+ Kim Janssen +

March 16, 1962 — September 14, 2024

Committal Meditation for Kim Janssen

Text: Psalm 23; John 14:1–6

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today we gather to commit to the earth the body of Kim Janssen, born March 16, 1962, and called from this life on September 14, 2024. Though nearly a year has passed since her death, the grief is still real, and the ache of her absence still lingers, especially for her mother, Arlene, and for all who loved her.

Kim drew comfort from the words of the 23rd Psalm: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” That psalm tells us something powerful: Kim was never alone. Through the joys and struggles of her life, the Shepherd walked with her. Even in her dying, she was not abandoned. The Good Shepherd led her through the valley of the shadow of death and has brought her into the place of perfect rest.

Jesus Himself echoed this promise when He said to His disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled… In My Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14). Today we trust that Christ has prepared that place for Kim. What the psalmist described as dwelling in the house of the Lord forever is now Kim’s reality, through faith in Jesus.

So we lay Kim to rest with sorrow, but also with hope—the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life. Her Shepherd has brought her home.

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