe.

— Immediately after our time together there will be a pot luck in the Fellowship Hall join us if you can. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring any thing to pass… come and enjoy the meal.

— As we begin let’s pray

—Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, seeking Your peace and comfort.

— We thank You for the life of Joe Merry, for the love he shared, and for his example of Faith and Faith in Action.

—As we remember them today, may Your presence be with us, bringing solace and strength. Help us to honor Joe by reflecting on their life and the example of love and friendship Joe set for us In

— Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

— Most of you here today knew Joe much better than I did… I got 6 years with him

— As with everyone, and I do mean everyone our… lives can be messy at times, we can make dum mistakes, we can turn our backs to God and do what feels good and hurt many people along the way.

— Joe was not a perfect man, none of us are.

— I met with some family members this week and they filled in some “favorites” of Joe’s

He cherished his relationship with God

He loved the Mariners

He loved his family… All of them

He loved to go fishing and often wanted to go with Vaughn.— Let me tell you about the Joe that I knew

— 33 years in law enforcement in many places in Eastern Washington, He was US Army Veteran.

— Joe was a man that didn’t shy away from the failures in his life. He used those experiences to council and help others get there own lives right with God.

— Joe was a servants, servant. He cared deeply for those around people around him. And would do anything possible or impossible for another person

— Joe was deeply committed to see that Vaughn, his brother was able to be in the best physical condition possible. Those many, many trips to Yakima for doctors, to lab for testing, to the pharmacy for prescriptions surely showed that.

— He was a prayer warrior… maintaining and praying through needs of our church family, daily.

— I could count on him to do everything that I asked with excellence, humility and with a servants heart

— For me… Joe was a good friend, he was a member of my Elder Board.

— He attended faithfully the small group that meets at our house. We would usually have a meal together before our study time… Joe’s always go-to was “bread.” I can hear him say it… “I’ve got the bread, Safeway and Walmart do a great job.”

.

— Joe was an Elder, a leader in our ministry who not only shared wisdom but shared it with a heart full of compassion.

— Joe was a friend who stood by us through every joy and sorrow, embodying the very essence of the love Jesus speaks of.

— Joe was a huge support for me at a difficult times.

— That’s the Joe that I knew and much, much more.

— I picked a scripture this morning that you usually don’t hear at a funeral… But it fits who Joe was

John 15:11–14 ESV

11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.

— Jesus speaks of a love that is profound and sacrificial—a love that is willing to give everything for the sake of another.

— That was Joe… Profound and Sacrificial love

— This is the love Jesus demonstrated on the cross, and it is the love He calls us to embody in our own lives.

— Listen to this verse and then we can talk about it a bit

John 15:13 ESV

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

— AND Joe took that command to love one another very seriously.

— There is NO GREATER BURDEN THAT JOE CARRIED THEN HAVING HIS FAMILY ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND SAVIOR AND BE BAPTIZED.

— He prayed for this often!

— And this truly said who Joe was

.

— Joe lived a life of love.

— he often spoke about the real joy and commitment to helping Vaughn be as healthy as possible

— To his friends, Betty, Jim, Nora, Cis and the members of our church and the many, many others.. He loved you, prayed for you daily.

— He loved and talked about Matthew and your family often. He loved little Hailey.

— In fact after his last visit to Texas he said that he’d be moving there to be near his Texas family.

— Joe gave of himself selflessly and genuinely.

— His actions spoke of a heart that reflected the love of Christ, one that sought to lift others, to serve, and to walk alongside those in need.

————————————————————————————

At this time, I’d like to invite Jim Slinker and then two of our Elders would like to share some of memories and tributes of Joe.

Jim!!

[Allow time for family and friends to share their memories.]

————————————————————————————

Song: ***Goodness of God***

Song: ***No Longer a Slave***

— As we end this morning I’d like to pray again

— Gracious God, we thank You for the gift of Joe’s life and for the love they brought into this world.

— We are grateful for the ways he reflected Your love and grace.

— As Joe is laid to rest, we entrust him into Your loving care God confident that he is at peace with You.

— We ask for Your comfort to surround us in our grief and Your strength to carry us through the days ahead.

— May the example of Joe’s life inspire us to live with the same love and dedication.

— Help us to honor Joe’s memory by continuing the work He began and by loving others as they loved us.

— In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

SONG: ***Amazing Grace, my chains are gone***

— As we depart from this place, may the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

— May His grace be with you, now and always!!

— Remember the family has invited us to share a meal with them in the fellowship hall immediately after the service.

— The family would love to hear any “Joe” stories that you have. Share those around the tables in the Fellowship Hall.