Rest In Peace: Michael Wood

Dear friends in Christ, 

I write with the sad news of the death of Michael Wood ("Uncle Mike"), a member of my family and a good friend. May the angels welcome Michael into paradise, may our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bless him and keep him, and may he rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen. 

Please keep Michael's family in your prayers, especially his wife Elaine; his daughter Dawn (our Director of Children's and Family Ministry) and his son-in-law Thomas; his son Christian and daughter-in-law Katherine; his son Matthew; his grandchildren Eden and Phoenix (both parishioners at Christ Church), Maggie Jane, Martha, and Michael; his sister-in-law Janet, his niece Nicole (my wife) and nephew Andrew, and his grand-nephews Liam and Nicholas (my sons).  Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Michael passed away Saturday, October 3, at home with his family by his side. Mike and his family members have attended Christ Church events for the past 11 years since I  have been rector. He was a member of Grace Church, Whitestone, NY. He was a very good man and a faithful Episcopalian, and he will be greatly missed.

Michael's Funeral will be at Christ Church on Thursday, October 8, at 10am. Your prayers and presence are requested.

Grant us grace to entrust Michael to thy never-failing love; receive him into the arms of thy mercy, and remember him according to the favor which thou bearest unto thy people. Amen.

O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of your servant Michael, and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Father of all, we pray to you for those we love, but see no longer: Grant them your peace; let light perpetual shine upon them; and, in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have 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. All this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.

The LORD is my shepherd; *
    I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; *
    he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul; *
    he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his Name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; *
    for thou art with me;
    thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; *
    thou anointest my head with oil;
    my cup runneth 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.

In Christ,

Father Matt