5.2.37b 8.7.2021 Funeral of Bruce Guthrie

Song: Drink a Beer

Song: Fishing in the Sky

Welcome & Invocation

On behalf of the family of Bruce Guthrie I welcome you to this Memorial Service.

I will begin with a Biblical reminder for these difficult circumstances—to seek the graciousness of God:

Psalm 31:9 ESV

9 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also.

Pray with me please…

Father, we know you are here with us. You are our shepherd in this dark valley. We come today to

Seek your Grace...

We come today to

Hear your voice...

We come today to

Celebrate life...

We come today to

Share pain...

We come today to

Comfort one another...

We come today to

Evaluate our own lives.

We come today to seek Grace...

In Jesus name, Amen.

Song: I wish Grandpa's Never Die

(5.2.37b 8.7.2021 Funeral of Bruce Guthrie)

Normally surprises are like a dream come true. This one is more like a nightmare come to life. You did not expect to be here today mourning the tragic loss of your husband, father, grandpa, or friend. The process of assimilating that loss is just beginning. You are still numb.

There is nothing I can say that will really turn away your grief. It is tempting for guys like me to act like we can slay those monsters in the closets of your hearts and dry the tears from your eyes. You miss him. And I'm not clever enough to make it stop hurting. Thankfully, my task is to point you to someone who can dry tears and turn nightmares into a celebration of a lost loved one.

What I can and will do during these dark moments is point you to Jesus

He is…

Light for your Darkness.

John 8:12 ESV

12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jesus is...

Rest for your Fatigue.

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.”

And Jesus, is…

Love for your Loss.

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

May the Love of God in Christ grant you rest for your wearied spirits and light throughout your darkness.

Song: I can only Imagine

Benediction

Song: I will Never Love Again