Committal service for Jackie McElyea

"We gather here today in the presence of God to lay to rest the body of our beloved Jackie. In our grief, we draw comfort from the Baptist faith and the enduring promises of Holy Scripture. We do not mourn as those who have no hope, but as those who trust in the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Scripture Readings

Job 19:25"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth."

Hosea 13:14"I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. O Death, I will be your plagues! O Grave, I will be your destruction!"

2 Timothy 4:6-8"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."

Brief Committal Homily

We can celebrate Jackie’s life in the caring for one another and sharing our fond memories with each other. We can celebrate the loss we acknowledge today because it is a stark reminder that Jackie has gained her eternal reward. And we can celebrate our Lord because He has overcome death, Hell and the grave. He is our messiah and our redeemer. He is the one who has offered to each of us the promise of being with Him and seeing those who have gone before us again. He doesn’t just offer hope, He is our Hope.

Jackie has finished the race and kept the faith. Because Jackie's Redeemer lives, the grave holds no final victory. Death has been conquered by our Lord Jesus Christ. We grieve the absence of Jackie's earthly presence, but we rejoice knowing that Jackie is now securely in the presence of the Lord, wearing a crown of righteousness."

The Committal

Forasmuch as Almighty God, in His wise providence, has called the soul of our dear sister, Jackie, from this world unto Himself, we therefore commit her body to the ground. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. He will change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.

Closing Prayer and Benediction

"Heavenly Father, we thank You for the life of Jackie and the faith that sustained her. Comfort this family with Your peace that passes all understanding. Hold them close in the days ahead.""And now, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit rest and abide with you all, both now and forevermore. Amen."