Service Folder Verses

or your convenience, we are pleased to F provide this selection of poems, scriptures and other writings that you may find suitable for inclusion in a service folder. Please advise your funeral director if you would like to use one of those found here or if you have another passage you prefer. Should you require assistance, your funeral director may be able to suggest certain verses that may be particularly suitable for your needs. Service Folder Verses

1) THE ROSE BEYOND THE WALL 3) Grant me the quietness to see (from the writings of A.L. Frank) in the things of the world, however small or large, Near shady wall a rose once grew, however violent or calm, Budded and blossomed in God’s free light, the grace and blessedness Watered and fed by morning dew, of Your design. Shedding its sweetness day and night. As it grew and blossomed fair and tall, 4) “They shall not grow old, Slowly rising to loftier height, as we that are left grow old. It came to a crevice in the wall Age shall not weary them, Through which there shone a beam of light. nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun, Onward it crept with added strength and in the morning. With never a thought of fear of pride, We will remember them.” It followed the light through the crevice’s length And unfolded itself on the other side. Lord God of hosts, be with us yet, The light, the dew, the broadening view Lest we forget, lest we forget. Were found the same as they were before, And it lost itself in beauties new, 5) The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and Breathing its fragrance more and more. there shall no torment touch them. Shall claim of death cause us to grieve In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die; and their And make our courage faint and fall? departure is taken for misery. Nay! Let us faith and hope receive- And their going from us to be utter destruction: but they The rose still grows beyond the wall, are in peace. For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is Scattering fragrance far and wide their hope full of immortality. Just as it did in days of yore, And having been a little chastened, they shall be greatly Just as it did on the other side, rewarded: for God proved them, and Just as it will for evermore. found them worthy for Himself. 2) ALL IS WELL 6) Christ’s presence is here among us. Death is nothing at all He reaches down His consoling hand I have only slipped away into the next room He is here beside us. But, most of all, I am I and you are you He wants us to know that He has not Whatever we are to each other taken our loved one. He has given back the That we still are fullness of life promised...and one day, Call me by my old familiar name He will give our loved one back to us. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used Dying, you destroyed our death, Put no difference into your tone Rising, you restored our life. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow 7) A LITTLE STEP AWAY Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes To close the eye, to fall asleep, we enjoyed together To draw a laboured breath, Play, smile, think of me, pray for me To find release from daily cares Let my name be ever the household word In what we know as death... that it always was Is this the crowning of a life, Let it be spoken without effect The aim or end thereof? Without the trace of a shadow on it The totaled sum of consciousness, Life means all that it ever meant The ripened fruit of love? It is the same as it ever was It cannot be, for works of God There is absolutely unbroken continuity Are wrought for nobler ends, Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? And those away continue on I am but waiting for you In hearts of kind and friends. For an interval It cannot be, for they live on Somewhere very near A little step away. Just around the corner The soul, the everlasting life, All is well Has found a better day... O.J. Hanson Service Folder Verses

8) CROSSING THE BAR 11) FOOTPRINTS Sunset and evening star, One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was And one clear call for me! walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the And may there be no moaning of the bar sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, When I put out to sea. he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one But such a tide as moving seems asleep, belonging to him, and the other to the Lord. Too full for sound or foam, When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he When that which drew from out looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed the boundless deep that many times along the path of his life there was only Turns again home. one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened Twilight and evening bell, at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. And after that the dark! This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord And may there be no sadness of farewell about it. “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow When I embark. you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed For though from out our bourne that during the most troublesome times in my life, of time and place there is only one set of footprints, I don’t understand The flood may bear me far, why when I needed you most you would leave me.” I hope to see my pilot face to face The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child, I When I have crossed the bar... love you and I would never leave you. During your Alfred Tennyson times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” 9) To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. 12) O gentlest Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and Sacrament, ever consumed with burning a time to pluck up that which is planted; love for the poor captive souls. Have mercy A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, on the soul of Thy departed servant. and a time to build up; Be not severe in Thy judgement but let some drops A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, of Thy Precious Blood fall upon the devouring and a time to dance; flames, and do Thou O merciful Saviour send A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones Thy angels to conduct Thy departed servant to a together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen. embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a May the souls of the faithful departed, through time to cast away; the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. A time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, 13) Lord, welcome into your presence those whom you and a time to speak; have called from this life. Release them from all their A time to love, and a time to hate; a sins, Bless them with eternal refreshment, light and time of war, and a time of peace. peace. Raise them up to live for ever with all your saints ECCLESIASTES 3: 1-8 in glory of the resurrection. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 10) THE 23RD PSALM HAPPY ARE THOSE WHO HAVE DIED IN THE The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. LORD, LET THEM REST FROM He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; THEIR LABOURS FOR THEIR GOOD he leadeth me beside still waters. DEEDS GO WITH THEM. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 14) O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of faithful, grant to the soul of Thy servant departed, death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod the remission of all sins, that, through pious and thy staff they comfort me. supplications the pardon may be obtained which Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of has been always desired. Who livest and reignest mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup with God the Father in the unity of Holy Ghost. runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow World without end. me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell Amen. in the house of the Lord for ever. Service Folder Verses

15) “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe 19) With the spirits of the righteous made perfect, also in me. In my Father’s House are many rooms; give rest to the soul of Thy servant, O Saviour; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to and preserve it in that life of blessedness which prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare is with thee, O thou who lovest mankind. a place for you, I will come again and take you In the place of Thy rest, O Lord, where all the Saints to Myself, that where I am you may be also.” repose, give rest also to the soul of Thy servant: 16) SAFELY HOME for Thou only lovest mankind. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. I am home in Heaven dear ones, Oh, so happy and so bright, Thou art our God, who descended in to Hell, and There is perfect joy and beauty, loosed the bonds of those who were there, In this everlasting light. Thyself give rest also to the soul of Thy servant. Now and ever and unto ages of ages, Amen. All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed O Virgin, alone pure and immaculate who without I am now at peace forever stain didst bring forth God, intercede for the Safely home in Heaven at last. salvation of the soul of this your Servant. Did you wonder I so calmly, 20) DEATH Trod the valley of the shade, Life! I know not what thou art, Oh, but Jesus’ love illuminated, But know that thou and I must part; Every dark and fearful glade. And when, or how, or where we met And He came Himself to meet me, I own to me’s a secret yet. In that way so hard to tread, Life! We’ve been long together, And with Jesus’ arm to lean on, Through pleasant and through cloudy weather; Could I have one doubt or dread. ‘Tis hard to part when friends are dear- Then you must not grieve so sorely, Perhaps ‘twill cost a sigh, a tear; For I love you dearly still. Then steal away, give little warning, Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, Choose thine own time; Pray to trust Our Father’s Will. Say not Good Night,-but in some clime When the work is all completed, Bid me Good Morning. He will gently call you Home, Anna Letitia Barbauld Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh the joy to see you come. 21) THE ETERNAL GOODNESS Within the maddening maze of things, 17) May the Lord support And tossed by storm and flood, us all the day long To one fixed trust my spirit clings; till the shadows lengthen I know that God is good. and the evening comes, I long for household voices gone, and the busy world is hushed, For vanished smiles I long, and the fever of life is over But God hath led my dear ones on, and our work is done! And he can do no wrong. Then in His mercy I know not what the future hath may He give us a safe lodging, Of marvel or surprise, and a holy rest, Assured alone that life and death and peace at the last! His mercy underlies. And if my heart and flesh are weak 18) Lord make me an instrument of your peace; To bear an untried pain, where there is hatred, let me sow love; where The bruised reed he will not break, there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, But strengthen and sustain. faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is And so beside the silent sea darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. I wait the muffled oar; “O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek No harm from him can come to me to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to On ocean or on shore. understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving I know not where his islands lift that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, Their fronded palms in air; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” I only know I cannot drift Beyond his love and care. John Greenleaf Whittier Service Folder Verses

22) THE BLESSINGS THAT REMAIN In this hopeful second spring, There are loved ones who are missing A time of cleansing and rebirth, From the fireside and the feast; A time of new awakening. There are faces that have vanished, Each person’s life will come full circle, There are voices that have ceased; Even as the seasons do, But we know they passed forever To start another, different life, From our mortal grief and pain, Much better than the one we knew. And we thank Thee, O our Father, 25) ONE HAND ON THE STARS For the blessings that remain. How do we count the lives she touched, Thanksgiving, oh, thanksgiving, The light she shed for years? That their love once blessed us here, How do we see the difference she made That so long they walked beside us, When we are looking through our tears? Sharing every smile and tear; How do we know the things that are For the joy the past has brought us, That never would have been But can never take away, Without her valiant heart that dared For the sweet and gracious memories To fight and fight again? Growing dearer every day, How do we measure the shining place For the faith that keeps us patient That time can never pale Looking at the things unseen, In all the hearts that cheered her on Knowing Spring shall follow Winter And willed her to prevail? And the earth again be green, How did her spirit soar beyond For the hope of that glad meeting The suffering and the scars Far from mortal grief and pain- To live with one hand clutching hope We thank Thee, O our Father, And the other on the stars? For the blessings that remain. We may not know what she left behind 23) Do not stand at my grave and weep: On the difficult path she trod... I am not there, But we know this much: Her life’s brief touch I do not sleep. Was from the hand of God. I am a thousand winds that blow I am the diamond’s glint on snow I am the sunlight on ripened grain, 26) THE SERENITY PRAYER I am the gentle autumn’s rain. God grant be the serenity to accept When you awaken in the morning hush, the things I cannot change, I am the swift uplifting rush the courage to change the things of quiet birds in circled flight. that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I am the soft stars that shine at night. 27) SMELL A ROSE Do not stand at my grave and cry: I am not there, When your mind is filled with chaos I did not die. Seeming endless problems pose and you feel life’s not worth living 24) THE FIFTH SEASON Reach out and smell a rose. In the spring of life, When you’re troubled and you’re anxious In the flower of youth, And you long for sweet repose Everything is bright and new. Push your worries far behind you In the summer of life, Reach out and smell a rose. Time of growth and change, If from labours you feel weary Each day brings new dreams to pursue. But your eyes you cannot close In the autumn of life, For your work is still unfinished Theres a settling down- Reach out and smell a rose. Contentment and sureness in what we do. In the winter of life Let the sweet scent calm and soothe you, Comes peace and wisdom, It will vanquish all your woes, Time to relax and reminisce, too... Life assumes a deeper meaning But with the passing of these seasons, If you reach and smell a rose. Life is still not done, not through, For there is yet another season, When each spirit is renewed. And it is in this calm fifth season, Service Folder Verses

28) Fill not your hearts with pain and 32) UNTO THE HILLS AROUND sorrow, but remember me in every Unto the hills around do I lift up my longing eyes: tomorrow. Remember the joy, the O whence for me shall my salvation come, from laughter, the smiles; I’ve only gone to rest whence arise? a little while. Although my leaving From God the Lord doth come my certain aid, causes pain and grief, my going has from God the Lord who heaven and earth hath made. eased my hurt and given me relief. So He will not suffer that thy foot be moved: safe shalt dry your eyes and remember me, not as I thou be. am now, but as I used to be. Because, I No careless slumber shall his eyelids close who will remember you all and look on with keepeth thee. a smile. Understand, in your hearts, I’ve Behold, he sleepeth not, he slumbereth ne’er, who only gone to rest a little while. As long keepeth Isreal in his holy care. as I have the love of each of you, I can Jehovah is himself thy keeper true, thy changeless live my life in the hearts of all of you. shade; 29) I cannot think of them as dead Jehovah thy defence on thy right hand himself Who walk with me no more; hath made. Along the path of life I tread And thee no sun by day shall ever smite; no moon shall They have but gone before. harm thee in the silent night. From every evil shall he keep thy soul, from every sin: The Father’s house is mansioned fair Jehovah shall preserve thy going out, thy coming in. Beyond my vision dim; Above thee watching, he whom we adore shall keep All souls are his, and here or there thee henceforth, Are living unto him. Yea, for evermore. And still their silent ministry Within my heart hath place, 33) I AM STANDING UPON THE SEASHORE As when on earth they walked with me A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the And met me face to face. morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an Their lives are made forever mine; object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch her What they to me have been until, at length, she stands like a speck of white cloud Hath left henceforth its seal and sign just where the sea and the sky come down to mingle Engraven deep within. with each other. Then someone at my side says, “There! She’s gone.” Mine are they by an ownership Gone where? Gone from my sight-that is all. Nor time nor death can free; She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she For God hath given to love to keep was when she left my side, and just as able to bear her Its own eternally. load to the place of destination. Frederick Lucian Hosmer Her diminished size is in me, not in her; and just at the moment when someone at my side says, 30) MOTHER “There, she’s gone,” there are other eyes God made a wonderful mother, watching her coming, other voices ready to A mother who never grows old, take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!” He made her smile out of sunshine He moulded her heart out of gold; 34) SHE IS JUST AWAY He made her as near as an angel, I cannot say, and will not say As anyone ever could be; That she is dead - she is just away. God made a wonderful mother, With a cheery smile, And gave that dear mother to us. and a wave of the hand, She has wandered into an unknown land, 31) FATHER And left us dreaming how very fair God made a wonderful father, It needs to be, since she lingers there. A father who never grows old, So think of her faring on, as dear He made his smile out of sunshine In the love of There as the love of Here; He moulded his heart out of gold; Think of her still as the same, I say: He made him as near as an angel, She is not dead - she is just away. As anyone ever could be; God made a wonderful father, 35) There’s an open gate And gave that dear father to us. At the end of the road Through which each must go alone And there in a light we cannot see Our Father claims his own; Beyond the gate your loved one Finds happiness and rest. And there is comfort In the thought That a loving God knows best. Service Folder Verses

36) BLESSED HOMELAND 40) We shall not flag or fail Blessed Homeland! I’m returning, We shall fight on to the end. Others plodding on with me; We shall fight in France, Friends I’ve met along the highway, We shall fight on the seas and oceans, True and loyal God to thee. We shall fight with growing confidence We have come from thee, Creator, and growing strength in the air Why should then we not return? We shall defend our island, To the bosom of the Father, whatever the cost may be, Earthly things and pleasures spurn. We shall fight on the beaches, Blessed Homeland! here a pilgrim, We shall fight on the landing grounds, Just a transcient passing through. We shall fight in the fields and streets, And the earth itself seems stranger, We shall fight in the hills; As its scenes slip from my view We shall NEVER surrender. How I cherish those beside me, Sir Winston Churchill, June 4, 1940 In all weakness hastening on, Bent as I to reach the Homeland, 41) COMES THE DAWN Where the angels beckon, “Come”. After a while you learn the subtle difference Between holding a hand and chaining a soul, 37) Nas Vossas maos, Senhor, entrego o meu espirito. And you learn that love doesn’t mean security, ORACAO And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts Deus Pai Todo-poderoso, que nos fortalecestes e And presents aren’t promises assinalastes com o misterio da Cruz e Ressurreicao And you begin to accept your defeats de Vosso Filho, concedei benignamente que o Vosso With your head up and your eyes open, servo Jose, liberta desta vida mortal, seja associado ao With the grace of a woman, convivio dos Vossos Santos no Reino dos Ceus. not the grief of a child, POR NOSSO SENHOR JESUS CRISTO, VOSSO And you learn to build all your roads FILHO NA UNIDADE DO ESPIRTO SANTO. AMEN. On today because tomorrow’s ground O gentlest Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Is too uncertain. And futures have Sacrament, ever consumed with burning A way of falling down in midflight, love for the poor captive souls. Have mercy After a while you learn that even sunshine burns on the soul of Thy departed servant. if you get too much. So you plant your own garden and decorate your Be not severe in Thy judgement but let some drops own soul, instead of waiting of Thy Precious Blood fall upon the devouring For someone to bring you flowers. flames, and do Thou O merciful Saviour send And you learn that you really can endure... Thy angels to conduct Thy departed servant to a That you really are strong, place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen. And you really do have worth May the souls of the faithful departed, through And you learn and learn the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. With every goodbye you learn. 38) God saw you getting tired when a cure was not to be, 42) We watched you suffer day by day, He closed His arms around you and whispered, And could not help in any way. “Come to Me”. But just stood by and saw you pass In tears we saw you sinking, we watched you into the Saviour’s arms at last. fade away, Our hearts were almost broken, you fought so 43) No eye has seen, hard to stay. No ear has heard, But when we saw you sleeping so peacefully from pain, No mind has conceived We could not wish you back to suffer that again. What God has prepared for those So treasure him, Lord, in Your garden of rest, who love him. For here on earth he was one of the best. 44) Peacefully sleeping, resting at last, 39) GOD NEEDED AN ANGEL Your weary trials and troubles past; In silence you suffered, God needed an angel in heaven in patience you bore. So he called my dear mother above Till God called you home But she’s only as far away as my heart to suffer no more. And she lives as before in my love. Helen Steiner Rice 45) In tears we saw you sinking. We watched you fade away, Our hearts were almost broken, You fought so hard to stay. But when we saw you sleeping, So peacefully free from pain, We could not wish you back To suffer that again. Service Folder Verses

46) A page in the book of memory 56) Thinking of the thoughtful things Silently turns today. That you have said and done, We remember you in silence, And loving you so much more, and make no outward show. For each and every one. And what it meant to lose you No one will ever know. 57) Broken is the family circle, Our dear one is passed away. 47) Gone from us, Passed from this earthly darkness but leaving memories Into a bright and perfect day; Death can never take away, But we all must cease to languish Memories that will always linger O’er the grave of one we love, While upon this earth we stay. Strive to be prepared to meet them In the better world above. 48) Within our store of memories, You hold a place apart, 58) Nothing can ever take away For no one else can ever be, The love a heart holds dear; More cherished in our hearts. Fond memories linger every day, Remembrance keeps you near. 49) If tear drops could build a stairway and memory a lane 59) There is a home not We’d walk the long road to reach made by hands. and bring you home again. Beyond its golden door Awaits the one who’s now away, 50) Wonderful memories woven in gold, Not lost just gone before. These are pictures we tenderly hold And in that home not Deep in our hearts, made by hands Memories are kept The Master will prepare To love, to cherish, never to forget. A place for us, and when He calls We’ll meet our loved ones there. 51) Till roses lose their petals, Till heather has lost its dew 60) Though your smile is gone forever Till the very end of time, And your hand we cannot touch We will remember you. Still we have so many memories, Of the one we loved so much. 52) Our thoughts are ever with you, Your memory is our keepsake, Though you have passed away; With which we’ll never part; And those who have God has you in His keeping, loved you dearly We have you in our heart. Are thinking of you today. 61) We miss your love and cheery ways; 53) Only a memory of bygone days, With you we spent And a sigh for a face unseen; our happiest days. A constant feeling that God alone In memory we see you the same, Knows what should have been. As long as we live, 54) The Lord is gracious we’ll cherish your name. and compassionate, 62) I am a thousand winds that blow. slow to anger and rich in love. I am the diamond glints on snow. The Lord is good to all; I am the sunlight on ripened grain. he has compassion on I am the gentle autumn’s rain. all he has made. When you awaken in The Lord is near to the mornings hush; all who call on him, I am the swift uplifting rush to all who call on him in truth. of the quiet birds in circled flight, Psalm 145:8-9,18 I am the soft stars that shine at night. 55) Always a smile, instead of a frown, Always a hand, 63) AN IRISH BLESSING when one was down; Always true, thoughtful and kind, May the road rise to meet you, Wonderful memories you May the wind be left behind. always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand. Service Folder Verses

64) SUCCESS 68) DAFFODILS To laugh often and love much; I wandered lonely as a cloud to win the respect of intelligent persons That floats on high o’er vales and hills, and the affection of children; When all at once I saw a crowd, the earn the betrayal of false friends; A host, of golden daffodils: to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, to give of one’s self; Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. to leave the world a bit better, Continuous as the stars that shine whether by a healthy child; a garden patch, and twinkle on the Milky Way, or a redeemed social condition; They stretched in a never-ending line to have played and laughed with enthusiasm Along the margin of a bay: and sung with exultation; Ten thousand saw I at a glance, to know even one life has breathed easier Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. The waves beside them danced, but they Ralph Waldo Emerson Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, 65) “O PADRE NOSTRO, CHE NEI CIELI STAI NON In such a jocund company: CIRCONSCRITTO, MA PER PIU AMORE I gazed ... and gazed ...but little thought CHE AI PRIMI EFFETTI DI LASSU’ TU HAI, What wealth the show to me had brought: LAUDATO SIA IL TUO NOME, E IL TUO VALORE For oft, when my couch I lie DA OGNI CREATURA, COM’E DEGNO DI In vacant or in pensive mood, RENDER GRAZIE AL TUO DOLCE VAPORE.” They flash upon that inward eye “O OUR FATHER, WHO ARE IN HEAVEN - NOT Which is the bliss of solitude; BECAUSE THAT IS YOUR SOLE DOMAIN, BUT And then my heart with pleasure fills, FOR THE GREATER LOVE, YOU BEAR. YOUR And dances with the daffodils. FIRST WORDS THERE - MAY YOUR NAME AND William Wordsworth ALL YOUR GOODNESS BE PRAISED BY EVERY LIVING THING, AS IT IS FITTING TO RENDER 69) MOTHER THANKS TO YOUR SWEET VAPOUR.” My mother may not leave me A legacy of wealth, 66) She left us quietly Of riches, fame or glamour Her thoughts unknown, Nor never-failing health. But left us a memory No rare outstanding beauty We are proud to own. No power to command, So treasure her Lord No kind of earthly glory, In your garden of rest, Just footprints in life’s sand. For when on earth She was one of the best. The world says, “Here, walk this way. The path is smooth and wide.” 67) MISS ME BUT LET ME GO But I walk in her footsteps, When I came to the end of the road Her path is true and tried. And the sun has set for me, I see her joyful radiance, I want no rites in a gloom filled room, While on this road she trods, Why cry for a soul set free. I choose to follow mother. Miss me a little - but not too long, Her footsteps lead to God. And not with your head bowed low. Thank you, God, for mother’s Remember the love that we once shared, Example set for me. Miss me - but let me go. Thank You, for her insight. For this is a journey that we all must take, She saw what I could be. And each must go alone. Thank You, for her teaching, It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, And life-long constancy. A step on the road to home. Her life, love and example, When you are lonely and sick of heart, Have taught me first of Thee. Go to the friends we know. And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss me - but let me go. Kristone Service Folder Verses

70) I Am With You Always! But God hath promised To those I love and those who love me. strength for the day, Rest for the labour, When I am gone, release me, let me go. light for the way, I have so many things to see and do, Grace for the trials, you musn’t tie yourself to me with tears. help from above, Be happy that we had so many years. Unfailing sympathy, undying love. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. 74) FOR WHOM YOU CARED I thank you for the love you each have shown, The one for whom you cared but now it’s time I travelled on alone. With such abiding love So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must. Has found the wondorous shining path Then let your grief be comforted by trust. Up to the home above. It’s only for awhile that we must be apart, The home where joy forever dwells so bless the memories within your heart. Where loved ones but await. For us to share their happiness I won’t be far away, for life goes on. Beyond the heavenly gate. So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near. 75) No breaking heart is here, And if you listen with your heart, No sad and chilling pain; you’ll hear all of my love around you No wasted cheeks where the frequent tear soft and clear. Rolls down and leaves its stain. And then, when you must come this way alone, Dear friends of mortal years, I’ll greet you with a smile and “welcome home”. the trusted and the true, You are watching still in the valley of tears, 71) When I leave you, don’t weep for me. But I wait to welcome you. Pass the wine around and remember How my laughing pleased you. I won’t forget, O no! Look at one another, smiling, For memory’s golden chain And don’t forget about touching. Shall bind my heart to the hearts below Sing the songs that I loved best Till we meet to touch again. And dance one time all together. Each link is strong and bright. As for me, I’ll be off, running And love’s eternal flame, Somewhere on the beach, and I’ll fly Flows freely down, like a river of light To the top of the tree I always meant to climb, To the world from where I came. When you’re ready, I’ll be there - Waiting for you, 76) God looked around His garden Take your time. And found a empty space. He then looked down upon this earth, 72) Perhaps you sent a lovely card, And saw your tired face. Or sat quietly in a chair. He put his arms around you, Perhaps you sent a funeral spray, And lifted you to rest. If so we saw it there. God’s garden must be beautiful, Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, He only takes the best. As any friend could say; He knew that you were suffering. Perhaps you were not there at all, He knew that you were in pain. Just thought of us that day, He knew that you would never get well Whatever you did to console our hearts, Upon this earth again. We thank you so much whatever the part. He saw the road was getting rough, And the hills were hard to climb, 73) God Hath Not Promised So He closed your weary eyelids, God hath not promised And with whispers, peace be thine. skies always blue, It broke our hearts to lose you, Flower-strewn pathways But you did not go alone. all our lives through; For part of us went with you God hath not promised The day He called you home. sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain. Service Folder Verses

77) PSAUME 23 82) HER JOURNEY’S JUST BEGUN LE SEIGNEUR EST MON BERGER Don’t think of her as gone away- Le Seigneur est mon berger, her journey’s just begun; je ne manquerai de rien. life holds so many facets- Il me met au repos dans des prés d’herbe fraîche, this earth is only one. il me conduit au calme près de l’eau. Just think of her as resting Il ranime mes forces, from the sorrows and the tears il me guide sur la bonne voie, in a place of warmth and comfort parce qu’il est le berger where there are no days and years. Mème si je passe par la vallée obscure, Think how she must be wishing je ne redoute aucun mal, that we could know, today, Seigneur, car tu m’accompagnes. how nothing but our sadness Tu me conduis, tu me défends, can really pass away. voilà ce qui me rassure. And think of her as living Oui, tous les jours de ma vie in the hearts of those she touched... ta bonté, ta générosité For nothing loved is ever lost- me suivront pas à pas. and she was loved so much. Ellen Brenneman 78) Oh, to be in England Now that April’s there, 83) ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT And whoever wakes in England Traditional Arrangement by Haydn Sees, some morning, unaware, That the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf Sleep, my love, and peace attend thee, Round the elm-tree bole are in tiny leaf, All through the night. While the chaffinch sings on the orchard bough Guardian angels God will lend thee, In England - now! all through the night Robert Browning Soft and drowsy hours are creeping. Hill and dale in slumber sleeping. 79) If I can help somebody as I pass along, Love alone his watch is keeping, all through the night. If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, Sleep, my baby, sleep my darling, all through the night. If I can show somebody he is travelling wrong, On your cradle, moon is shining, all through the night. Then my living shall not be in vain. God with me his watch is keepng; If I can do my duty as a Christian ought, Oh how gently you are sleeping. If I can bring back beauty to a world of wrought, Slumber softly while I rock you, all through the night. If I can spread God’s message that the Master taught, Then my living shall not be in vain. 84) The time we spend together I cherish more and more. If I can help somebody as I pass along, You always understand because Then my living will not be in vain. you’ve been there before. You share your love and laughter, 80) PSALMS 103:1-19 your memories and wisdom, too; As a father is tender with his children, I’m glad that you love me The Lord is merciful with his worshipers. and I will always love you! He knows how we are fashioned; He remembers that we are but dust. 85) GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN The days of man are as grass, Vince Gill He flourishes as a flower in the field. I know your life on earth was troubled The wind passes over it and it is gone, And only you could know the pain And no one can recognize where it grew. You weren’t afraid to face the devil But the Lord’s compassion for His worshipers, You were no stranger to the rain His righteousness to children’s children Go rest high on that mountain Remain, age after age, if they obey His laws, Mom, your work on earth is done Unchanging, if they keep His covenant. Go to heaven a shoutin’ The Lord is enthroned in the heavens; Love for the Father and Son The whole world is His dominion. Oh, how we cried the day you left us Praise the Lord, O my soul. We gathered round your grave to grieve 81) Only the truth that in life we have spoken, I wish I could see the angels faces Only the seed that on earth we have sown- When they hear your sweet voice sing These shall pass onward when we are forgotten: Fruits of the harvest and what we have done. Service Folder Verses

86) LIFE’S PUZZLE 88) “HIGH FLIGHT” Life is a jigsaw puzzle Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth Happiness, sunshine, shadow, tears And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Our life’s pattern forms the pieces Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth As we journey through the years Of sun-split clouds--and done a hundred things First the carefree days of childhood You have not dreamed of--wheeled and soared and Life have known no sorrow then swung All the future bright with sunshine High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, In this picture just began I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Next comes school days, happy memories Up, up the long, delirious burning blue Childhood days sped swiftly by I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Which formed the sun and sunbeams Where never lark, or even eagle flew-- In the pictured jigsawn sky And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod Then we meet and love another The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Pledge our life and love to him Put out my hand and touched the face of God. Burdens shared and burdens lifted John Gillespie Magee Jr. Share our pleasures, joy and pain 89) PSALM 91 They together journey onward ON EAGLE’S WINGS Neither knows what is before Will the path be rough or even You who dwell in the shelter of our God, That the future holds in store who abide in this shadow of life, say to the Lord: My refuge, Travelling on through life, we journey my rock in whom I trust Jigswan pieces fall in place And I will raise you up on eagle’s wings, Dark or shadows cloud or sunshine bear you on the breath of dawn Age and time has set the pace make you to shine like the sun, Then the Master calls us homeward and hold you in the palm of my hand. To that land we have not seen Only then the puzzles finished 90) MOURN NOT THE COCOON Death at last completes the scene THE BUTTERFLY HAS FLOWN 87) GOOD-BYE MY LOVE 91) AMAZING GRACE Grieve for me Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound For I would grieve for you. That saved a wretch like me! Then brush away I once was lost, but now am found The sorrow and the tears, -Was blind, but now I see. Life is not over Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, But begins anew: And grace my fears relieved; With courage you How precious did that grace appear, Must face the coming years. The hour I first believed! To live forever Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares: In the past is wrong. I have already come; Can only cause you ‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, Misery and pain. And grace will lead me home, Dwell not On memories overlong, And when this flesh and heart shall fail, With others you must And mortal life shall cease; Share and care again. I shall possess within the veil A life of joy and peace. Reach out and comfort those Who comfort you. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Recall the years Bright shining as the sun, But only for awhile. We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Nurse not your loneliness Then when we’d first begun. But live again. Forget not... Remember with a smile. Anonymous Service Folder Verses

92) LIFE WITHOUT END 95) PSALM 16 (Jehovah Witness) Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. See a New World, Peoples dwelling together I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; Man and beast, living in peace, apart from you I have no good thing.” Cause no harm to each other As for the saints who are in the land, In those days old will grow young, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. Flesh revived as in Childhood The sorrows of those will increase Paradise all will enjoy, who run after other gods. As they sing of God’s glory. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips. Sorrow has passed. Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; Peace at Last! you have made my lot secure. Life without tears and pain The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant Food will be there. places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. All will share. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; In what our God provides. even at night my heart instructs me. Troubles are gone, I have set the Lord always before me. from now on, Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. No need to weep or fear. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; Yes, everyday we will say, my body also will rest secure. To God our Maker “Thanks!” Because you will not abandon me to the grave, 93) YOU’VE BEEN THERE FOR ME nor will you let you Holy One see decay. NOW LET ME BE THERE FOR YOU You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, A Reflection by Emily Matthews with eternal pleasures at your right hand. So many times, you have brightened my day with the nice things you say and you do, 96) A SISTER IS FOREVER And now it’s my turn to give some of that sunshine A sister’s a sister forever, and caring support back to you, A bond that diminishes never, For though this began as a message to cheer you, A friend who is kindly and caring, it quickly became something more A sibling God chooses for sharing. As I thought back on all of the many occasions you’ve lifted my spirits before... Few ties are as deep and profound I thought about how you’ve been there through the And with so much affection abound. years, Though some thoughts are seldom expressed, always ready to listen and share, Love endures and survives every test. Always finding a way to give comfort and strength Of the constants that rest in the heart, and to show that you really do care... A sister’s a primary part. And if, somehow, this brings you a smile or can help She’ll always be there when you need her- give your day a more positive start, You listen, you value, you heed her. It’s just part of the love you have given to me As growth, independence you ponder, that has found its way back to your heart. Your feelings grow deeper and fonder; 94) Our Father, Who art in heaven And life tells you one thing that’s true: Hallowed be Thy name A sister’s a large part of you. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done Bruce B. Wilmer on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread 97) Let Us Give Thanks For The Warmth Of And forgive us our trespasses Memory And Also For The Ache Of Pain, as we forgive those who trespass against us For It Is A Measure Of Our Love. Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, Forever and ever. Amen. Service Folder Verses

98) IMMORTALITY 103) LET GO This loveliness that stirs my bounding heart Let go - of guilt; To songs of praise has always blossomed here; mistakes are made and forgiveness is ever there. When earth was young, unscarred by war and hate, Let go - of obsessions; These self-same streams went singing, crystal clear; they seldom turn out the way you planned. These mountains caught and held within their folds Let go - of hate; Cloud shadows, dappled grey and indigo; it is a waste of love. Someone, held spellbound on this emerald hill, Let go - of blaming others; The same delight in God’s sweet world would know. you are responsible for your own destiny. So, when this pasture knows my feet no more, Let go - of fantasies; When all my earthly gipsyings are done, so reality can come true. There will be other eyes to watch with awe Let go - of self pity; The timeless magic of the setting sun. someone else may need you. I would bequeath to all who follow on Let go - of wanting; My rare delight in leaf and bloom and tree, cherish what you have. For in their worship of the world I loved Let go - of fear; My soul shall find true immortality. it is a waste of faith. Let go - of despair; 99) When you look at the sun, change comes from acceptance and forgiveness. See me smile. Let go - of the past; When you look at the stars, the future is here - right now. Hear me laugh. When you look in your heart, 104) Psalm 121 Know that I am always there. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 100) Live so that when others think of My help cometh from the Lord, fairness, caring and integrity which made heaven and earth. they think of you. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 101) I’M FREE Behold, he that keepeth Israel Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, shall neither slumber nor sleep. I’m following the path God laid for me, I took His hand when I heard him call, The Lord is thy keeper: I turned my back and left it all. the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. I could not stay another day The sun shall not smite thee by day, to laugh, to love, to work, or play, nor the moon by night. Tasks left undone must stay that way, The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: I found that place at the close of day. he shall preserve thy soul. If my parting has left a void, The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming then fill it with remembered joy, in from this time forth, A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, and even for evermore. Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: Be not burdened with times of sorrow, he shall preserve thy soul. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow, My life’s been full, I savored much, 105) KINDNESS Good friends, good times, I shall pass through this world but once. a loved one’s touch. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, Or any good thing I can do, let me do it now; 102) ONE DAY AT A TIME Let me defer or neglect it, One day at a time For I shall not pass this way again. This is enough Grellet Do not look back And grieve over the past, For it is gone. And do not be troubled About the Future, For it is not yet come. Live in the present And make it so beautiful That it is worth remembering. Service Folder Verses

106) THE CROSS IN MY POCKET 108) THE LEVEL AND THE SQUARE I carry a cross in my pocket We meet upon the Level and we part upon the Square, A simple reminder to me What words of precious meaning those words Masonic are! Of the fact that I am a Christian Come, let us contemplate them! No matter where I may be They are worthy of a tho’t; This little cross is not magic In the very walls of Masonry the sentiment is wrought! Nor is it a good luck charm We meet upon the Level, through from every station come It isn’t meant to protect me The rich man from his palace and the poor man from his home. From every physical harm For the rich man must leave their wealth and state outside the Mason’s door, It’s not for identification And the poor man finds his best respect For all the world to see upon the Checkered Floor. It’s simply an understanding We act upon the Plumb,-’tis the order of our guide- Between my Saviour and me We walk upright in every way and lean to neither side; When I put my hand in my pocket Th’ All Seeing Eye that reads our hearts doth To bring out a coin or key bear us witness true, The Cross is there to remind me That we still try to honour God and give each man his due. Of the price He paid for me We part upon the Square, for the word must have its due, We mingle with the multitude, a faithful band and true, It reminds me too, to be thankful But the influence of our gatherings in Masonry is green, For my blessings day by day And we long upon the Level to renew the happy scene. And to strive to serve Him better There is a world where all are equal, we are hurrying to it fast, In all that I do and say We shall meet upon the Level when the Gates of death are past; It’s also a daily reminder We shall stand before the Orient and our Master will be there, Of the peace and comfort I share To try the blocks we offer with His own unerring square. With all who know my Master We shall meet upon the Level there, but never thence depart, And give themselves to His care There’s a Mansion, ‘tis all ready for each trusting, faithful heart, So, I carry a cross in my pocket There’s a Mansion and a welcome and a multitude is there; Reminding no one but me Who have met upon the Level and been tried upon the Square. That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life Let us meet upon the Level then while laboring patient here, If only I’ll let Him be Let us meet and let us labor though the labor be severe; Already in the western sky the signs bid us prepare 107) God saw you getting tired, To gather up our working tools and part upon the Square. The cure was not to be. Hands round! Ye faithful brotherhood, the bright fraternal chain, So He closed His arms around you We part upon the Square below and meet in Heaven again; And whispered “Come with me” And the words of precious meaning, those words Masonic are: You suffered much in silence “We meet upon the Level and we part upon the Square.” Your spirit did not bend 109) AFTER GLOW You faced your pain with courage Until the very end. I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one, You tried so hard to stay with us I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when day is done. Your fight was all in vain I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, God took you to His loving home Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. And freed you from all pain. I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun, Never does a day go by Of happy memories that I leave behind When day is done. That I don’t think of you A lump forms deep within my chest 110) FOR LONELINESS IN BEREAVEMENT And tears begin to flow Father, I am only human. I need the touch of human So many times I’ve needed you companionship. Sorely I miss those who are with Thee. To talk, to share, to laugh I pray, O Jesus, that Thou wilt reveal to me unseen presences. If love could have saved you Help me to know how close my loved ones are. You never would have died. For if they are with Thee, and Thou art with me, I know they cannot be far away. Make real for me that contact of spirit with spirit that will re-establish the lost fellowship for which my heart yearns. Give to me faith shining through my tears. Plant peace and hope within my heart. Point me with joy to the great reunion. But until then, enable me to live happily and worthily of those who are with Thee. In the Name of Him who is the Lord of Life, I pray, Amen. Peter Marshall Service Folder Verses

111) All of our lives we journey down many paths, Bring me all the flowers today Never to find the true understanding of Whether pink, or white, or red; life and death... I’d rather have one blossom now For now we are left with eyes filled with tears, Than a truckload when I’m dead. While our hearts hold the many memories for the years to come. 115) Your gentle face and pleasant smile with sadness The silence still lingers with so many unspoken words we recall. You had a kindly word for each and died we search to say, beloved by all. The voice is mute and stilled, the While we yearn for that close embrace each and heart that loved us well and true. Ah, bitter was every day. the trial to part from one so good as you. You are As we watch through the window of time we are faced not forgotten loved one, nor will you ever be. As with the challenge to find the strength long as life and memory last, we will remember and courage to carry on. thee. We miss you now, our hearts are sore, as time Never forgetting that these cherished goes by we miss you more. Your loving smile, your memories are for the living gentle face, No one can fill your vacant place. Celebrate the future through the beauty of the past... 116) GOODBYE Maureen M. Patchett Goodbye my family, my life is past. 112) MY LOVE I loved you all to the very last. Together we’ve shared life’s true pleasures and pain... Weep not for me, but courage take. As our vows were once spoken Love each other, for my sake. “Till death do us part” For those you love don’t go away. I now cling to these memories that were built in my They walk beside you every day. heart. 117) Happy are those who have died in the Lord, For knowing this death is only a transition rather than let them rest from their labours an end. for their good deeds go with them. Heaven’s door is open and the streets pave the way to a new and better existence than we know today. Revelation 14-13 Eternity will be ours to share, my love. Prayer Maureen M. Patchett Lord, Welcome into your presence those whom you have called from this life. Release them from all their 113) PRECIOUS GIFT sins. Bless them with eternal refreshment, light and There are few things that compare to the love of a child peace. Raise them up to live forever with all your saints pure and divine, in the glory of the resurrection. We ask this through It’s a special gift from God Christ our Lord. that uplifts the spirit 118) O Holy Virgin, in the midst of all thy glory, we ... the tender kisses implore thee not to forget the sorrows of this world. ... the innocent smile Cast a look of pity upon all those who are suffering, ... the uncontrollable, hysterical laughter who struggle against life’s difficulties and who cease ... the open-armed hugs not to feel all its bitterness. Have pity on all who have That’s one of God’s most precious gifts been separated from those they love. Have pity on A child’s love, and unselfish love the lonely and the friendless! Pardon the weakness of pure and divine. our faith. Have pity on all those whom we love. O Theodore V. Foster, Jr. Holy Mary, show a mother’s compassion towards the sorrowful, and to all who pray and to all who tremble 114) I WOULD RATHER under life’s afflictions and give them all hope and peace. I would rather have one little rose From the garden of a friend 119) I have loved Than to have the choicest flowers and in return have been loved. When my stay on earth must end. I have given and received a hundredfold. I would rather have the kindest words I have suffered And a smile that I can see and kept the pains within myself. Than flattery when my heart is still And this life has ceased to be. I have searched and with your help have found. I would rather have a loving smile I have accepted From friends I know are true and borne it with a smile. Than tears shed ‘round my casket And now, for you, dear God, When this world I bid adieu. I have died. Service Folder Verses

120) Absolve, we beseech Thee O Lord, the soul of Thy servant that he who is dead to the world may live unto Thee, and wipe away by Thy most merciful forgiveness what sins he may have committed in life through human frailty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. May the angels lead thee unto paradise; may the martyrs receive thee at thy coming and lead thee into the holy city of Jerusalem. May the choir of angels receive thee, and mayest thou have eternal rest with Lazarus, who once was poor. O Jesus, Let us be Thine in life, let us be Thine in death, let us be Thine for ever and ever. Our Lady of the Sorrows, pray for him. Jesus, Mary, Joseph. 121) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5,6

122) At Sunset Do you know the hour when the sun goes down is a beautiful time of day, when your task is done and the shadows fall and your worries are laid away? Well, it’s true and the close of life can a beautiful sunset be every task well done, let the shadows fall there’s no fear of eternity. G. Gilbert