A Service to the Glory of God

In Thanksgiving for the Life of

The Reverend John Wilson Price

November 24, 1938 - August 5, 2021

Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 10:00 am

Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church

The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its 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.

—The Book of Common Prayer, page 507

Ministers of the Liturgy

Celebrant and Preacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Right Reverend Jeff W. Fisher, Bishop Suffragan

Deacon and Bishop’s Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Reverend Ryan Hawthorne, Curate

Assisting Priest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Reverend Neil Alan Willard, Rector

Director of Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Brady Knapp

Organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Cowan

Vocalist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cecilia Duarte, mezzo-soprano

Musician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Wheeler, guitarist

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Ringing of the Nine Tailors

The Nine Tailors is a traditional way to ring bells to honor those who have died. One bell is rung by itself sounding three groups of three notes for a man and two groups of three for a woman. After this preface, there is a pause. The bell then tolls the age of the deceased. Three groups of three and then a pause, then tolling for his age.

The Price Family would like to thank the Palmer Change Bell Ringers for their ministry.

Prelude

The Celebrant invites the People to stand for the presentation of the colors by representatives of Palmer’s Scouting units, which are Pack 511, Troop 511, and Troop 1511.

The Presentation of the Colors

The Burial of the Dead

As the People remain standing, the Celebrant says the following words during the procession into the church.

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.

Happy from now on are those who die in the Lord! So it is, says the Spirit, for they rest from their labors.

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Hymn 208 “The strife is o’er, the battle done” Victory

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Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that your servant John, being raised with him, may know the strength of his presence, and rejoice in his eternal glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding, deal graciously with the Price family in their grief. Surround them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

The First Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11 Reader A reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes.

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; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.God has made everything beautiful in its time.Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

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Psalm 23 (in unison)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.

Second Reading: Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39

Reader A reading from the Letter to the Romans.

All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ-- if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, 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.

Reader The Word of the Lord.People Thanks be to God.

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Sequence Hymn 664 “My Shepherd will supply my need” Resignation

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Remain standing

The Holy Gospel: John 10:11-16

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away-- and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon

The Right Reverend Jeff W. Fisher, Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas

The Apostles’ CreedThe Celebrant introduces the Creed, saying

In the assurance of eternal life given at Baptism, let us proclaim our faith and say,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.

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The Prayers of the People

Reader Dear Friends: It was our Lord Jesus himself who said “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Let us pray, then, for our brother John, that he may rest from his labors, and enter into the light of God’s eternal sabbath rest. Receive, O Lord, your servant, for he returns to you.

People Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother John.

Reader Wash him in the holy font of everlasting life, and clothe him in his heavenly wedding garment.People Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother John.

Reader May he hear your words of invitation, “Come, you blessed of my Father.”People Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother John.

Reader May he gaze upon you, Lord, face to face, and taste the blessedness of perfect rest.People Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother John.

Reader May angels surround him, and saints welcome him in peace.People Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother John.

The Celebrant concludes

Father of all, we pray to you for John, 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 Peace

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.People And also with you.

Then the Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

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The Holy CommunionThe Celebrant says this or another sentence of Scripture.

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. For everything in heaven and on earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11

If you are a baptized Christian of any tradition, you are invited to receive communion with us after the Breaking of the Bread. The bread will be placed in your outstretched hands. At this service (which may have both vaccinated and unvaccinated people), when the chalice of wine comes to you at the altar rail, you may only carefully dip the bread in it or decline it.

If you are not a baptized Christian, or your Christian tradition does not allow you to receive communion with us, we encourage you to come forward at the time of communion to receive a blessing from a priest or bishop. Simply cross your arms over your chest as the priest or bishop approaches with the bread, and they will know to give you a blessing instead of communion. In this way, everyone can participate in this part of the service.

Offertory Anthem: Day by day David Ashley WhiteDay by day, dear Lord of thee

Three things I pray:To see thee more clearly,To love thee more dearly,

To follow thee more nearly,Day by day.

The Great Thanksgiving

The people stand.

Celebrant The Lord be with you.People And also with you.

Celebrant Lift up your hearts.People We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant Let us give thanks to the our Lord God.People It is right to give God thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, 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:

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Sanctus (Hymnal S-130) Schubert

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Holy and gracious Father: 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 Father of all.He 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 Lord 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 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.” Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:Celebrant and PeopleChrist has died.Christ is risen.Christ will come again.

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his 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 him. 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 your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,Celebrant and People

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.

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The Breaking of the Bread

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.

Agnus Dei S-164 Schubert

The Celebrant says the following InvitationThe Gifts of God for the People of God.

Anthem: Ave verum corpus Nicholas White

Hail, true Body, bornof the Virgin Mary,having truly suffered, sacrificedon the cross for mankind,from whose pierced sidewater and blood flowed:

Be for us a foretaste of the Heavenly banquetin the trial of death!O sweet Jesus, O holy Jesus,O Jesus, son of Mary,have mercy on me. Amen.

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Taizé #29 “Nada te turbe” Cecilia Duarte, mezzo-soprano

Taizé “Ubi caritas”

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After Communion, the Celebrant saysLet us pray.Celebrant and People

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 heav-enly 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

The Bishop sprinkles water over the urn as a reminder that John was baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Then the Bishop uses incense, which symbolizes our prayers rising as a fragrant offering to God.

Bishop Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints,People where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.

Bishop 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.

People Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.

The Bishop says

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant John. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

The Bishop blesses the people.

The Deacon dismisses the people with these words

Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People Thanks be to God.

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Closing Hymn 625 “Ye holy angels bright” Darwall’s 148th

Postlude: Toccata Charles-Marie Widor

John Wilson Price departed this life on August 5, 2021 in Houston TX. He was ready for this journey and had done his best to prepare anyone who would listen to his reminder GOD LOVES YOU. He made the most of his 82 years, leaving a legacy of love, friendship, and accomplishment. John is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Arlene Bruchmiller, who appreciated his sense of humor and never balked at the responsibilities of a man devoted to his profession. He is also survived by his son Robert Price with his wife Pansy and their children Alexander, Geoffrey, Kate, Mina, and Sawyer, by his son Rick Price and his son William, and by his daughter Catherine Beebe with her husband Mark and their children Helen and Lucy.

John was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on November 24, 1938, to Evelyn Tyson Wilson and Dr. William Armstrong Price. He graduated from St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, in 1957, and from the University of Texas (Plan II) in 1961. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia in 1964 and was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1965. He served at Trinity Episcopal and St. Mark’s Episcopal churches in San Antonio, Texas. On Sunday evenings John hosted a radio program

called “Theological and Religious Patterns in Sacred Music” on San Antonio’s only FM station. He joined the Texas Army National Guard and did military service simultaneously with parish work for 30 years, retiring as State Area Command Chaplain, Colonel, 1995.

John served as Rector at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas, for 20 years (1968-88) and was active in numerous other diocesan projects. He was on its Building Committee for Camp Allen, a new Diocesan Camp and Conference Center. Over the years, he carved three crosses for the new camp identical to the cross that washed away from the original Camp Allen in Baytown in the 1938 hurricane. He directed a particularly memorable STARS WARS camp. Before any camp session, he patrolled the grounds with a machete and dispatched a total of 64 copperhead snakes over the years. He helped launch the Cursillo movement in the diocese of Texas, Cursillo #1 in January of 1980. He continued to develop his own spirituality and spent six weeks at Pecos Benedictine Monastery, NM at their School for Spiritual Directors. Following this experience, he led retreats encouraging lay people to pursue spiritual development.

During the years at St George’s, he participated in two parish exchanges, one with St. Mary’s, Hanwell, London, UK, 1975-76 and the other with St. Andrew’s, Chapala, MX, July 1986. In 1984, he secured a HUD grant and founded St. George’s Court in Austin, a 60-unit apartment community for low income seniors and the disabled. As John had opportunities, he held the door open for others. He hired the first woman priest in Austin who served part-time at St George’s and as chaplain to St George’s Court. He provided counseling to the Gay community and welcomed their members as an active and open part of St George’s.

From 1988 to 1996, John served as rector of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Spring, Texas. During this time, he worked with lay and clergy to develop a diocesan program to train spiritual directors. This program became FIND: Focus in Direction where John was the primary lecturer on The Psychology of Spirituality and its components. Twenty-three years later, he taught his final class in June 2021.

Photo by Len Wehrung

After 32 years in parish ministry, John was ready to use his gifts in a different direction. While serving as a hospital chaplain at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in the Texas Medical Center ministering to patients on the transplant floor, he found that niche. He began collecting accounts of those who had near death experiences (NDE) while clinically dead and combined many of these accounts into his book revealing HEAVEN, published by Harper Collins in 2013. The book and recordings of his associated lectures are proudly shared by friends, family and other readers with those in need of comfort as they face death. His family and friends politely requested that he stop “researching” this material with such depth after a NDE of his own two years ago. Everyone who loves John has cherished these bonus days with him.

In retirement, John readily found other ways to pursue his calling. He assisted with services at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church and served as Chaplain to Palmer Boy Scout Troops 511 and 1511 (a new BSA troop for girls). He was awarded the St George’s Award of the Episcopal Church and the Inclusive Scouting Award. Aware of his military and hospital background, the Federal Bureau of Investigation recruited him as Chaplain, where he was “paid” in shooting range time with agents and held his own against them for the next 16 years. After getting his Captain’s license, John had time to expand his love of sailing from inland lakes to charter sailing in the US & British Virgin islands and the Adriatic. Always the storyteller, he injected humor every opportunity he had, being partial to puns, “the highest form of humor.”

Donations may be made in John’s memory to the Endowment Fund of Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, to Camp Allen Scholarship Fund (18800 FM 362, Navasota TX 77868), or to a charity of your choice.

For John

Deep calls to depth [Psalm 42:7]The Presence calls like a magnet pulls

The Prompting is ceaseless limitless, total.Curiosity is it’s own resolvement.

Love knows Love. Love serves the other.Beauty calls darkness into illumination.

Light emits joy.Now You John belong fully.

The Eternal Reigns True.All is healed-all forms transformed to release.Grace is everywhere. Depth calls to the deep.

No slumber but the Great Awakening grants sight.Our friend, brother, father, teacher guide is Born Anew.

Father John is also brother lightbulb incessantHis shining only grows more intense in the radiance of Christ’s nearer Being.

The Beloved is ever and always now.Thank You sir for the example of brightness.

Amen.

— The Reverend Dub Brooks

6221 Main Street | Houston, Texas 77030 | 713.529.6196 | PalmerChurch.org