Funeral Meditation for Martha Heffelfinger

Call to Worship

Invocation

Scripture:

Meditation

Reflections: Harriet, Kristi, open mic

Benediction

Psalm 23 ESV

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.

Recognize

We are here this evening to honor God who is the Giver and Sustainer of life. We are also here to pay tribute to a precious woman, Ms. Martha Heffelfinger.

On behalf of the Central Schwenkfelder Church, deepest sympathy is extended to Martha’s son, Anthony and wife Kristi. And Martha’s grandchildren: Breeanna and Dominic; her great grandchildren: Haisley and Wrenley. And Martha’s life partner, Darlene.

Sympathy is also extended to Martha’s siblings: Karen, Denise, Pearl, Evelyn, Harriett, Richard, Michael, Burton, Joseph, Daniel and Denise.

We are here to Remember Martha and savor our experiences with her. She came from a large family; Martha was one of 15 . In addition, her mother Pearl raised a neighbor’s twins, after her tragic passing. Martha grew up very independent.

Anthony spoke about his mother as his biggest fan and supporter. When he was born, Martha said: “He can’t be mine. He’s too handsome.”

There was no shortage of love in the home. He said: “My mother loved me more than life.” She always sent Anthony a good morning text. Growing up, Anthony was Martha’s first priority.

Her personality was described as loving and loyal, gentle and kind. Hers was a gentle soul, yet strong. Martha was small in stature. She was 4’10 and just a bit over 100 lbs.

Kristi spoke of her mother-in-law in glowing terms. “She never judged me as some mothers in law tend to do. Martha never took sides in disagreements. She only offered love and support.”

Whenever there was a need in the family or someone was injured, she was the first person there. Martha loved her family.

Martha also enjoyed being outdoors. She was a hard worker. Martha enjoyed caring for her lawn or playing ball with the grandkids.

She was also an avid Phillies’ and Eagles’ fan.

Her grandchildren recall slumber parties at her house and invite their friends. One of them remarked: “Nanny was one of my best friends.” She would always say, ‘It’s not goodbye; it’s “see you later.’”

She liked to tell jokes and was a bit of a prankster. It wasn’t anything to walk into your house and find a decoration turned upside down or something out of place, just to keep you on your toes.

When asked what their mother taught them, Anthony said: “How to be patient. And how to love; how to cherish something.”

Kristi said: “Martha taught me to look at things on the bright side; to confront your challenges and take the good out of them.

She would like to be remembered as a happy person. Someone that lived life to the fullest. She taught: “don’t let the small things bother you.”

Rejoice

God is just and faithful. Psalm 23 has been a favorite of many for thousands of years. Since it was written some 3,000 years ago, its words have brought comfort to whomever looks to God for comfort and strength.

The 23rd Psalm was written by King David. Before becoming Israel’s most famous king, David tended the flocks of his father, Jesse. He protected his sheep, fed them and cared for their well-being. From his study of the Law of Moses and his life experiences, David came to know God as his loving shepherd. David understood the Lord as doing the same things for him as David did for his sheep.

With the words of this famous Psalm as our guide, let us consider the many ways in which the Lord leads a person who has yielded his life to Him. There are several verbs listed here that describe the actions of God toward His followers.

He gives us rest,

leads us,

restores us,

guides us,

blesses us with His presence,

comforts us,

feeds us- even in the presence of our enemies,

anoints us for service,

and creates an eternal dwelling for us.

These blessings are not received by everyone. They accompany the one who has followed the Lord. As Christians, we yield our lives to Jesus Christ.

Jesus referred to Himself as “the Good Shepherd,” in John 10:11. He said:"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” And Jesus would speak of the indicator of His followers when He said in verse 27: "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

With Christ as one’s shepherd, the believer does not have to live an anxious life, nor worry about what he is to eat or if he will have clothing and shelter. God takes special care of His own. Jesus said this in His “Sermon on the Mount.” He concluded that section by saying: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

This gives the believer a theology of death. There is a certain inevitability associated with death. Death entered our world for a reason. That reason is due to the presence of sin. Romans 5:12 states,

"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned….”

As a result of the Fall and our disobedience to God, humankind suffered the sentence of death.

All people die because all sin. We are told in Hebrews 9:27 that it is “…appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment….” Everyone must die and then give an account of their lives before a holy and a righteous God.

But as dismal as this situation may sound, it was for this reason that Jesus Christ came to this earth as God incarnate so many years ago. Christ died and rose again to abolish death for those who trust in Him. The believer possesses the sweet knowledge and anticipation of life after death, because Jesus arose from the dead. The Christian lives in this world knowing that his real home is not of this world.

So the Christian learns not to despise death, knowing that something better awaits him. The Apostle Paul wrestled with this when he wrote:

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.”

How do we access this gift of life after death? It is not through being a good person or adhering to a moral code. Although important, these have never been the way to eternal life. Rather, a relationship with God is found through the gifts of repentance and faith. Jesus preached at the outset of His ministry in Mark 1:14: “The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

Repentance means to turn; a change of heart and mind. It is implied in the act of confession; asking God to forgive you for your sins and offenses done to Him and to others.

The other act is faith. Faith is not just believing that there is a God, but embracing Him; following Him; becoming a disciple of Jesus. “Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” So there is urgency for all to repent of their sins and place their trust in Jesus Christ, in order to possess heaven as their home. It is a wonderful thing that God reached out to us in the gift of His Son, so we could be reconciled to Him.

Release

And, now, let us pray, that God may give each of you comfort and strength at this difficult time.

Matthew 11:28-30 states:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

This service is dedicated to the glory of God and in loving memory of Martha Stephanie Louise Heffelfinger, who was born on March 10, 1956 and passed from this life on December 18, 2024.