Thanksgiving for the life
of
Jane Martha Puetthoff
January 11, 1947 ~ November 30, 2021
December 11, 2021
11:00 am
Grace Episcopal Church
Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Thanksgiving for the life
of
Jane Martha Puetthoff
January 11, 1947 ~ November 30, 2021
of
Jane Martha Puetthoff
January 11, 1947 ~ November 30, 2021
Prelude – The Butterfly Waltz, composed by Brian Crain
Opening sentences
I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord. Whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though she die. And everyone who has life, and has committed herself 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 herself, and none becomes her own master when she 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.
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our sister Jane. 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.
I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord. Whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though she die. And everyone who has life, and has committed herself 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 herself, and none becomes her own master when she 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.
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our sister Jane. 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.
The Liturgy of the Word
First Reading: Ecclesiasticus 3:1-4
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;
The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God.
First Reading: Ecclesiasticus 3:1-4
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;
The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved,
and though the mountains be toppled into the
depths of the sea;
Though its waters rage and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its tumult.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her;
she shall not be overthrown;
God shall help her at the break of day.
The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken;
God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Come now and look upon the works of the Lord;
what awesome things he has done on earth.
It is he who makes war cease in all the world;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, then, and know that I am God;
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved,
and though the mountains be toppled into the
depths of the sea;
Though its waters rage and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its tumult.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her;
she shall not be overthrown;
God shall help her at the break of day.
The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken;
God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Come now and look upon the works of the Lord;
what awesome things he has done on earth.
It is he who makes war cease in all the world;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, then, and know that I am God;
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.
The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.
The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (14:1-3)
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.
The Gospel of the Lord
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.
The Gospel of the Lord
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Reflections Carolin Puetthoff
The Reverend Stephen Harding
The Reverend Stephen Harding
The Apostles’ Creed
Celebrant In the assurance of eternal life given at Baptism, let us proclaim our faith and say,
Celebrant and People
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.
Celebrant In the assurance of eternal life given at Baptism, let us proclaim our faith and say,
Celebrant and People
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 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.
Prayers for Jane
For our sister Jane, 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 Jane, 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.
Jane 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.
Silence may be kept.
Celebrant
Father of all, we pray to you for Jane, 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 mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
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.
Prayers for Jane
For our sister Jane, 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 Jane, 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.
Jane 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.
Silence may be kept.
Celebrant
Father of all, we pray to you for Jane, 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 mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
The Commendation
The Celebrant and other ministers take their places at the body.
Celebrant Give rest, O Christ, to your servant Jane with your saints,
People where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Celebrant 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 you shall return.” All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
All Give rest, O Christ, to your servant Jane with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no
more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
The Celebrant, facing the body, says
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Jane. 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.
All remain standing in place to sing
The Celebrant and other ministers take their places at the body.
Celebrant Give rest, O Christ, to your servant Jane with your saints,
People where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Celebrant 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 you shall return.” All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
All Give rest, O Christ, to your servant Jane with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no
more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.
The Celebrant, facing the body, says
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Jane. 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.
All remain standing in place to sing
Celebrant Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God.
People Thanks be to God.
Hymn: Going Home, sung by Linda Besse
The Puetthoff family thanks everyone for their support during this time. All are invited to join them for a reception at their home, 94 Weaver Lane, following the private burial.
The Committal
Celebrant [Jesus said] 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.
Then, while earth is cast upon the coffin, the Celebrant says these words
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our sister Jane, and we commit her ashes to the ground; 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.
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Celebrant Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord;
People And let light perpetual shine upon her.
Celebrant May her soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in
peace. Amen.
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Celebrant Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God.
Celebrant [Jesus said] 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.
Then, while earth is cast upon the coffin, the Celebrant says these words
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our sister Jane, and we commit her ashes to the ground; 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.
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Celebrant Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord;
People And let light perpetual shine upon her.
Celebrant May her soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in
peace. Amen.
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Celebrant Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God.