A LITURGY OF THE RESURRECTION
HOLY EUCHARIST
IN THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIFE OF
VIRGINIA H. ROCKWELL
JUNE 17, 1929 -AUGUST 9, 2025
Christ Episcopal Church, Rochester, New York
September 13, 2025 11:00AM
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
Interim Rector The Rev. Dr. Julianne Buenting
Director of Music and Organist Stephen Kennedy
Violinist Katie Zettek
Cellist Benjamin Doane
Lector for First Lesson Ashley Doherty
Lector for Second Lesson Elizabeth Walla
Reader for Prayers Sarah Van Sleet
Thank you for your kind presence here today.
Please join the family after the service for a reception in the
Parish House Wilder Hall and Guild Room
The flowers are given to the glory of God and in honor of Virginia Rockwell
by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
PRELUDE Improvisation on Psalm 121 Stephen Kennedy
Please stand, as able and comfortable.
HYMN # 680 Oh God our help in ages past
SPOKEN ANTHEM
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.
COLLECT: PRAYER
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 Virginia and receive her 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.
Please be seated.
FIRST LESSON Job 19:21-27a
Reader A reading from the book of Job. Read by Ashley Doherty
Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me!
Why do you, like God, pursue me, never satisfied with my flesh?
O that my words were written down! O that they were inscribed in a book! O that with an iron pen and with lead they were engraved on a rock for ever!
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
Reader The word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
PSALM 121 recited in unison
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
from where is my help to come?
2 My help comes from God, *
the maker of heaven and earth.
3 God will not let your foot be moved; *
the One who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4 Behold, the One who keeps watch over Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5 The Holy One watches over you *
and is your shade at your right hand,
6 So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *
nor the moon by night.
7 God shall preserve you from all evil *
and is the One who shall keep you safe.
8 God shall watch over your going out and your coming in, *
from this time forth for evermore.
SECOND LESSON Revelation 7:9-17
Reader A reading from the book of Revelation. Read by Elizabeth Walla
After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation,
from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,
robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
‘Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!’
And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures,
and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, singing,
‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.’
Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, ‘Who are these, robed in white, and where have
they come from?’ I said to him, ‘Sir, you are the one that knows.’ Then he said to me, ‘These are
they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white
in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him
day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They
will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat;
for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs
of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’
Reader The word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God.
Please stand, as able, for the Gospel reading.
THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 11:25-30
Gospeler: People The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden
these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for
such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one
knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to
whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will
find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Gospeler: People The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE SERMON The Rev. Dr. Julianne Buenting+
HYMN # 693 Just as I am, without one plea Accompanied by Katie Zettek, violin
The hymn tune will be played once instrumentally, then the Congregation will sing Verses 4 and 5 only, then the hymn tune will be played once.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Read by Sarah Van Sleet
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.
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.
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.
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.
Grant that Virginia, 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.
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.
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.
Help us entrust Virginia to your never-failing care and love. Receive her into the arms of your
mercy, and remember her according to the favor you bear for your people.
All: Holy One, hear us.
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 # 618 Ye Watchers and ye holy ones
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Sursum Corda
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:
SANCTUS
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.
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.
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
A time of silence is kept after the Priest breaks the bread.
Invitation to Communion
Presider The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Everyone is welcome to share in the Holy Communion whatever your faith tradition.
Gluten free bread is available if it is better for you, please tell the priest when you come forward for communion.
The Bread and the Cup are given with these words:
The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. Please Respond: Amen.
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. Please Respond: Amen.
If you do not wish to receive communion, you are welcome to come forward for a blessing at communion time,
signaling this request by placing each hand on its opposite shoulder.
Music for Holy Communion Benjamin Doane, Cello
Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007 Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
IV. Sarabande
Prayer after Communion
Presider: Let us pray,
All pray in unison:
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.
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 Virginia and for all those
whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual
shine upon them. May her soul and the souls of all the departed through the
merciful love of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Merciful Savior, we commend Virginia to you. Receive her as a sheep of your
own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Accept
her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and
into the glorious company of your saints. Amen.
Closing Hymn# 287 For all the saints
Blessing and Dismissal
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. Amen.
Presider Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE In paradisum (In paradise) Stephen Kennedy
Virginia H. Rockwell (Steeves)
Passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the age of 96.
Predeceased by her parents, William S. and Gladys B. Henry; husbands, John K Steeves, Jr (father of her children) and The Rev. James A Rockwell; and sister, Claire. Survived by her daughters, Judith (Charlie) Zettek, Deborah Steeves, and her son, Kevin (Cherie) Steeves; sister, Shirley Gruendike; her stepchildren, Nancy Consedine, Bruce Rockwell (The Rev. Cristine) and Joan Rockwell; her beloved 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews, who all held a special place in her heart.
Virginia graduated later in life with degrees in Special Education and School Administration from SUNY Brockport and Nazareth College. She worked many years for the Rochester City School district and later was a member of the NYS Teachers Retirement Association.
Virginia had a deep love for classical music, a zest for life, she was always ready for the next adventure and eager to include the whole family at a moment’s notice. She generously gave her time as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and served as a dedicated Girl Scout Leader, touching many lives with her kindness and leadership.
The family thanks the many people who assisted in Virginia’s care at Valley Manor Assisted Living, Seabury Woods Assisted Living and the Episcopal Church Home over the past six years and the URMC Palliative Care Unit 4-1200 team members who provided compassionate end of life care and support to Virginia and her family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Virginia’s memory may be made to:
The Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center, C/O Palliative Care Unit 4-1200 Fund, 300 East River Road, Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627, or by visiting their website: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/palliative-care/giving or Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, 505 Mt. Hope Ave. Rochester, NY 14624 or at https://episcopalseniorlife.org/give/