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And now abideth
faith,
hope,
love,
these three;
but the greatest
of these is
love.
A Service Celebrating the Life of
Karen Jean Carlson Muyskens
June 1, 1961 – January 13, 2008
Cover art by Cheryl Hochberg, from Karen and Mark’s wedding liturgy
PRELUDE
WELCOME
*Minister
The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ, which passes all understanding,
be with you all.
*People
Amen.
*HYMN “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Psalter Hymnal 556 (grey hymnal)
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Minister
What is your only comfort in life and in death?
People
That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—
to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
Minister
When we were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, we were baptized into
his death and buried with him, 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. Those who believe in him, though they die, yet shall
they live.
People
Those who believe in him, though they die, yet shall they live.
Minister
We have come here in sorrow, mourning the death of Karen Carlson
Muyskens. Let us share that grief with our God: O God, we remember before
you today our dear sister, Karen, who through your grace entered and so much
enriched our lives. We thank you for giving her to us to know and to love as
a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. We praise you for all in her that was
good and faithful and loving, and we bless you for the grace that flowed from
you through her into our lives.
Even so, heavenly Father, we grieve. In your boundless compassion, console
us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that
we may 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.
People
Amen.
*please stand if you are able
Minister
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green
pastures, and leads me beside still waters. He revives my soul.
People
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil.
For he is with me.
Minister
He guides me along right pathways for his name’s sake. Even though I walk
in the dark valley I fear no evil. For he is at my side with his rod and staff to
comfort me.
People
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil.
For he is with me.
Minister
He spreads a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; he has
anointed my head with oil; my cup is running over.
People
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil.
For he is with me.
Minister
Surely his goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I
will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
People
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil.
For he is with me.
All
Amen.
HYMN
“On Eagle’s Wings”
Joyful Noises 314 (blue binder)
Please join only on the refrain.
REMEMBRANCES
Kumar Sinniah
Keith Carlson
Jill Forester
*HYMN “May the Mind of Christ, My Savior”
Psalter Hymnal 291
SCRIPTURE Matthew 5
Psalm 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the
stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me
to devour my flesh—my adversaries and foes—they shall stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise
up against me, yet I will be confident.
One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after:
to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.
For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me
under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. Now my head is
lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! ‘Come,’
my heart says, ‘seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your
face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my
help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! If my
father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up. Teach me your way,
O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Do not give me
up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they are breathing out violence.
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the
living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
HOMILY
“A Splintered Light”
*HYMN “When Peace like a River”
Psalter Hymnal 489
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Leader
Almighty God, you who have knit your chosen people together into one
communion, the body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord: give to your church
in heaven and on earth your light and your peace.
People
Hear us, O Lord.
Leader
Grant to all who mourn a sure confidence in your loving care, so that, casting
their sorrow on you, they may know the consolation of your love.
People
Hear us, O Lord.
Leader
Give courage and faith to Karen’s family and friends, that they may know the
consolation of your love.
People
Hear us, O Lord.
Leader
Prayer, concluding with the Lord’s Prayer in unison:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
COMMITTAL AND CLOSING
*Minister
Since God has called our sister Karen from this life to himself, we commit
her body to the earth, for we are dust, and to dust we shall return. But the
Lord Jesus Christ will change our mortal bodies to be like his in glory; for he
is risen, the firstborn of the dead.
*People
Amen.
*Minister
Into your tender hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your beloved
servant, Karen, that you may embrace her in love, and raise up her body on
the last day. Acknowledge, we pray you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of
your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of
your everlasting peace, into the glorious company of the saints who dwell in
your light. And may your kingdom of peace come quickly.
*People
Amen.
*Minister
The Lord is risen.
*People
Christ the Lord is risen indeed.
*Minister
Go forth in peace.
*People
Thanks be to God.
*All
Amen.
*HYMN “Let All Things Now Living”
Psalter Hymnal 453
*BENEDICTION (Please be seated until the family has exited.)
POSTLUDE
Following the service, the family invites everyone to stay for fellowship and a light supper.
Minister Scripture Readers Remembrances Lighting the Candle
Prayer Leader Soloist Musicians PARTICIPANTS
Rev. Jack Roeda, Pastor
Kathy Harris, member of congregation
Richard Carlson, Karen’s father
Kumar Sinniah, Chemistry Department colleague
Keith Carlson, Karen’s brother
Jill Forester, longtime friend
Sandra Carlson, Karen’s mother
Donna Muyskens, Karen’s mother-in-law
Rev. Ron Rienstra, member of the congregation
Tom Ticich, longtime friend
Pianist: Coni Huisman
Strings: AnnaMae Bush, Paul Chaplin, Don Doezema
Rich Huisman, Hannah Maier, Anna Plantinga
Pam Plantinga, Peter Plantinga, Maria Poppen
Greg Scheer, Jess Vriesema
Recorders: Cal Stapert, Nancy Van Baak
January 17, 2008
5:00 PM
Church of the Servant Christian Reformed Church
Grand Rapids, Michigan