The Memorial Service, although short in length, is deep in depth. Remembering may help others to push toward the mark and finish the race. Don’t give up, and don’t give in. Aim for the prize, so one day, the common goal is to hear the following:
All are welcome to attend this Memorial Service. Membership is not a requirement. If one has a deceased loved one, come, pray, and remember.
On Thursday, May 25th, 2023, The Lazarus Bereavement Ministry of Christ The King Baptist Church reflected and remembered loved ones who passed away.
I’ll Fly Away song, Scripture, and Prayer set the tone for this peaceful event by Deacon Clifford King. The Purpose of the Event by Sister Margaret Thigpen followed him.
From the words to the lyrics and moves of the dances, the song filled the room with a sweet heavenly aroma.
Some Adult Praise Dancers from CTK danced for Thursday’s Memorial Celebration.
Members from CTK Adult Praise Dancers perform to You Know My Name Song by Tasha Cobbs Leonard
The dancing to a Solo by Edna Fenceroy, accompanied by Mae Beard, reminded members that there is hope in Jesus Christ.
[1] “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? [3] And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. [4] And you know the way where I am going.” [5] Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” [6] Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. [7] If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him.”
John 14: 1-7
Rev. Judy Amos reminds parishioners that God cares for them and is always present.
The Memoriam Slideshow allowed parishioners to reflect and remember. These photos are not from the slideshow but are examples of those who passed away.
Sister Eva King plays powerful songs on her violin, reminding the parishioners of hope and solace in Jesus Christ.
The members lifted their voices in song in praise but also danced, perfected Scripture, prayed, and now they could prelude to everyone what made their loved one endearing, led by Sister Mrs. Bettie Wesley. More parishioners spoke than the ones listed, but these quotes are examples of living testimonies of the dearly departed.
“Uncle Charlie used to work at Rocky Rococos Restaurant. At that time, I was in eighth grade, and after work, he would drop off at around 10 or 11 pm personal pan pizzas for everyone at home. He was always giving. Food, nice jewelry, and advice. He was a great Uncle.”
Latesha N. Jude
“We had a Birthday for my Mom. She said, “I don’t want no party.” At the party, she said, “I didn’t see such and such there.” I said, “Mom, you said you didn’t want a party.”
“Mom would be on the dance floor dancing and say, “Hey, Put this on Facebook.” Mom had a good time at the party. The following year, she passed away, but everyone, all of her children, came, people from Downsouth, all of us were at the party celebrating her, and she was happy.
Tracy Sloan
“Dinner was always ready at 4 pm. Mom and Dad cooked Pinto Beans, Cornbread, and more. We didn’t want that food; we wanted McDonald’s, but everyone on the block loved eating at our house and wanted the food they cooked.”
Marcia Satterwhite aka Niecy
“I’ll speak for all of us; my loving and dear husband, Ernie Mitchell, passed away along with My Mom, Arizona Satterwhite, and Dad.” She continues.
Maggie Mitchell
“My Mom, Ophelia Hudson, My Dad, LT. Hudson and my youngest brother, Charles Hudson,” passed away.
Ms. Marilyn Jude
“There were so many people in my family who passed away.” She continued.
She added, “I don’t know why other people are not here (in the Memorial Service).”
“Anthony ( her relative & not her son) was gone, and no one knew where he was, and then we found out that he passed away.”
Mrs. Sarah Tripplett
Rev. Judy Amos proclaimed the night with the closing prayer. Members did not leave empty-handed. Their hearts rejoiced with talking about their loved ones; Sister Wesley provided a mini duffle bag and an engraved Christ The King Baptist Church ink pen, which turned into a flashlight. When each member spoke about their deceased family, they lit their flashlight.
Sister Wesley also provided snacks with Scriptures. Sister Marilyn Jude also offered the parishioners a buffet of healthy snacks including Natures’s Bakery Fig Bar and more. Sister Jude allowed members to leave with three or four healthy snacks.
“I want everyone to eat healthy,” added Sister Jude.
The Memorial Event was remembered, rewarding, and also refreshing.
Reporter Jude 