Laid to Rest

Today we laid to rest a truly great man, my Grandpa Moore. Grandma and Grandpa have always been a source of great strength, love and support throughout my whole life. None moreso than when we were in officership. No matter what happened in life, whatever smart or even foolish decision I'd made, whether we were facing the up's or even the down's - I always knew and keenly felt that Grandpa was always there cheering in my corner! Their support was always never ending, their encouragement plentiful and their love: abundant!

So when Grandma asked me to conduct the short ashes scattering service I was extremely humbled, honoured and privileged to do so. Here is a an excerpt of the service:

Eric Alexander Moore was promoted to Glory on Sunday 28th Sept 2008. And while we're here today to scatter his ashes, we are reminded that these are but his earthly remains, for we know that Grandpa has already gone on to a Heavenly place, his eternal reward.

John 14:1-4
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. In My Father's house are many rooms: if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going"

Grandpa kewn that way. He lived a Godly life, devoted to Christ, to his wife and to his family. We all have many fond memories of his influence and impact on our lives. he was a family man, a good and faithful soldier, and entertainer and a funny one at that. Grandma shared with me this morning that she had a wonderful evening last night, sitting next to Grandpa's ashes, listening to a recording of him singing, "Light Fingered Freddy". In typical Eric fashion, he sang with gusto, had the crowd in stitches with his 'off the cuff' one liners, and finished on a rapturous, trimphant note! But not before he threw in a quick testimony... that was Grandpa to a tee, sharing so much of himself, bringing much joy to many... and we are all the richer for it.

And so we're all here today, in this lovely spot that was so special to Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma first started coming here as a girl, when the Salvation Army Easter Monday picnis were held here. There used to be an outdoor dance floor, and she loved wathing the ladies in their ballgowns dancing gracefully there. Then when Grandma and Grandpa moved to Golden Downs, they would come here, to this very spot every week, sometimes twice a week. They'd sit here, enjoy some fish and chips and watch the sea... the planes flying overhead... the trawlers drawing in their catch... the ships coming in... the kids flying their kites... the people walking by, going about their business... and after they'd sat a while, they'd take the leftover chips down to the water's edge for the birds to enjoy.

And so in scattering Grandpa's ashes here today, this will forever seal this their special spot. One that we can all share together. When we come here, we will sit and think of Grandpa, and remember his influence over our lives, the blessings that he brought us and remember him and we come here.

Kylie read this verse:
"Be comforted,
My life is ended here at peace with the cliffs and the sea.
The Lord has called me home and I am free to go peacefully.
Don't mourn my passing as I am now in the presence of the Glory of God,
His bright love is abundant and his promises are real.
I will wait here for you dear ones in Jesus' arms and watch over you with him until you also come home.
Be comforted loved ones.
'I shall go the way of the cliffs and the open sea,
To the lands before you came,
And the cool ocean breezes shall blow from me,
The memory of your name'."

Kevan conducted the following committal as the ashes were spread, followed by the benediction:
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our husband, brother, father, grandfather & great-grandfather Eric Alexander Moore, and we commit his body to the ground; earth to earth; ashes to ashes; dust to dust.

Benediction:
"May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

Rest in peace Grandpa, until we meet again...