Graveside Commital

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks

"Good [morning/afternoon], and thank you all for being here today to honor and remember the life of [John]. We gather with heavy hearts, but we also come together to celebrate the impact [he/she/they] had on each of us. Today, we acknowledge the sorrow of loss while finding comfort in each other’s presence and in the promises of God.

It’s my privilege to lead this time of reflection as we say goodbye, remember, and find hope beyond this moment. Let us now turn our thoughts and hearts toward God, who comforts us in our grief and gives us strength."

2. Scripture Reading

Psalm 23, “A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

3. Committal

For as much as it has pleased our Heavenly Father in His wise providence to take unto Himself our beloved [Lillian] , we therefore commit her body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God in our Savior Jesus Christ who shall change the body of our humiliation, and fashion it anew, in the likeness of His own body of glory, according to the working of His mighty power.

4. Closing Scripture or Benediction

Numbers 6:24–26“24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” ,

5. Final Prayer and Dismissal

I pray for this family's peace, as they trust in you through this time.  But I also pray that this moment is not wasted.  That moment is used to bring us closer to you, a loving and holy God.  In this moment remind us of your love, your love for [John], and that you are a God who can meet our greatest needs.

Amen