Psalms Chapter 23
1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Can’t Seem to Find the Right Words?

Visit “Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep”: With Over 250 Sympathy Poems, Quotations And Readings For Eulogies, Funerals, Memorial Services, Condolence Letters And Finding Inner Peace, This Carefully Crafted Book Will Help You Find The Words To Express Your Grief….

Revelation Chapter 21 is also used quite often for a funeral eulogy or obituary.

Revelation Chapter 21
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Here’s a sample of resolutions for funeral services.  This one is for a Christian Sister who was a devoted Mother. It opens with a short and simple funeral poem.

It also has multiple justifications ( “whereas” statements) and demonstrates the proper way to format multiple resolutions. Although for a Mother, this resolution format can easily be an example of a church resolution of a deceased member of either gender.

Would you like to provide a special tribute to remember Mother? Give a Living Legacy with a Memorial Tree from Treegivers.com or maybe an uplifting tribute Web site from Christian Memorials. Lots of people use these as special resolutions.

We have also provided a printable form of this Church Funeral Resolution for Mother. 

Church Resolution of Respect

for

Sister Bobbie Joe Smith

 

No matter what your trials are, or how big your mountain seems;

The Lord is there to see you through; He’ll go to all extremes.

So if your cross seems hard to bear, and you know not what to do;

The One who loves you most of all will be there to see you through.

We, the members of Progressive Baptist Church, want the family to know that our hearts are with you as we gather to bid a Christian good-bye to a valiant woman, Mrs. Bobbie Joe Smith, the mother and mother-in-law of Sandra and Johnny Jones and the grandmother of Monica, Amy, Debra, and Bobby Jones who are all very active members, participants, and willing workers for Christ. 

 WHEREAS, Sister Bobbie Joe professed a hope in Christ at an early age and was an active and regular supporter of her church.

 WHEREAS, Sister Bobbie Joe was a reverent woman who loved the Lord. A very independent person who would perform any tasks and instilled in her family to follow her example. She loved her family with a gentle, yet stern combination which only she possessed.

WHEREAS, not only is this a loss of a devoted mother, but also a confident counselor and closest of friends. A person who was always available to share an encouraging word and demonstrate strong support.

WHEREAS, the passing of our beloved Sister is the will of God and there is a human tie that has been broken which bleeds the heart in agony and pain. We are encouraged and consoled in the words of Jesus who said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake them”.

 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we embrace the family because all of us have a common bond that will connect us for the rest of your lives.  We can not replace Sister Bobbie Joe, but will attempt to demonstrate her love for you.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a period of official mourning will be observed for 30 days by the setting aside of a special seat to acknowledge the passing of our precious Sister Bobbie Joe.

To the family, we know your loss is deep and your sorrow is great, but we want you to know that we share in your sorrow, but more importantly, we recognize that this loss is Heaven’s Gain. 

When it is all over, we would like you to remember:

In case there’s a time when you just need some cheer,

In case there’s a problem you would like us to hear,

In case there’s a favor you would like us to do-

We’re here if you need us to help see you through.

 

 

Humbly submitted on this 25^th day of January 2008,

The Officers and Members of the Progressive Baptist Church, Hendrix, Arkansas,

 Reverend O. W. Allen, Senior Pastor

 

A copy of this Church Resolution will be given to the Family and another copy will be recorded in the church archives.

 If the deceased or his family had a favorite poem then feel free to include that in your resolution.  If not, then below is a short list of a few of our favorites. If a poem doesn’t quite fit your, then don’t forget to consider a Bible verse.  There are many bible scriptures for funerals that you can find with a little research.

You will need a more comprehensive list if you are composing a funeral eulogy but don’t dispair you can find help.  Deliver a Great Eulogy in 6 Simple Steps…Even if You Don’t Know Where to Start …GUARANTEED (and there’s even a 30 minute option in case you’re really pushed for time)

Can’t Seem to Find the Right Words?

Visit “Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep”: With Over 250 Sympathy Poems, Quotations And Readings For Eulogies, Funerals, Memorial Services, Condolence Letters And Finding Inner Peace, This Carefully Crafted Book Will Help You Find The Words To Express Your Grief….

 Take a look and see if any of these might be the perfect fit for your church funeral resolution.

Our lives are but fine weavings that God and we prepare,

Each life become a fabric planned and fashioned in His care,

We may not always see just how the weavings intertwine,

But we must trust the Master’s hand and follow his design;

For He can view the pattern upon the upper side,

While we must look from underneath and trust in Him to guide….

Sometimes a strand of sorrow is added to His plan,

And though it’s difficult for us, we still must understand

That it’s He who fills the shuttle, It’s He who knows what’s best

So we must weave in patience and leave to Him the Rest….

Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly,

Shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why;

The dark threads are as needed in the Weaver’s skillful hand.

As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

 Here’s a funeral poem to show support for a deceased person’s family.

In case there’s a time when you just need some cheer,

In case there’s a problem you would like us to hear,

In case there’s a favor you would like us to do-

We’re here if you need us to help see you through.

Here’s one written in the voice of a deceased son speaking to his Mother to encourage her after his passing.

 Last night while I was trying to sleep,

My son’s voice I did hear

I opened my eyes and looked around,

But he did not appear.

 He said: “Mom you’ve got to listen,

You’ve got to understand

God didn’t take me from you, mom

He only took my hand.

When I called out in pain that night,

The instant that I died,

He reached down and took my hand,

And pulled me to His side.

 He pulled me up and saved me

From the misery and pain.

My body was hurt so badly inside,

I could never be the same.

 My search is really over now,

I’ve found happiness within,

All the answers to my empty dreams

And all that might have been.

 I love you all and miss you so,

And I’ll always be nearby.

My body’s gone forever,

But my spirit will never die!

 And so, you must all go on now,

Live one day at a time.

Just understand-

God did not take me from you,

He only took my hand.”

Here’s a printable form of this Simple Church Funeral Resolution.

Just fill in the blanks with the names and places and you have a simple and quick funeral resolution ready for your ceremony.
 

Want a Great Symphathy Gift? Get an appropriate gift from FlowersFast.com – Roses, Lillies, Sunflowers, Plants and Gourmet Gifts. 10% OFF Orders of $60 (Use Code: 10OffFlowers60)

Resolution of Respect

For

“Deceased Name”

 

We are in place in this world for a limited time, and with the breath of the infant begins the race to the grave. A race everyone must run.

            Whereas, in the providence of God, He has brought to a close the life of ____________________________________, the officers and members of __________________________________, in _______________________ feel that it is befitting to express their sympathy to the family of during the passing of  _____________________________.  We commend you to Him who knoweth best and will always do right.  You have our sincere prayers.

            Be it Resolved, that we bow in humble submission to Him who never makes a mistake and remind the family to be encouraged by remembering this poem.

 When I must leave you for a little while

Please do not grieve and shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to you through the years.

 But start out bravely with a gallant smile;

And for my sake and in my name

Live on and do all things the same,

 Feed not your loneliness on empty days,

But fill each waking hour in useful ways,

Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer

And I in turn will comfort you And hold you near;

 And never, never be afraid to die,

For I am waiting for you in the sky!

~Author Unknown

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be given to the family and a copy kept in the church archives..

 

Humbly Submitted on _____________________,

 

__________________________________

Official Signature/Date

 Most of the information used in a resolution can be obtained during a brief interview with the family and church members familiar with the deceased. Here is an example of the proper format to use for a church funeral resolution:

It has five main parts,

1.  Title
2. Introduction
3. WHEREAS Statements
4. Resolutions
5. Official Statement

 Title

 The Title for the Resolution is centered on the top of the page.  Something like:”Resolution of Respect for deceased name ” or “Resolution in Loving Memory of deceased name”

 Introduction

 1. The introduction usually begins with some type of acknowledgement of the deceased’s relationship to God. Such as,

a. ”Since it has pleased Almighty God to take our beloved brother/sister on to his reward where he/she will join that great cloud on witnesses in the heavens”

 b. ”There is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one whose full life was ended when he/she was called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan.”

 c. ”According to his tender mercy, God, who is infinite in his wisdom, has seen fit to move from our midst our beloved brother/sister in Christ by means of death on __________. “

 2.  Sometimes a short funeral poem or bible scripture is read.  You can find these with a little research.  Usually they are 4 -12 lines in length.  If the deceased had one that you know of then please use it.    Otherwise do a little research for some favorite funeral poems to use.  Many times the family has one that they like.

Can’t Seem to Find the Right Words?

Visit “Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep”: With Over 250 Sympathy Poems, Quotations And Readings For Eulogies, Funerals, Memorial Services, Condolence Letters And Finding Inner Peace, This Carefully Crafted Book Will Help You Find The Words To Express Your Grief….

WHEREAS statements  (“Reasons/Justifications”)

In this section, you establish the reasons or justifications for issuing the funeral resolution.  Each reason begins with a separate “Whereas”phrase.  There is no limit for the number of Whereas sections, but it should keep the overall Resolution within 1-2 pages.

 This is where significant accomplishments of the deceased are listed.  Examples include:

1.  WHEREAS, our brother accepted a hope in Christ at an early age and demonstrated throughout his life a sincere and obedient walk with God.
2.  WHEREAS, deceased’s name, was a faithful usher for over 30 years who without murmur or complaint dutifully served at his post.
3.  WHEREAS,  our beloved brother was a community leader and businessman who loved and supported his friends and neighbors.  He was an example of trustworthy and honest business.

 The Church Resolution can also reference support and encouragement for the family.  Examples include:

1.  WHEREAS,  the passing of our beloved brother has left us with a broken heart, we acknowledge and accept the will of God.  We know our hearts bleed with sorrow, but are comforted by knowing God will not put more on us than we can bear.
2.  WHEREAS,  our brother loved to sing praises and offer encouraging words to many who were downtrodden.  He will be missed but not forgotten.

Oftentimes, a favorite bible passage is used here as well.  Here’s an example of a funeral bible reading to use;

 WHEREAS, we believe the words of Jesus in John 14 that encourages us to ” Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

 If the deceased did not demonstrate a support of the church because they were too young, (such as an infant death) or not a regular church attendee (i.e. backslider), then it is appropriate to reference the family’s relationship as justification.  Examples include:

1. WHEREAS, deceased name was part of a loving and caring family who accepts the will of a soverign God in the passing of their loved one.
2.  WHEREAS, deceased name, was raised up in a God-fearing home.

  

Want to offer a unique resolution? 

How about an uplifting tribute Web site like Christian Memorials . You can get a  memorial Website with a public or private listing all with a FREE 14 day no obligation trial. They even offer a free online obituary that can be upgraded later if you just want to try it.

Resolutions

Resolutions are the actions that will be taken.  These should be clear and brief.  Remember to state what, who, when, where, and  how the actions will be taken.  These can be very specific but are commonly generic in nature. 
A separate “BE IT RESOLVED“ statement should be used for each action.  If more than one action is required,  the second or more action should begin with “Be it further Resolved”.
 Although there may be many justifications (Whereas statements), there is no requirement to have as many resolutions.  Having just one or two is okay.

 Some common examples include:

1.  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we embrace the family because all of us have a common bond that will connect us for the rest of your lives.  We can not replace Sister Bobbie Joe, but will attempt to demonstrate her love for you.
2. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a period of official mourning will be observed for 30 days by the setting aside of a special seat to acknowledge the passing of our precious Sister Bobbie Joe.

Official Proclamation

 This section is where the church officials acknowledge the resolution.  This is an important step as some resolutions over 100 years old have been discovered. 

 Often is started with a poem or bible scripture of encouragement for the family.   Customarily it ends with the phrase “Humbly submitted” or something similar.  The main officers, typically pastor, sign the resolution and a copy is given to the family with the original recorded into the church archives. 

That’s the basic format for writing a proper funeral resolution.  We have  other examples of funeral resolutions to give your some ideas.