The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy.
It finds all meaning in the resurrection.
Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too, shall be raised.
The liturgy, therefore, 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.
WELCOME TO CHRIST CHURCH.
Thank you for your kind presence here today.
Interim Rector Vocal Soloist The Rev. Dr. Julianne Buenting
Director of Music Stephen Kennedy
Andrea McGaugh, mezzo soprano
PRELUDE Improvisation Stephen Kennedy
RECEPTION OF THE BODY
The priest and ministers meet the coffin at the back of the church.
Presider: Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with Jesus by baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with Christ in a like death, we will certainly be united in a resurrection like his.
Water is sprinkled on the coffin and a white pall is placed on as remembrances of Baptism.
Eternal God, maker of heaven and earth, who formed us from the dust of the earth, who by your breath gave us life, we glorify you. Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life, who suffered death for all humanity, who rose from the grave to open the way to eternal life, we praise you. Holy Spirit, author and giver of life, the comforter of all who sorrow, our sure confidence and everlasting hope, we worship you. To you, O Holy and Blessed Trinity, be glory and honor for ever and ever.
People: AMEN.
Please stand, as able and comfortable. The coffin is brought to the front of the church during the Hymn.
HYMN # 390 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
SPOKEN ANTHEM
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.
COLLECTS
Presider: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Presider: Let us pray
Eternal God, your mercy is without end, and your steadfast love never ceases: Accept our prayers for STEVEN and receive him into the land of light and joy, into the company of your saints; for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
O God, who brought us to birth, and in whose arms we die, comfort us in our grief and shock at Steven’s unexpected death. Embrace us with your love, give us hope in our grief and grace to commend him into your nearer presence; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Please be seated.
FIRST LESSON Isaiah 25:6-9
On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,
of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.
And he will destroy on this mountain
the shroud that is cast over all peoples,
the covering that is spread over all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces,
and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken.
It will be said on that day,
“See, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.
This is the Lord for whom we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
Reader: The word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
REMEMBRANCE Dr. Lynn Lambert
PSALM 46
Deus noster refugium
(chanted by cantors Andrea McGaugh and Stephen Kennedy)
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.
SECOND LESSON I Corinthians 15:51-58
Look, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When this perishable body puts on imperishability and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:
“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Reader: The word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
REMEMBRANCE Elaine Remy Lebens, with Jessa and Ryan Lebens
Please stand, as able, for the Gospel reading.
THE HOLY GOSPEL John 11:21-27
Gospeler: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
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.”
Gospeler: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE SERMON The Rev. Dr. Julianne Buenting+
A time of silent reflection follows the sermon.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Please stand, as able.
Reader: Let us pray to God our Creator saying, Holy One, hear us.
Loving God, you have called your people together in the mystical
body of Jesus Christ our Savior. Give to your whole Church in
heaven and on earth your light and your peace.
All: Holy One, hear us.
Reader: Grant that all who have been baptized into Christ’s death and
resurrection may die daily to sin and rise to newness of life, and
that we, with our Redeemer, may pass through the grave and gate
of death to our joyful resurrection.
All: Holy One, hear us.
Reader: Grant to us who are still on our earthly pilgrimage, and who
walk as yet by faith, that your Spirit may lead us in holiness and
righteousness all our days.
All: Holy One, hear us.
Reader: Grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be
cleansed from all our sin and serve you with a quiet mind.
All: Holy One, hear us.
Reader: Grant that Steven, increasing in the knowledge and love of you, may
go from strength to strength in a new life of perfect service.
All: Holy One, hear us.
Reader: Grant to all who mourn, a sure confidence in your tender mercy,
that, casting all their sorrow on you, they may know the consolation of your love.
All: Holy One, hear us.
Reader: Give courage to all who are bereaved, that in the days ahead they may hold fast
to the comfort of a holy hope, and joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love.
All: Holy One, hear us.
Reader: Help us entrust Steven to your never-failing care and love. Receive
him into the arms of your mercy, and remember him according to
the favor you bear for your people.
All: Holy One, hear us.
Silence is kept.
Presider: Gracious God, you alone are the source of all life. May your life-giving Spirit flow through us, so that we may be ministers of your compassion to one another in our sorrow give us the calm of your peace, and kindle our hope, and in your good time, let our grief give way to joy, through Jesus Christ our Deliverer. Amen.
THE PEACE
Presider: The peace of Christ be always with you.
People: And also with you.
OFFERTORY HYMN # 645 The King of love my shepherd is
(The bread and wine for holy communion, and the coffin, are censed during this hymn.)
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, 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 for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Please join in singing
SANCTUS
Celebrant: Holy and gracious God: 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 maker of all. Jesus 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 Savior 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 Jesus 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:
Presider and People in unison: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Celebrant: We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, Almighty God, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling Christ’s 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 Christ. 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 Jesus Christ our Savior. By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and for ever.
AMEN.
Celebrant: As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,
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 for ever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God.
COMMUNION ANTHEM “The Call” by Ralph Vaughn Williams Andrea McGaugh, soloist
Come, my way, my truth, my life:
such a way as gives us breath;
such a truth as ends all strife;
such a life as killeth death.
Come, my light, my feast, my strength:
such a light as shows a feast;
such a feast as mends in length;
such a strength as makes his guest.
Come, my joy, my love, my heart:
such a joy as none can move;
such a love as none can part;
such a heart as joys in love.
THE COMMENDATION
Presider: Give rest, O Christ, to your servants with your saints,
All: where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Presider: You only are immortal, the creator and maker of all; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return.
For so you ordained when you created us, saying, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” All of us go down to the dust; yet even
at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Presider: Give rest, O Christ, to your servants with your saints,
All: where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Presider: Gracious God and Creator of all, we pray to you for Steve and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to
them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May his soul and the souls of all the departed through the merciful love of God,
rest in peace.
All: AMEN.
Presider: Merciful Savior, we commend STEVE to you. Receive him as a sheep of your own fold,
a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Accept him into the arms of your mercy,
into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of your saints.
All: AMEN.
CLOSING HYMN # 376 Joyful, joyful, we adore thee
BLESSING AND DISMISSAL
Presider: The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the
blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in
his sight; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always.
All: AMEN.
Presider: Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People: Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE March Allegro moderato maestoso Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdi (1809-1847)
BURIAL AT MT. HOPE CEMETERY, 1133 MT. HOPE AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY
OPENING ACCLAMATION
Presider: 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.
Presider: 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.
All: AMEN.
PSALM 23
Dominus regit me (recited in unison)
The Lord is my shepherd; *I shall not be in want.
You make me lie down in green pastures *
and lead me beside still waters.
You revive my soul *
and guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, *
I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; *
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.You spread a table before me * in the presence of those who trouble me;
you have anointed my head with oil, * and my cup is running over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Presider: Let us pray together as our Savior Christ has taught us.
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 for ever. AMEN.
THE CONSECRATION OF A RESTING PLACE
Presider: God of time and eternity, whose hands have shaped the universe in love and who
makes all creation holy: Bless this ground to be for us a place of sacred memory where
those we love are laid to rest in hope of your resurrecting call and in confidence of your
unfailing love and mercy shown to us in Christ Jesus the risen Savior. AMEN.
THE COMMITTAL
Presider: In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Savior,
we commend STEVEN REMY to our loving God, and we commit him to his resting place. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
The Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make his face to shine upon him and be gracious to him, the Lord lift up his countenance
upon him and give him peace.
People: AMEN.
(All recite in unison:)
Into paradise may the angels lead you. At your coming may the martyrs and the saints receive youand bring you into the holy city Jerusalem.
Presider: Rest eternal grant to him, O God;
People: And let light perpetual shine upon him.
Presider: May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
People: AMEN.
Presider: Alleluia, Christ is risen!
People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Presider: Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People: Thanks be to God.
DR. STEVEN H. REMY OBITUARY
Steven H. Remy, born on January 6, 1971, in Rochester, N.Y., departed unexpectedly at his home on January 30, 2025, at the age of 54. His friends and family are deeply saddened by his sudden passing.
Throughout his life, Steve faced hardship and loss, experiences that shaped his remarkable ability to offer patience, compassion, and support to others in their most difficult times.
Steve graduated from Arcadia High School before attending the University of Rochester, where he was elected Phi Beta Kappa. After earning his doctorate in clinical psychology, he established a private practice in Rochester. In later years, he dedicated his skills to helping individuals navigate personal and professional challenges through employee assistance programs.
In 2011, Steve married the love of his life, Diane VerValin. His devotion to her was unwavering, especially during her long battle with cancer, as he lovingly cared for her until her passing in 2016.
A true old soul, Steve found comfort in the simplicity of the past. He was an avid reader and loved engaging in deep discussions on religion, philosophy, politics, and the decline of modern society. Music was one of his greatest joys-he admired Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and Mahler, and was a talented guitarist with an extensive collection of guitars. He found solace in driving his classic cars, especially his cherished 1956 Packard, which he called his “soul car.”
Steve adored his feline “fur babies,” Selah and Luna, and enjoyed kayaking whenever the weather allowed. His unique wit, masterful storytelling, and sharp sense of humor made him unforgettable. He often reminisced about his grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Summers, and found deep comfort in living in the home they built in the 1930s-a place that held his heart.
He will be remembered for his playful sarcasm, unwavering moral compass, deep respect for truth, and courageous, caring spirit.
Steven was preceded in death by his wife, Diane, and his parents Eldon Howard Remy and Jane Summers Remy. He is survived by his sister, Elaine Remy Lebens, brother-in-law Michael Lebens, niece Jessa Lebens, and nephews Ryan and Nathan Lebens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/