Burial Eucharist for
Gwendolyn Carolyn Griffin-Odom (1961-2022)
Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 11:00 AM
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The Holy Eucharist: Rite II
The people's responses are written in black italics.
The Burial of the Dead
Prelude
Welcome from the Rector
The Opening Anthem
[BCP, p. 491 / Hymn S-381]
I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord. Whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though he die. And everyone who has life, and has committed himself to me in faith, shall not die for ever.
As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives and that at the last he will stand upon the earth. After my awaking, he will raise me up; and in my body I shall see God. I myself shall see, and my eyes behold him who is my friend and not a stranger.
For none of us has life in himself, and none becomes his own master when he dies. For if we have life, we are alive in the Lord, and if we die, we die in the Lord. So, then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's possession.
Happy from now on are those who die in the Lord! So it is, says the Spirit, for they rest from their labors.
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Mode 8 antiphon melody; adapt. Bruce E. Ford © 1985 Bruce E. Ford, Church Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.]
The Collect of the Day
[BCP, p. 493]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray:
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our sister Gwendolyn. We thank you for giving her to us, her family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes (3:1-11)
[Read by Lisa J. Lockhart]
For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to keep silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.
What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover, he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
A Reading from the Book of the Revelation to John (22:1-7)
[Read by Edward Mells]
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month, and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there anymore. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true, for the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” “See, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
LEV #109: What A Friend We Have in Jesus
1 What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Ev’rything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Ev’rything to God in prayer!
2 Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our ev’ry weakness, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3 Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, Take it to the Lord in Prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in Prayer. In his arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.
Words: Joseph Scriven, Public Domain. Music: Charles C. Converse, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #94919. All rights reserved.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ According to St. John (11:20-27)
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
[By the Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda]
The Apostles’ Creed
[BCP, p. 496]
In the assurance of eternal life given at Baptism, let us proclaim our faith and say,
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 to the dead. 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 catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Prayers of the People
[BCP, p. 497]
For our sister Gwendolyn, let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ who said, "I am Resurrection and I am Life."
Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw near to us who mourn for Gwendolyn, and dry the tears of those who weep. Hear us, Lord.
You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend; comfort us in our sorrow. Hear us, Lord.
You raised the dead to life; give to our sister eternal life. Hear us, Lord.
You promised paradise to the thief who repented; bring our sister to the joys of heaven. Hear us, Lord.
Our sister was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit; give her fellowship with all your saints. Hear us, Lord.
She was nourished with your Body and Blood; grant her a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom. Hear us, Lord.
Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our sister; let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.
The Celebrant concludes with the following prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our sister Gwendolyn, who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that her death may recall to us your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father's love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. Amen.
The Peace
[BCP, p. 360]
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Holy Communion
The Offertory
[BCP, p. 377]
Notes About Holy Communion:
All baptized Christians, from any church or denomination and of any age, are welcome to receive Communion in this church.
Please remain in your pews during the distribution of Communion; the minister(s) will come to serve you where you are.
As the minister approaches you with the bread (Body of Christ), extend your hands with palms open and facing up. The customary response to the minister's words is "Amen." Consume the bread after the priest places it in your hand.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not serving the consecrated wine (Blood of Christ) to the people.
If you or someone in your care is unbaptized or would prefer not to receive Communion for any reason, they should cross their arms over their chest. This signifies to the minister that they wish to receive a blessing instead.
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LEV #54: Nearer, My God, To Thee
1 Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross That raiseth me; Still all my song would be
REFRAIN:
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee.
2 Though like the wanderer, The sun goes down, Darkness be over me, My rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I’d be [Refrain]
3 There let the way appear, Steps unto heav’n; All that Thou sendest me, In mercy giv’n; Angels to beckon me [Refrain]
4 Then, with my waking thoughts, Bright with Thy praise, Out of my stony griefs, Bethel I’ll raise; So by my woes to be [Refrain]
5 Or if on joyful wing, Cleaving the sky, Sun, moon and stars forgot, Upwards I fly, Still all my song shall be [Refrain]
Words: Sarah F. Adams, Public Domain. Music: Bethany, Lowell Mason, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #95173. All rights reserved.
AAHH #651: Doxology
[See also Hymn # 380, v. 3]
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Words: Thomas Ken, Public Domain. Music: Old 100th, attributed to Louis Bourgeois, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #84260. All rights reserved.
Eucharistic Prayer A
[BCP, p. 361]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who rose victorious from the dead, and comforts us with the blessed hope of everlasting life. For to your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended; and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the heavens.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The people stand or kneel.
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
[BCP, p. 364]
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
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, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Fraction Anthems
[BCP, p. 364, 407]
Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us!
Therefore let us keep the feast! Alleluia!
LEV #269:
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
grant us peace.
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Lena McLin, Eucharist of the Soul © 1972 General Words and Music Co. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #57436. All rights reserved.]
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
The Gifts of God for the people of God.
[Verses 1-3]
1 Let us break bread together on our knees, (on our knees,)
Let us break bread together on our knees, (on our knees,)
REFRAIN:
When I fall on my knees,
with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord have mercy on me, on me.
2 Let us drink wine together on our knees, (on our knees,)
Let us drink wine together on our knees (on our knees,) [REFRAIN]
3 Let us praise God together on our knees, (on our knees,)
Let us praise God together on our knees, (on our knees,) [REFRAIN]
Words: Traditional, Public Domain. Music: Negro Spiritual, Public Domain; arr. Jimmie Abbington © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #95817. All rights reserved.
The Post-Communion Prayer
[BCP, p. 498]
Let us pray.
Almighty God, we thank you that in your great love you have fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ, and have given us a foretaste of your heavenly banquet. Grant that this Sacrament may be to us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge of our inheritance in that kingdom where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying, but the fullness of joy with all your saints; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Musical Selection by Margarite Johnson, Soloist
Tributes from Mrs. Griffin-Odom’s Children
The Commendation
[BCP, p. 499]
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Helen. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech 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 mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
The Committal of the Urns
[BCP, p. 501]
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our sister, Gwendolyn, and we commit her body to these urns as her final resting places; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless her and keep her, the Lord make his face to shine upon her and be gracious to her, the Lord lift up his countenance upon her and give her peace. Amen.
The Blessing of the People
[Adapted from Enriching Our Worship 1, p. 71]
Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow the good road and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
The Dismissal
[BCP, p. 366]
Let us go forth in the name of Christ!
Thanks be to God!
LEV #108: 'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus
[Verses 1-4]
1 ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His word. Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”
REFRAIN:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er! Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!
2 O how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood. Just in simple faith to plunge me ’Neath the healing, cleansing flood! [Refrain]
3 Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease. Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest and joy and peace. [Refrain]
4 I’m so glad I learned to trust thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end. [Refrain]
Words: Louisa M. R. Stead, Public Domain. Music: William J. Kirkpatrick, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #97955. All rights reserved.
Today's Ministers:
Celebrant & Preacher: The Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda
Deacon: The Rev. Ella Roundtree-Davis
Organist & Choirmaster: Ms. Beryl C. Dandy
Note: This service is reproduced from The Book of Common Prayer 1979 (BCP), The Hymnal 1982 (Hymn), Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal (LEV), African American Heritage Hymnal (AAHH) and other sources cited. The Scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible.