GRAVESIDE AND COMMITTAL SERVICE

PROCESSIONAL WORDS AS THE CASKET EXITS

Brothers and sisters, as we now accompany the body of our beloved Uncle Johnson Jarbo from this house of worship, we do so not in despair, but in faith. We walk together in solemn reverence, trusting in the promises of God and the hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ our Lord.

“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God—an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” —2 Corinthians 5:1

Let us walk in peace, knowing that Uncle Johnson’s journey does not end here. He has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he has kept the faith.

“Henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give him on that day—and not to him only, but to all who have loved His appearing.” —2 Timothy 4:7–8

As we escort him to his final resting place, we remember the words of the psalmist:

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” —Psalm 23:4

And we hold fast to the promise of Jesus:

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” —John 11:25

Let us walk in hope, in love, and in the assurance that one day, we too shall be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air—and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

“Therefore comfort one another with these words.” —1 Thessalonians 4:18

As the casket begins to move:

“Let us now commend our brother, Uncle Johnson Jarbo, to the mercy of God, our Maker and Redeemer. As we walk with him from this sanctuary, we do so in faith, trusting in the promise of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

While walking behind the casket:

“The Lord is our Shepherd; we shall not want. He makes us lie down in green pastures, He leads us beside still waters, He restores our souls. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for He is with us.”

At the church doors or threshold:

“Into Your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend Your servant, Uncle Johnson. Acknowledge, we humbly pray, a sheep of Your own fold, a lamb of Your own flock, a sinner of Your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of Your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.”

GRAVESIDE AND COMMITTAL SERVICE

Location: Final resting place of Uncle Johnson Jarbo Presiding Minister: Pastor Dr. Elijah Wreh Tone: Solemn, hopeful, and rooted in resurrection theology

1. Opening Words of Comfort

“Brothers and sisters, we gather here at this sacred ground to commit the body of our beloved Uncle Johnson Jarbo to its final resting place. Though our hearts are heavy, we stand in the light of God’s promises, knowing that death is not the end for those who believe in Christ.”

“Blessed are those who die in the Lord… for they rest from their labor, and their deeds follow them.” —Revelation 14:13

2. Scripture Reading

1 Corinthians 15:51–57

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed… For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable… Death is swallowed up in victory.”

John 14:1–3

“Let not your heart be troubled… In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.”

3. Committal Prayer

Minister: “In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we now commit the body of Uncle Johnson Jarbo to the ground—earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.”

“The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” —Job 1:21

Prayer: “Almighty God, we thank You for the life of Your servant, Uncle Johnson. We now lay his body to rest, but we entrust his soul into Your eternal care. May this ground be a place of peace until the day of resurrection. Comfort us, O Lord, with Your presence and fill us with the hope that we, too, shall rise in glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

4. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” —1 Thessalonians 5:23

Benediction: “Go in peace, walk in hope, and live in the light of Christ’s resurrection. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”