Agnes Ferguson "If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be the Lord both of the dead and of the living." Romans 14:8-9
O bituary O
n the 19th February 1942, Agnes Elizabeth Ferguson (formerly Dean) was born in Morrisville, Long Island, The Bahamas to Estelle and Henry Dean, both of whom predeceased her. She was the sixth child of eight children and the second of four girls. She spent her formative years in Long Island, attending Morrisville All Age School and services at St. Michael’s and All Angels Church in Roses, Long Island with her family. She was affectionately known as Aggie or Fergie to her loved ones and friends. As a young woman, Agnes relocated to Nassau to seek better economic opportunities. She was first employed at Dipper Dan Ice-cream, then with George McKinney. On leaving George McKinney, Agnes went to work at Father Allen’s and later as a housekeeper with the Wilsons. During her youth, Agnes met and married Leroy Ferguson, who predeceased her. Agnes later met Isaac Bain and that union produced two daughters Melinda Rochelle and Shantell Denise. To Agnes’ great sorrow, both her daughters predeceased her although she had the comfort of her granddaughter Lashanda Monique and later her great-grandson Qwanel. Agnes however was a mother to many countless others and she took great delight in spoiling her nieces Maxine, Stephanie and Tanya and nephew Dwayne, grand-niece Dayna and grand-nephew Ayden. Agnes was a warm, loving and giving person. In her younger days and before having to rely on a cane or walker to get around, there was nothing Agnes enjoyed more than spoiling her kids, natural and adopted, rotten. Agnes often shopped for, fed and gave special treats to her
Agnus E. Ferguson menagerie of children. She would, despite her mobility issues, give you her last to fill any need you had. Such was Agnes’ love and generosity that her house was the favorite spot on summer breaks for the children in the family, especially when her mother came to Nassau. Agnes’ home continued to be a hub for family gatherings both planned and impromptu until recent times. Agnes was true to her God and remained a faithful member of the Anglican Church, becoming a member of St. George’s with her sisters, Costella, Evamae and Helen. Although Helen later left and became a member of the Baptist communion, Agnes and her sisters remained. After Costella’s death, Agnes and Evamae continued to worship at St. George’s and sing in the choir. As a member of St. George’s, Agnes became a stalwart member of the senior choir where she was a strong contribution to the alto section. It was only in the last few years that Agnes, plagued by painful knees and mobility issues, retired from climbing the stairs to the choir loft. Despite the challenges of mobility and her diabetes, Agnes was rarely absent from Sunday mass. She enjoyed spending time with her family often catching-up and visiting by phone. But Agnes took the death of her sisters Helen and Costella hard and began to focus on life after this earthly journey. Agnes was admitted to hospital during the afternoon of the 5th February with uncontrolled diabetes and blood pressure levels. However, Agnes never really gain consciousness and passed away quietly in the afternoon of the 9th February.
O bituary(cont'd) Left to cherish her memory is a sister Evamae Ingraham; a granddaughter Lashanda Bain; a greatgrandson Qwanell; a sister-in-law Enamae Dean; nieces Maxine Nixon, Stephanie Dean, Tanya Knowles, Keisha Dean and Sharmon Ingraham; nephews Joseph, Christopher, Garnett, Selwyn, Lynden, Marvin, Salathiel, Terrance, Christopher Nixon, Pedro and Percy Dean, Dwayne, Ricardo and Justin Ingraham and Timothy Boroughs; an adopted daughter Theresa; a stepdaughter Joanna Smith; a stepson-in-law Bill Smith; two stepsons Lorenzo and Gregory Ferguson; two stepgranddaughters Keisha and Lynette Smith and their families; numerous other relatives and friends including Kernita Sands, the Minnis family, the Major family, the Adderley family, Mrs. Gay and family, Mrs. Kemp and family, St. George’s Senior Choir, her Sixth Street the Grove family, Kenneth, Tracey and Cynthia Neymour.
Agnes Ferguson
O rder of Service RECEPTION OF THE BODY
Celebrant:
With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our sister Agnes Elizabeth for burial. Our sister Agnes washed in Holy Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit. Let us therefore, with confidence, pray to God our Heavenly Father, the Giver of Life, that He will raise her to perfection in the company of the saints.
Celebrant:
The Lord be with you.
All:
And also with you.
Celebrant:
Let us pray: O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our sister Agnes Elizabeth. We thank you for giving her to us, her family and friends, to know and 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.
All:
Amen. OPENING SENTENCES
"Jesus said, I am the Resurrection, and I am the life; he who believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die." John 11:25-26 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His compassion never fails: every morning they are renewed." Lamentations 3:22-23 "Jesus said, Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." John 14:1 "I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers nor things present, nor things to come, 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." Romans 8:38-39 "If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be the Lord both of the dead and of the living." Romans 14:8-9 "We brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out. The Lord gives and the Lord away: Blessed be the Name of the Lord." Job 1:21 "The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Deuteronomy 33:27
OPENING HYMN: PLEASANT ARE THY COURTS ABOVE Pleasant are thy courts above In the land of light and love; Pleasant are thy courts below In this land of sin and woe: O my spirit longs and faints For the converse of thy saints, For the brightness of thy face, For thy fullness, God of grace.
Happy souls, their praises flow Even in this vale of woe; Waters in the desert rise, Manna feeds them from the skies; On they go from strength to strength, Till they reach thy throne at length, At thy feet adoring fall, Who hast led them safe through all.
Happy birds that sing and fly Round thy altars, O Most High; Happier souls that find a rest In a heavenly Father's breast: Like the wandering dove, that found No repose on earth around, They can to their ark repair, And enjoy it ever there.
Lord, be mine this prize to win, Guide me through a world of sin, Keep me by thy saving grace, Give me at thy side a place; Sun and Shield alike thou art, Guide and guard my erring heart; Grace and glory flow from thee; Shower, O shower then, Lord, on me.
THE COLLECT FOR THE DEPARTED Celebrant:
Let us pray:
Almighty God, we remember before You today Your servant Agnes and we pray that, having opened to her the gates of larger life, You will receive her more and more into Your joyful service, that, with all who have served you in the past, she may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Wisdom 3: 1-5, 9 Read by: Lynden Dean "But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect."
PSALM 46 - GOD IS OUR HOPE AND STRENGTH Led by: The Choir
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea; 3 Though its waters rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble at its tumult. 4 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. 5 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 6 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be overthrown; God shall help her at the break of day. 7 The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away. 8 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. 9 Come now and look upon the works of the LORD, what awesome things he has done on earth. 10 It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the shields with fire. 11 "Be still, then, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth." 12 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
THE NEW TESTAMENT LESSON: 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:9 Read by: Ms. Lachrista Nixon
We do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling-- if indeed, when we have taken it off we will not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord-- for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
GRADUAL HYMN: JERUSALEM THE GOLDEN Jerusalem the golden, with milk and honey blest, Beneath thy contemplation sink heart and voice oppressed. I know not, O I know not, what joys await us there, What radiancy of glory, what bliss beyond compare. They stand, those halls of Zion, all jubilant with song, And bright with many an angel, and all the martyr throng; The Prince is ever in them, the daylight is serene. The pastures of the blessèd are decked in glorious sheen. There is the throne of David, and there, from care released, The shout of them that triumph, the song of them that feast; And they, who with their Leader, have conquered in the fight, Forever and forever are clad in robes of white. O sweet and blessèd country, the home of God’s elect! O sweet and blessèd country, that eager hearts expect! Jesus, in mercy bring us to that dear land of rest, Who art, with God the Father, and Spirit, ever blessed.
THE GOSPEL… John 11:21-27 Read by: Fr. Scott Brennen
Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother, Lazarus, 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."
SOLO SERMON
“How Great Thou Art”
Mr. Adrian A. W. Archer The Venerable G. Kinsley Knowles THE CREED
Celebrant:
Let us with confidence and hope confess the faith into which we were baptized, as we say,
All:
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 was 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. 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.
INTERCESSION
Led by: Mr. Ricardo Ingraham Leader:
For our sister Agnes let us pray to the Lord Christ who said, “I am the Resurrection and I am Life.”
Leader:
Lord, You consoled Martha and Mary in their distress: Draw near to us who mourn for Agnes and dry the tears of those who weep.
All:
Hear us, Lord.
Leader:
You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend, comfort us in our sorrow at the death of our sister Agnes.
All:
Hear us, Lord.
Leader:
You raised the dead to life: Raise our sister Agnes to eternal life.
All:
Hear us, Lord.
Leader:
You promised paradise to the thief who repented: Bring our sister Agnes to the joys of heaven.
All:
Hear us, Lord.
Leader:
Our sister Agnes was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit: Give her fellowship with all your Saints.
All:
Hear us, Lord.
Leader:
She was nourished with your Body and Blood: Grant her a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom.
All:
Hear us, Lord.
Leader:
Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our sister Agnes. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.
All:
Hear us, Lord.
Celebrant:
Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our sister Agnes Elizabeth, 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.
ACT OF PENITENCE: Celebrant:
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Celebrant:
Let us therefore confess our sins.
ALL:
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and one another, in thought, word and deed, and in what we have left undone. We are sorry and repent of all our sins. For your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your Name. Amen. THE ABSOLUTION:
Celebrant:
Almighty God, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CHOIR ANTHEM:
ANGELIC HARMONY St George’s Young Adult Choir HYMN: I Feel Like Travelling Home
My heav’nly home is bright and fair, I feel like traveling on; Nor pain nor death can enter there, I feel like traveling on.
Let others seek a home below, I feel like traveling on; Which flames devour, or waves o’erflow, I feel like traveling on.
Refrain: Yes, I feel like traveling on, I feel like traveling on; My heav’nly home is bright and fair, I feel like traveling on. Its glitt’ring tow’rs the sun outshine, I feel like traveling on; That heav’nly mansion shall be mine, I feel like traveling on.
The Lord has been so good to me, I feel like traveling on; Until that blessed home I see, I feel like traveling on.
ELEMENT BEARERS: Ms. Keisha Dean, Mr. Joseph Dean Jr. and Ms. Tanya Knowles THE PRESENTATION OF THE OFFERING Celebrant:
Through your goodness, Lord, we have this bread and wine to offer, the fruit of the earth and the work of human hands. They will become our spiritual food.
All:
All things come from you, O Lord, and of your own do we give you. Blessed be God for ever. Amen. HYMN: "And Can It Be" And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Saviour’s blood Died he for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! how can it be That thou my God shouldst die for me
He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace! Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race! Tis Mercy all, immense and free, For, O my God, it found out me.
‘Tis mystery all! The immortal dies Who can explore his strange design? In vain the first-born seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine! ‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more
Long my imprisoned lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night. Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray: I woke the dungeon flamed with light! My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose went forth and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread: Jesus, and all in Him is mine! Alive in Him, My living Head, And clothed with righteousness divine Bold I approach the eternal throne And claim the crown, thru Christ my own THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER Celebrant:
The Lord be with you.
All:
And also with you.
Celebrant:
Lift up your hearts.
All:
We lift them up to the Lord.
Celebrant:
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All:
It is right to give Him thanks and praise
Celebrant:
It is right and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father Almighty, Everlasting God; Through Jesus Christ our Lord; Who rose victorious from the dead, and comforts us with the blessed hope of life eternal. 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.
All:
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.
Celebrant:
Sovereign Lord and Father, to be glory and praise for ever. In Your boundless wisdom You brought creation into being; in Your great love You fashioned us in Your image; in Your tender compassion You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour, to share our human nature; in the power of the Holy Spirit, He overcame the power of sin and death and brought Your people to new birth as first fruits of Your new creation. On the night he was betrayed, He took bread, and when He had given thanks to You, He broke it and gave it to His disciples and said: “Take this and eat it: 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.”
Celebrant:
Therefore, Father, according to the command of your dearly beloved Son.
All:
We remember His death We proclaim His resurrection We await His coming to glory.
Celebrant:
And we offer you, Father, our sacrifice of thanks and praise. Send your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and wine that they become the Body and Blood of Your Son, Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer. As we partake of this holy food of new and unending life, may Your Holy Spirit establish us a royal priesthood with the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all Your sons and daughters who share in Your eternal inheritance; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. With Him and in Him and through Him, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we worship You, Father Almighty, with all who stand before You in earth and heaven, in songs of everlasting praise:
All:
Blessing and honour and glory and power be yours forever and ever. Amen.
All:
Blessing and honour and glory and power be yours forever and ever. Amen.
Celebrant:
As our Saviour has taught us so we pray:
All:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name; your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Celebrant:
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
All:
Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread. THE INVITATION
Celebrant:
My brothers and sisters in Christ, draw near and receive His Body which He gave for you, and His Blood, which He shed for you. Remember that he died for you, and feed on Him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving.
All:
Grant us gracious Lord, that we may so eat the flesh of Your Dear Son, Jesus Christ, and drink His Blood, that we may ever more dwell in Him and He in us. Amen. THE AGNUS DEI:
All:
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; grant her rest. Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; grant her rest. Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; grant her rest eternal.
COMMUNION HYMN: SWEET SACRAMENT DIVINE Sweet Sacrament divine, Hid in thine earthly home; Lo! round thy lowly shrine, With suppliant hearts we come; Jesus, to thee our voice we raise In songs of love and heartfelt praise Sweet Sacrament divine.
Sweet Sacrament of rest, Ark from the ocean's roar, Within thy shelter blest Soon may we reach the shore; Save us, for still the tempest raves, Save, lest we sink beneath the waves: Sweet Sacrament of rest.
Sweet Sacrament of peace, Dear home of every heart, Where restless yearnings cease, And sorrows all depart. There in thine ear, all trustfully, We tell our tale of misery, Sweet Sacrament of peace.
Sweet Sacrament divine, Earth's light and jubilee, In thy far depths doth shine The Godhead's majesty; Sweet light, so shine on us, we pray That earthly joys may fade away: Sweet Sacrament divine.
LORD ENTHRONED IN HEAVENLY SPLENDOR Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor, First-begotten from the dead. Thou alone, our strong defender, Liftest up thy people's head. Alleluia! Alleluia! Jesus, true and living bread!
Though the lowliest form doth veil thee As of old in Bethlehem, Here as there thine angels hail thee, Branch and flower of Jesse's stem. Alleluia! Alleluia! We in worship join with them.
Here our humblest homage pay we, Here in loving reverence bow; Here for faith's discernment pray we, Lest we fail to know thee now. Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou art here, we ask not how.
Paschal Lamb, thine offering, finished Once for all when thou was slain, In its fullness undiminished Shall for evermore remain. Alleluia! Alleluia! Cleansing souls from every stain.
Life-imparting heavenly Manna, Stricken Rock with streaming side, Heaven and earth with loud hosanna Worship thee, the Lamb who died. Alleluia! Alleluia! Risen, ascended, glorified
LIVING BY FAITH I care not today, what tomorrow may bring If shadow or sunshine of rain The Lord I know ruleth o’er everything And all of my worry is vain
I Know that He safely will carry me through No matter what evil betide Why should I then care tho’ the tempest may blow If Jesus walks close to my side.
Living by faith in Jesus above Trusting, confiding in His great love From all harm safe in His sheltering arms I’m living by faith, and feel no alarm Tho’ tempest may blow and the storm, clouds arise Obscuring the brightness of life. I’m never alarmed at the overcast skies Beyond that blest heavenly shore.
CHOIR ANTHEM:
Our Lord will return to this earth some sweet day Our troubles will then all be o’er The Master so gently will lead us away he Master looks on at the strife.
HALLELUJAH! WE SHALL RISE
SR. CHOIR
POST COMMUNION All:
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 Saviour. Amen. POST COMMUNION HYMN: I Serve A Risen Saviour
I serve a Risen Saviour, He’s in the world today I know that he is living whatever men may say; I see his hand of mercy, I hear his voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him He’s always near In all the world around me I see His loving care, And tho’ my heart grows weary I never will despair; I know that he is leading thro’ all the stormy blast, The day of his appearing will come at last
He Lives, he lives, Christ Jesus Lives today He walks with me and talks with me Along life’s narrow way He Lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart.
Rejoice, rejoice O Christian, lift up your voice and sing Eternal Hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find, None other is so loving, so good and kind.
THE COMMENDATION: The Choir sings the Contakion of the Departed Give rest, O Christ to your servant with your saints. Where sorrow and pain are no more neither sighing, but life everlasting. You only are immortal, the creator and maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me saying. “You are dust and to dust shall you return.� All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Give rest, O Christ to your servant with your saints. Were sorrow and pain are no more neither sighing, but life everlasting. Celebrant:
Lord Have Mercy.
All:
Christ Have Mercy.
Celebrant:
Lord Have Mercy.
All:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name; your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
Celebrant:
Let us commend our sister Agnes Elizabeth to the mercy of God our Maker and Redeemer. Deliver Your servant Agnes O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set her free from every bond, that she may rest with all Your Saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
All:
Amen.
Celebrant:
Let us pray: Into Your hands, O merciful Saviour we commend Your servant Agnes Elizabeth. Acknowledge we humbly ask 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 eternal peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light where to live and reign with you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in glory everlasting.
Celebrant:
Rest eternal grant to her O Lord.
All:
And let light perpetual shine upon her.
Celebrant:
May she rest in peace.
All:
Amen.
The combined choir sings the “Hallelujah Chorus: RECESSIONAL HYMN: All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all!
Ye seed of Israel's chosen race, Ye ransomed of the fall, Hail him who saves you by his grace. And crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all!
Crown him, ye morning stars of light, Who fixed this floating ball; Now hail the Strength of Israel's might, And crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all!
Hail him, ye heirs of David's line, Ahom David Lord did call, The God incarnate, Man divine, And crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all!
Crown him ye martyrs of your God, Who from his altar call: Extol the stem of Jesse's rod, And crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all!
Sinners, whose love can ne'er forget The wormwood and the gall, Go spread your trophies at his feet, And crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all!
Let every tribe and every tongue That bound creation's call, Now shout in universal song The crowned, the crowned, the Crowned Lord of all! As the procession leaves the church the following canticles are exclaimed. Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and giving life to those in the tomb. The Sun of Righteousness is gloriously risen, giving light to those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death. The Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace, having taken away the sin of the world. Christ will open the kingdom of heaven to all who believe in His Name, saying, Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you. Into paradise may the angels lead you into the Holy City, Jerusalem.
THE COMMITAL Everyone the Father gives to me will come to me: I will never turn away anyone who believes in me. He who raised Jesus Christ from. the dead will also give new life to our mortal bodies through His indwelling Spirit. My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest in hope. You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. I heard a voice from heaven saying "Write this: Happy are the dead who die in the faith of Christ! Henceforth," says the Spirit "they may rest from the labours: for they take with them the record of their deeds. Man born of a woman has but a short time to live. Like a flower he blossoms and then withers; like a shadow he flees and never stays. In the midst of life we are in death; to whom can we turn for help, but to you, Lord, who are justly angered by our sins? Lord God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, holy and most merciful Saviour, deliver us from the bitter pains of eternal death. You know the secrets of our hearts: In your mercy hear our prayer, forgive us our sins, and at our last hour let us not fall away from you. MINISTER: Then as the earth is cast upon the coffin, the minister says: In sure and certain hope of resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our sister Agnes Elizabeth and we commit her body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. And we beseech you in your infinite goodness to give us grace to live in your dear love and to die in your favour that when your well-beloved Son shall come again in judgment both this our brother / sister and we ourselves may be found acceptable in your sight. Grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. V. R. V.
The Lord be with you And also with you Let us pray
Almighty God, with whom still live the spirits of those who die in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful are in joy and felicity; we give you heartfelt thanks for the good examples of all your servants, who, having finished their course in faith, now find rest and refreshment. May we, with all who have died in the true faith of your holy Name, have perfect fulfillment and bliss in your eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the resurrection and the life: Receive that blessing which your well beloved Son shall then pronounce: "Come, you blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world." Grant this, O merciful Father, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the Spirit of faith and courage, that they may have the strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. And this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. V. R.
Rest eternal grant to him her, O Lord And let light perpetual shine upon him her.
V R.
May she and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
V. R.
The Lord bless him her and keep him her, the Lord make his face to shine upon him / her and be gracious unto him her . The Lord lift up his countenance upon him her and give him her peace. Amen.
V. R.
Alleluia! Christ is risen The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
V. R.
Let us go forth in the name of Christ Thanks be to God. GRAVESIDE HYMNS BLESSED ASSURANCE Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His Blood.
Perfect submission, perfect delight Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long This is my story, this is my song Praising my Saviour all the day long
Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Saviour am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul. Refrain It is well, with my soul, It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord! Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul! And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul.