Funeral Helen Black

Order of Service Helen Vacilta Black Calder New Testament Church 1pm Viewing | 2pm Service April 12th 2025 Cremation- Wednesday April 16th Memorial Funeral Home Mespo (Pastor Junior)

Procession

Welcome..............................................................................................Pastor Al Blake

Invocation...........................................................................Bishop Chesley Ferdinand

Congregational Song.....................................................................Blessed Assurance

Worship...........................................................................................Ronnie Richardson

Scripture Reading....................................Romans 8:31 - 39 – Jemalie John (Nephew)

Congregational Song................................................................It Is Well With My Soul

Scripture Reading................1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18 - Jodine Scantlebury (Niece)

Special Song.....................Calder New Testament Church of God Ladies Ministry

Tribute......................................................Asberth Williams (Nephew - Audio Tribute)

Eulogy...................................................................................Bernadine Dublin (Sister)

Special Song...........................................................Sherrika Shallow (Family Friend)

Homily..................................................................................................Pastor Al Blake

Prayer for Family..................................................................Bishop Carson Ferdinand

Recessional..............................................................................We Have An Anchor

1.  Before we begin, the family of Helen Black has respectfully requested that no photographs or videos be taken during the viewing or the service. This is a time for quiet reflection and remembrance. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in honoring their wishes."

2. We would like to share an important update regarding the arrangements for Helen Black's funeral Today. Following the church service, there will be no procession to the cemetery, as Miss Black’s/Helen’s body will be cremated in a private family ceremony next week. We invite all attendees to use this time to celebrate Miss Black’slife and legacy together. Let us honor her memory by reflecting on the joy, love, and inspiration she brought into our lives. Thank you for joining us in commemorating her remarkable/journey.

*** Special Song: COME JESUS COME!

Opening Statements:

Sentences:

“I AM the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whosoever lives and believes in me will never die.”

--- John 11:25-26 (Pastor)

“The Eternal God is my refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

– Due. 33:27                (Pastor )

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”

– II Cor. 1:3                  (Pastor )

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

– Psa. 90:12       (Pastor )   

Let me introduce myself.  My name is Al Blake in the senior Pastor of Highpoint Church located in ArnosVale where Jose and Sharma two of Miss Black’s daughters attend. Pastor Joe Dubline and his wife Pat are also dear friends in the ministry.  This church is where my wife Debbie Harry Blake came to know the Lord and was discipled by Pastor Joe and Pat as a young believer.

We are gathered here this afternoon to remember the life of Helen Black and to say farewell.  My heart goes out to her family and friends. I know that her death is like a part of you also died. I’ll like to extend a special welcome to those joining us from around the world via live stream.

So on behalf of the Church family @ Highpoint church, my wife and children.  I wish to extend our deepest sympathy and prayers for Miss Black’s/Helen’s family and friends and loved ones, as you grieve.

Invocation...........................................................................Bishop Chesley Ferdinand

Congregational Song.....................................................................Blessed Assurance

Worship...........................................................................................Ronnie Richardson

Scripture Reading....................................Romans 8:31 - 39 – Jemalie John (Nephew)

Congregational Song................................................................It Is Well With My Soul

Scripture Reading................1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18 - Jodine Scantlebury (Niece)

Special Song.....................Calder New Testament Church of God Ladies Ministry

Tribute.............................................Asberth Williams (Nephew - Audio Tribute) *Jose Black’s tribute (Daughter) *Open tribute for a person from Church and one from the community

Eulogy...................................................................................Bernadine Dublin (Sister)

Special Song...........................................................Sherrika Shallow (Family Friend)

Homily..................................................................................................Pastor Al Blake

Good afternoon, family and friends. We gather here today not only to honor the life of  Miss Helen Black one but also to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. "Miss Black was known for her helpful spirit and generous heart. Born and raised in Calder, she was a long-time Christian who dedicated her life to serving others. Many remember her tireless work ethic, rising early and working late, often selling at Tokoyo and from her tray. She was always giving and will be dearly missed."

During a recent visit to Union Island, I witnessed firsthand the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl—a storm that left unimaginable destruction in its wake. Yet, amidst the ruins, I heard a story that embodies hope and survival, a story that reminds us of the importance of finding refuge in life's storms.

As Hurricane Beryl unleashed its fury, a family on Union Island found themselves in a desperate situation. Their home was being torn apart by the relentless winds and rain. In their fear and uncertainty, they sought shelter in a small downstairs room of their house. The father held onto the door with all his strength, while the mother and children huddled together inside, listening to the chaos outside—the sound of their world being destroyed. Though their house was ultimately lost, and their possessions scattered by the storm, they survived because they had found a place of refuge.

This story is not just about physical survival; it is about faith, courage, and the power of unity in times of peril. It reminds us that even when everything seems to crumble around us, there is always hope if we can find a safe haven—a place to run when the storms come.

I suspect, many here this afternoon, are feeling a bit like that family.  A storm of life has come, you have lost a loved one, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a faithful church sister and perhaps you are asking, where do I take refuge from the pain and grief?  Where can I find comfort in the storm?  I believe the answer is found in Psalm 23. 

If you are familiar with this psalm, you probably know that it is written from the sheep’s perspective.  You can almost picture David, watching over the flocks, as he pens these words.  Though (THO) this psalm has been broken down in many ways, for the sake of our time together today, I want you to see three sources of comfort.  When the storms of life come, we have three resources available to us.

I. The Provisions from God  vs. 1b-3

Notice what David writes beginning in verse 1.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me besides still waters.  He restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This opening verse speaks to the sufficiency of God’s care. A shepherd provides for every need of the sheep—food, water, protection, and guidance. In the same way, God is portrayed as a loving caretaker who ensures that His people lack nothing essential. For those grieving, this verse reassures us that God’s presence will sustain us even when we feel empty and broken.

David continues: “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” These words paint a picture of peace and rest. Green pastures symbolize abundance and nourishment, while still waters evoke calmness and tranquility. In the midst of sorrow, this imagery reminds us that God leads us to places of renewal and peace, even when our hearts are heavy. It is an invitation to trust in His ability to bring calm to the chaos of our emotions. He does not lead us to *Alcohol * He does not lead us to drugs * He does not lead us to illicit relationships here is how it continues… The text continues and tells what he does and where he leads us…

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” this speaks to God’s healing power and guidance. Restoration here is not just physical but deeply spiritual—God mends our broken hearts and renews our spirits. Even as we walk through the valley of grief, He directs us on the right path, ensuring that we do not lose our way.

These verses offer a powerful reminder that God is our Shepherd who provides, restores, and leads us through life’s darkest moments. As we mourn the loss Miss Black/ Helen, we can find comfort in knowing that God’s care is constant and His peace is available to all who seek Him.

When the storms of life come, here is the second resource available to us.

II. The Confidence in God  vs. 4-6

As David goes on in verse 4, he tells us that confidence in God is rooted in four things.

A. God’s presence  vs. 4a

First, our confidence is rooted in God’s presence.  In verse 4 David writes,

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

I don’t know about you, but I love that. Even the in the darkest times of life, God says He is there to lift us up and see us through.

The "valley of the shadow of death" symbolizes life's most challenging and fearful experiences—times when danger, grief, or despair seem overwhelming. Yet, David affirms that even in such moments, he does not fear evil because God is with him. This highlights the profound truth that God's presence is not limited to peaceful times but extends into the darkest valleys of life.

B. God’s protection  vs. 4b

Second, our confidence is rooted in God’s protection.  David goes on to say…

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

For the sheep, the shepherd’s rod and staff were two very important tools.  The rod was really a club used to fight off attacking animals and the staff was used to guide the sheep as they moved from pasture to pasture.  What David is telling us is that when hard times come, God is there.  He protects and watches out for us.

C. God’s prize vs. 5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Here David is referring to the victory that God provides over our enemies.  To eat in front of one’s enemies was a display of victory over them.  Here David declares that even when people hurt us or attack us, God brings victory.

In ancient cultures, anointing with oil was a gesture of hospitality and blessing. For David, this act symbolizes both physical refreshment and spiritual favor. Oil was also used by shepherds to heal wounds in sheep, further tying this imagery to care and restoration. Spiritually, this anointing reflects the outpouring of God’s grace and the joy that comes from His presence. It signifies being chosen and set apart for blessings that flow directly from God’s hand.

"My cup overflows"

This phrase speaks to abundance—God’s blessings are not merely sufficient but overflowing. The cup represents life and provision, and its overflow suggests an overwhelming generosity from God. David acknowledges that God’s goodness exceeds his expectations, filling his life with more than he could ever need or imagine. For believers, this is a reminder of God’s limitless grace and mercy.

D. God’s promise  vs. 6

Finally, in verse we discover that our confidence in God is rooted in His promise.  Verse 6 says…

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

What a great promise, right?  As David considers the end of the path, He is confident that he will be with the Lord forever.  Isn’t that what we all want?  To know that when this life ends, we end up with the Lord?

Goodness and Mercy

The phrase "goodness and mercy" highlights the dual nature of God’s loving care..

All the Days of My Life

This statement emphasizes the continuous nature of God’s faithfulness.

Dwell in the House of the Lord Forever

The promise to "dwell in the house of the Lord forever" signifies eternal life in God’s presence. It is a vision of unending fellowship and communion with Him. III. The Relationship with God  vs. 1a

Great sources of comfort, aren’t they?  1. Provisions from God and 2. confidence in God? But there is something you absolutely have to know.  These great sources of comfort can only be obtained through the third source of comfort, a relationship with God. 

I skipped over the first few words of this psalm, but let me remind you of them now.  In verse 1 we read…

The Lord is my shepherd…

God’s care and comfort only comes to those who belong to the Shepherd.  The Bible is very clear, when it comes to having a relationship with God we have a big problem.  The Bible says that we are separated from God, unable to know God, because of our sin.  In fact, worse than that, our sin even condemns us to God’s judgment for all eternity.  And because we are sinners, there is absolutely nothing we can do, in and of ourselves, to have the penalty of sin removed. 

But here’s the good news, God did something for us.  He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sin, and if we will admit to Him that we are sinners and embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior, He will forgive our sin and bring us into a relationship with Him.  More than that, He will be our shepherd, seeing us through the storms of life and taking us to be with Him in heaven one day.

This afternoon, if you don’t know the Shepherd, I would invite you to cry out to Him for forgiveness.  If you do you will receive the comfort and care that only the Shepherd can provide.

Prayer of salvation – God, I’m calling out to you mightily to say . . .

I believe – I believe you, I believe your Word, and I believe in your Son, Jesus

  That he died in my place for my sins . . .

And rose again to guarantee my life forever – thank you; I believe

 Please forgive me of my sins –I’m done living my way

  I commit to live for you from now on, in the strength you provide

 Come into my life, save me and fill me with your love – I want it, and I need it. In Jesus name

Pastoral Prayer:                                                             

Thank you for hope in the face of death

Thank you for Miss Black’s/Helen’s life – a life well-lived

For the example of her humility, commitment, work ethic, faith

Help us to bring closure to our goodbye’s

To find comfort in the support of friends and family

To know the peace of your presence and goodness

You give and you take away – blessed be your name

Prayer for Family..................................................................Bishop Carson Ferdinand

Recessional..............................................................................We Have An Anchor

We would like to share an important update regarding the arrangements for Helen Black's funeral today. As mentioned earlier. following this church service, there will be no procession to the cemetery, as miss Black’s Helen’s body will be cremated in a private family ceremony next week.  Thank you and God bless you.