Funeral for William Earl Behrendt

Order of Worship

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Prelude: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”    Croft/Thallander

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of all mercy and the God of all consolation. He comforts us in all our sorrows so that we may comfort others in their sorrows with the consolation we ourselves have received from God.
Thanks be to God.

When we were baptized in Christ Jesus, we were baptized into his death. We were buried therefore with him by Baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with  him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Hymn: “How Great Thou Art”    26

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray. O God of grace and glory, we remember before you today our brother, William Earl Behrendt. We thank you for giving him to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us your aid, so that we may see in death the gate to eternal life, and so, continue our course on earth in confidence until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before us; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The First Lesson: Job 19:23–27

Psalm 23 recited by the congregation

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: 
    he leadeth me beside the still waters. 
He restoresth my soul: 
    He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness 
    for his name’s sake. 
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. 
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: 
    Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 
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.

The Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:1–8

Remembrances by family and friends    

The Holy Gospel according to John the twentieth chapter.
Alleluia. Jesus Christ is the firstborn of the dead; to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen. Alleluia.  

The Gospel: John 20:19–29

The Gospel of our Lord. Glory be to you, O Lord.

Homily: “The Preparation of Faith”

Hymn: “Nearer My God to Thee”    255

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
    creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
    He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
    and born of the virgin Mary.
    He suffered under Pontius Pilate, 
    was crucified, died, and was buried.
    He descended into hell.
    On the third day he rose again.
    He ascended into heaven,
    and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
    the holy Christian Church,
    the communion of saints,
    the forgiveness of sins,
    the resurrection of the body,
    and the life everlasting. Amen

The Prayers 

Let us pray.

Grant to all who have been baptized into Christ’s death such strong trust in you that it is a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, knowing that where Jesus has gone, they will follow in like resurrection to eternal life. Hear us, Lord.

Give to us, Father, the abounding peace of your Son—the peace of your forgiveness, the peace of hope, the peace friendship with our Savior—that we may live out the length our days with quiet minds and hopeful spirits, through Christ our Lord. Hear us, Lord.

Grant to all who mourn a sure confidence in your loving care, that casting all their sorrow on you, they may know the consolation of your love. Hear us, Lord.

Help us, we pray, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting. Hear us, Lord.

Grant us grace to entrust William Earl Behrendt, our dear brother in Christ, to your never-failing love, a love that sustained him in this life and receives him into the arms of your mercy. Remember him according to the favor you bear for your people, for Christ’s sake. Hear us, Lord.

The generations rise and pass away before you, O Lord. You have been the strength of those who labor; and you are the rest of the blessed dead. Rejoicing in the company of your saints, we remember those who, living by faith in you, have died a peaceful death, especially Bill and all those dear to us who now rest in you. Give us, in time, our portion with them. To your Name we ascribe all honor and glory, both now and forevermore. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Remember us in your kingdom, Lord, and teach us to pray.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
    hallowed be thy name, 
    thy kingdom come, 
    thy will be done, 
        on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; 
and forgive us our trespasses, 
    as we forgive those 
        who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
    forever and ever. Amen

Commendation

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant William Earl Behrendt. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen

Hymn: “When Peace Like a River”    224

Let us go forth in peace. In the name of Christ. Amen

Postlude: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”    Luther/Hobby