Celebration of the Life of
RICHARD EUGENE JOHNSON III

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ORDER OF SERVICE

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THE OPENING 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.

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

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

O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our sister, Marcia. 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.

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HYMN: Blessed Assurance

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect communion, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight.
Angels descending bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest.
I in my Savior am happy and bless’d,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

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THE FIRST READING (read by Jaiden Reyes Rivera)
Wisdom 3: 1-5, 9

A reading from the Book of Wisdom.

The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality.

Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect.

The Word of the LORD.
Thanks be to God.

THE PSALM
(read by Pearl Bennette)
Psalm 27

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear? *
the LORD is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?

When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, *
it was they, my foes and my adversaries,
who stumbled and fell.

Though an army should encamp against me, *
yet my heart shall not be afraid;

And though war should rise up against me, *
yet will I put my trust in him.

One thing have I asked of the LORD;
one thing I seek; *
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life;

To behold the fair beauty of the LORD *
and to seek him in his temple.

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HYMN: Amazing Grace

Amazing grace - how sweet the sound -
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
than when we first begun.

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THE GOSPEL READING
John 10:11-16

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
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.”

The Gospel of the Word.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.

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THE REMEMBRANCES

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THE OBITUARY
(read by Drew Johnson)

Richard Eugene Johnson III (Gino) was born on January 30th, 1962, in Washington, D.C. to Melba McNeill Johnson and the late Dr. Eugene Johnson Jr. He departed this life on May 17, 2021, at the age of 59.

He grew up in Willingboro, NJ with his younger brother Drew and sister Kimberly (Casey). He attended Willingboro High School where he played the tuba in the school band, sang baritone in the choir, and participated in countless drama productions and talent shows. He graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in 1984. Upon graduation, he continued to pursue his artistic interests leading to several productions such as “Lyps” in collaboration with his friend, the late Eric Nutter, and “Love Letters” with another longtime college friend Susan Spain. Richard continued to work in the artistic field and eventually obtained a Master’s degree in Education. He later turned his efforts towards introducing New York City high school students to the wonderful world of the arts. He produced a high school play “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.”  At his death, Rich was doing the work that he loved, teaching drama, ESL, and visiting developmentally disabled students in a NYC Junior High School. 

Richard married the love of his life Luis Rivera-Rivera on May 16th, 2010; he was loved by Luis’ daughters Maria Antonieta, Luisa Fernanda and their families. He and Luis were an integral part of their community at the Church of the Intercession. They participated in the annual Christmas Candlelight Carol Service. Richard sang in the church choir and performed “Rejoice - A Story of Struggle and Freedom” at the church in 2015.

Richard was known to be a generous, kind, and outgoing person to his family, friends, and his community at large. We all remember his large welcoming smile and his ability to make everyone feel welcomed and included. He had an amazing sense of humor and was well known to have an entire group erupt into a fit of laughter. Laughter, company, great stories with a delicious meal would be all he needed to be at ease.

Richard is survived by his loving husband Luis Rivera-Rivera, his daughter Maria Antonieta and her husband Jerry; his daughter Luisa Fernanda; grandchildren Jerrito, Jaiden, Juliana, Teres, Kiana and Bela; his brother-in-law Carlos and his husband Jaime; mother Melba McNeill Johnson; brother Drew and his wife Karlene with their sons Yared and Binor; sister Kimberly and her husband Persel; a wide host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is gone too soon, and we will miss him dearly.

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THE HOMILY
The Rev. Rhonda J. Rubinson

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THE APOSTLES’ CREED

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

For our brother, Richard, 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 Richard, 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 brother eternal life.
Hear us, Lord.

You promised paradise to the thief who repented;
bring our brother to the joys of heaven.
Hear us, Lord.

Our brother was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit;
give him fellowship with all your saints.
Hear us, Lord.

He was nourished with your Body and Blood;
grant him a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom.
Hear us, Lord.

Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother;
let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.

SILENCE

Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother, Richard, who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that his death may recall to us your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father's love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. 

AMEN.

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OFFERTORY HYMN
”Give Me Jesus”

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THE HOLY COMMUNION

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

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

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

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every- where 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:

Holy, holy, holy, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

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:

Christ 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,

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.

Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
grant us peace.

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

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COMMUNION HYMN
“There is a Balm in Gilead”

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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.

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THE COMMENDATION

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

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.

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

Into Your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend Your servant, Richard. 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.

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THE BLESSING AND DISMISSAL

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

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HYMN: The Strife Is O’er, The Battle Done

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

The strife is o'er, the battle done;
the victory of life is won;
the song of triumph has begun.
Alleluia!

The powers of death have done their worst,
but Christ their legions has dispersed.
Let shouts of holy joy outburst.
Alleluia!

The three sad days are quickly sped;
he rises glorious from the dead.
All glory to our risen Head.
Alleluia!

He closed the yawning gates of hell;
the bars from heaven's high portals fell.
Let hymns of praise his triumph tell.
Alleluia!

Lord, by the stripes which wounded thee,
from death's dread sting thy servants free,
that we may live and sing to thee.
Alleluia!

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