Brief Funeral for Barbara McAdams

Order of Service:

Call to Worship: Matthew 11:28-30

Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV) 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Invocation

Scripture: Psalm 23

Meditation

Words of Committal: “In sure and certain hope of the resurrection that comes after this life, we commend to Almighty God our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Barbara Ann McAdams, and we commit her body to the ground. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes and dust to dust. The Lord bless her and keep her; the Lord make his face to shine upon her and be gracious to her; the Lord lift up His countenance upon her and give her peace. Let us pray.”

Closing Prayer with Lord’s Prayer

Remarks

Psalm 23 has been a Psalm of comfort for many Christians throughout the ages. It was written by King David just over 3,000 years ago from his experience as a shepherd.

In it, God is everything we need and more. Of primary importance is the soul, and He provides its resting place in eternity for those who trust Him.

David’s life pointed to the coming Savior. Jesus referred to Himself as “the good shepherd” in John 10:10-11

John 10:10–11 ESV

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Life’s primary purpose is to follow Christ. But in this short time together, I will comment on Barbara’s life, who certainly believed this.

Born in 1934, at a time in history when Adolf Hitler was rising to power and the deaths of a number of gangsters, like Bonnie and Clyde, Barbara Ann Coleman came as the antithesis. She was a lady of dignity and love.

She met her husband Bob when he was serving our country in the Marine Corps as a flight instructor in Pensacola, Florida. They were married and spent the next 45 years together as best friends.

Moving many times throughout their adult life: eight different states and ten different homes, Barbara supported Bob in his career as an industrial engineer. She was a business ed teacher and paid great attention to detail.

Barbara was a superb mother, supporting her daughters: Belinda, Trish and Julie in their many clubs, organizations and sports throughout school. Barbara rarely missed a game, home or away.

Food was a ministry for Barbara and she used her incredible cooking skills to bless not only her family, but many others in the church and community.

She did not want a lot of attention, and thus this brief service. But she did want you to know that she loved you and that she loved the Lord Jesus Christ.

And if you would like to see her again, you will turn from your sin and trust Christ, as she did.

And now let us commit her to God.