Bessie D. Ezold

Funeral Service—March 1, 1991

Wollaston Church of the Nazarene

• Organ Prelude Professor Lambert Brandes
• Opening Sentences - John 11:25,26
  Invocation
• Hymn No. 49 - 123 What a Friend We Have in Jesus
• Scripture Lesson - Psalm 46
• Solo Rick Harmon
• Selections from Revelation 21 and 22
• [Solo Rick Harmon]
• Sermon - Psalm 46:1

God Our Refuge

Things people look to for refuge: Home(houses); relationships (with people); security (social and otherwise); the Psalmist reminds us gently that only God, finally, is always THERE.

God and faith were central in Bessie's life. She and Jack built their lives around the church and things of faith for many years. Many of us have a sense of loss. Also we think in terms of "useful life.:' i.e., "What did he/she do in life before he/she retired?" God thinks in terms of what we ARE before Him, and each of us is precious to Him!

Bessie trusted, but she was also fearful. It was her nature. God knows our weaknesses, even our sins. Our salvation is not a matter of perfect performance, but rather of returning to the refuge. When we do return, the Refuge is there.

So it was for Bessie. So it IS and will be for JACK (and Janice!)

GOD waits to be our Refuge. Our Shepherd. Our Teacher. Our Father. Our Friend.

Prayer - The Lord's Prayer

Hymn No. 86 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Benediction

AT THE GRAVE

Psalm 23

Committal

Forasmuch as it has pleased Almighty God to receive unto Himself the spirit of our departed sister, Bessie D. Ezold, we tenderly commit her body to the earth, in sure and certain hope of the Return of our Lord, and the Resurrection of the dead, and of the life everlasting. As we have borne the image of the earthly, so we shall bear the image of the eternal and heavenly.

Benediction
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious
unto you.
The Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon you, and
give you peace. Amen.