Page images
PDF
EPUB

Memorial Services for

John Cornelius Stennis

A SERVICE

in

THANKSGIVING

for

THE LIFE

of

The Honorable

John Cornelius Stennis

Pinecrest Cemetery

DeKalb, Mississippi

APRIL 26, 1995

11:00 A.M.

The liturgy, for Burial, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.

May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

THE OFFICE FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD

Trumpet Hymn-Faith of Our Fathers.

Opening Sentences.

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

O God of grace and glory, we remember before You this day our brother JOHN. We thank You for giving him to us, his 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.

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding, deal graciously with this family in their grief. Surround them with Your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in Your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Lesson From Micah-Micah 6:8 (New English Bible).

A Reading John Hampton Stennis.

A lesson From Philippians-Philippians 4:8-9.

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to Matthew-Matthew 25:31-40.

THE HOMILY

The Reverend Jerry A. McBride.

THE APOSTLES' CREED

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 LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed by 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.

« PreviousContinue »