In Loving Memory of PATRICK
WILLIAM JAMES BETHEL
OUR DAD, OUR HERO, OUR EVERYTHING
To his children, he was simply “Daddy”, “Pops”, “Ole Boy”, or “Dadz”, the steady hand that guided us and the voice of love, and strength that never wavered. To his beloved wife, our mother, he was “Patty”, the committed partner in every joy and challenge. To his grandchildren, he was “Papa”, the playful heart always ready to share a laugh, a sweet treat, or even a Goombay Punch (sometimes to the dismay of their parents).
We truly believe that when God made him, He broke the mold. Dad was unique in every sense—filling every role: husband, father, grandfather, advisor, disciplinarian, truth-teller, provider, and protector. In our eyes, he was a superhero who saw the potential in every situation and gave his full attention to the needs and wants of our family.
He had a big personality, and it seemed almost effortless for him to turn any gathering into a celebration. Whether surrounded by hundreds or just in the warmth of a family moment, he made it feel special. He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing, and we believe heaven’s choirs ‘levelled up’ when he left us. He had a deep faith and a favorite saying that he was “blessed and highly favored”, and it was evident not only that he trusted God, but that God trusted him.
Christmas was his favorite season, and while losing him during this time is hard, we take comfort in knowing he was called home in the season he loved the most.
Dad taught us so many lessons: to enjoy life, to be fully present, to build relationships and truly see people, to serve others, to seize the day without procrastination, and to live generously.
As we reflect on the myriad ways Dad impacted our lives, our hearts are filled with gratitude. Whether it was in the day-to-day moments—his firm hugs, his joyful singing of “Happy Birthday” to each of us, the phone calls just to say “I Love You” and “Did you check on Mum today?”, or simply his infectious zest for life—he left an indelible mark on us all. His presence lives on not just as a memory, but as a guiding light woven into the fabric of who we are.
Though the phrase “he lives on in our hearts” can seem cliché, it’s profoundly true. He remains with us in every act of kindness we do, every lesson we carry forward, and every moment of joy we share. In that sense, he’s never truly gone; his love is a part of us forever and a legacy that will continue to shine through generations.
While we are coming to terms with the end of our time with him on this earth, we lean on the words of Isaiah 61, putting on the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and the garment of praise for his life instead of a faint spirit. For us, this is not goodbye, but a faithful “until we see you again.”
May you rest in peace, “Daddy”, “Pops”, “Ole Boy”, “Dadz”,“Patty”, “Papa”.
P.S. — Ole Boy: we will not be discouraged. We will press forward, taking on every challenge that comes our way, knowing that the battle is already won.
You were ready. You were at peace. You prepared all of us for this moment. We are so grateful and thankful that the Lord blessed us with someone to challenge us and celebrate us, and for the legacy that you built over 77 years. We remain convicted that God is perfect in all His ways. In ALL things, we give Him thanks.
Service of Thanksgiving FOR THE LIFE AND WITNESS OF
Patrick
WILLIAM JAMES
BETHEL
Born: October 10, 1948
Died: December 17, 2025
Aged: 77 Years
Service Held At:
CHRIST THE KING ANGLICAN CHURCH
Ridgeland Park, West, New Providence, The Bahamas on JANUARY 10, 2026 At 10:00A.M.
Officiating:
Canon Stephen Davies
Assisted by:
Dean Dwight Rolle
Reverend Anatol Ferguson
Father Whitfield Hutcheson
Archdeacon G. Kingsley Knowles
Canon Curtis Robinson
Organist David Rahming
R . I . P.
Father, In Thy Gracious Keeping Leave We Now Thy Servant Sleeping
Obituary
PATRICK WILLIAM JAMES BETHEL
October 10, 1948-December 17, 2025
Patrick William James Bethel was born on October 10, 1948, to proud parents James A. Bethel and Merlene “Buddy” Cleare in Rocky Road (now known as Plantol Street), Nassau, Bahamas.
A GOD-GIVEN DETERMINATION AND WORK ETHIC
Patrick was an exceptional boy from a very young age, as recalled by the late Patricia Thomas (lovingly known as “Sista Sarah”). He began working as early as age five as a shoe-shine boy on Bay Street. Each weekend, he consistently woke himself in the early morning hours and headed to Bay Street, positioning himself strategically to maximize his earnings for the day.
As he grew older, so too did his responsibilities. By age seven, he became responsible for deliveries and payment collection for the chicken farm owned by his uncle Lewis Morrison and aunt Miriam Morrison, who adopted and raised him. It was within this context that the seeds of Patrick’s managerial skills were planted. Uncle Lewis trusted only Patrick with the farm’s sales proceeds, and that trust was never broken.
Throughout his life, Patrick’s energetic personality, strong work ethic, and forthright nature repeatedly attracted willing mentors and positive influences, helping to set him on a dynamic path.
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING
Patrick served as a boat boy at St. Barnabas Anglican Church and later as an acolyte under the watchful eyes of the late Father John Calnan and Father Samuel Sturrup, who was also his teacher at Southern Senior School. Father Sturrup recognized Patrick’s strong intellectual ability and near-photographic memory. Both men invested deeply in Patrick’s spiritual foundation.
Consequently, they were disappointed when Patrick chose not to pursue the priesthood or continue formal education. At several points, they attempted to persuade him to return to school after he had made that decision. However, it turned out that God had other plans for Patrick’s life.
EAGER TO WORK AND TO LEARN
After leaving school at the age of 13, Patrick confidently traveled to Paradise Island in search of employment. His first job was as a caddy for famed golfer Gary Player. This position lasted only two weeks, as Patrick quickly realized that caddying
was not his passion. Nevertheless, a testament to his relationship-building skills is that he remained friends with Gary Player until the day of his passing.
Undeterred, Patrick sought new opportunities and courageously approached the nowfamous Ocean Club in search of work. There, as providence would have it, he quite literally stumbled over the feet of Mrs. Huntington Hartford, wife of the first owner of Paradise Island. At the time, Patrick was upset after failing a busboy tryout when the manager placed two heavily loaded trays on him, causing him to fall under their weight. The manager dismissed him, saying, “Boy, go home and go back to school”.
During his encounter with Mrs. Hartford, Patrick tearfully explained what had happened and expressed his disappointment. She was struck by his determined spirit and personally walked him back into the restaurant, instructing the maître d’ to hire him on the spot. This pivotal moment marked his entry into the hospitality industry and uncovered a lifelong passion for service.
Patrick proved to be a quick study, rapidly expanding his skill set with vigor. Within months, he rose to become manager of one of Nassau’s top restaurants owned by the Hartford family. At age 17, driven by ambition, Patrick was hired as manager of the Peanuts Taylor Drumbeat Club. Under his leadership, the venue grew into a major entertainment hotspot. At one point, he oversaw an event that brought more than 1,000 tourists to Nassau for a single occasion—an unprecedented achievement at the time. In this role, he managed waiters who were 12 to 20 years his senior, including Garet “Tiger” Finlayson, Theophilus “Mr. T” Fritz, J.V. Saunders and Nathaniel Dorsett Sr. - all of whom have had a positive productive impact on Bahamian society.
Being in the company of older men broadened Patrick’s interests. By age 20, he owned six hobby horses. One of them, named “Suspense”, was ridden by Prince Charles during a polo match while visiting The Bahamas.
Patrick’s ambitions continued to expand. He later served as manager of the Anchorage Hotel. Going from strength to strength, he then embraced the challenge to manage Nassau Allied Catering. It was in this context that he became connected with The Greek Community of Nassau. The next leg of adventure brought Patrick into management of the world famous DaVinci Restaurant, where he met the late Chef Pierre Bernard Murphy. The two men became best friends. Still eager to test the limits of his abilities, Patrick then opened Ronnie’s Rebel Room, and went on to work as marketing manager for Garet Finlayson’s Bahamas Brewers and AHDAB family of businesses. Later, during his tenure at Commonwealth Brewery, he forged business connections into Europe including a beachhead in Amsterdam. Patrick then moved on to manage Mr. T’s Restaurant on Mackey Street. In each role, he built upon his prior successes. There is no known instance of Patrick managing a business that was either unprofitable or less profitable once coming under his leadership.
His work took him to many landmarks and introduced him to a wide range of celebrities, politicians, and public figures. During one such work trip to Abaco, Bahamas, Patrick met Constance (Connie) for the first time—an encounter that gave his determination and ambition a new direction. While Connie initially agreed to meet Patrick at a local restaurant for a date, she decided to go to a different venue with friends (figuring that Patrick would give up). But to her amazement, he walked into the location where she was on that very
same night and showed persistence that he indeed wanted to take her on a date. This first date turned into many more dates; and the rest, as they say, is history.
THE PARTNERSHIP
Patrick and Connie fell in love and were married at Christ the King Church in Ridgeland Park on October 8, 1992. They formed a blended family: Patrick’s sons Omar (deceased) and Jaime from his previous marriage, and Connie’s son Chase, whom Patrick raised from the age of three. Initially a family of all boys, they were later joined by Patrick’s princess—the indomitable Gabriella (Gabby). Connie and many family friends often remark that Gabby is the female version of Patrick: strong-willed and entirely her own person.
The conclusion of Patrick’s tenure at Mr. T’s marked a turning point, as his vision of success shifted toward entrepreneurship. He was in his late thirties at the time.
A two-storey building on Chesapeake Road, bequeathed to him by his late father James Bethel, became the launchpad for J&P Investments—an import-export business that Patrick and Connie poured their blood, sweat, and tears into. From humble beginnings, the business - which focuses primarily on wholesale supply of office products and furniture - grew and was able to support the entire family.
Later, the couple expanded into commercial real estate, developing a multi-building complex on Gladstone Road.
Patrick and Connie also continuously gave back to the community through direct contributions and event sponsorships. In addition, the long average tenure of employees within the business speaks to the values of respect and generosity that are lived out daily.
Friends and family were often struck by the depth of Patrick and Connie’s relationship. Their marriage was a natural extension of their friendship. They shared both work and home life, each leading in complementary ways. Even when briefly apart, Patrick frequently called Connie simply to say, “I love you.”
Like all marriages, theirs faced challenges, but they consistently exchanged the currencies of apology and forgiveness. Through it all, the common denominator of love was always enough. This is a legacy that the couple have willed to their children.
Their union was further blessed by the addition of grandchildren (Omar Jr., Ashley, Alicia, Destiny, Alaiyah, Drenae, Zamia, Tristan, Cole, Jace, Grey and Leiya), all of whom Patrick loved dearly. Patrick also loved his daughters-in-law, Jessica and Fanny, as well as his sonin-law, Richard.
LOVING GOD AND NEIGHBOUR
A deep love for God formed the bedrock of Patrick’s spirituality. From this overflow, he gave generously to the church and to others.
First, he gave of his time. As a member of Christ the King Anglican Church, Patrick served multiple terms on Vestry and held the role of People’s Warden. Even after stepping away
from formal roles, he continued to serve in his own unique way. For example, he kept a list of all church members born in October and personally called each one to sing “Happy Birthday.”
He also gave of his treasure. Patrick and Connie playfully competed each week over who could tithe more. Their envelopes were given to Gabby, who would reveal the “winner” by raising their hand while seated in the pews. On occasion, Patrick secretly peeked at Connie’s envelope to ensure victory. Over the decades, Patrick’s fingerprints could be found on nearly every major church fundraising initiative.
Patrick also gave generously to individuals, often under the guise of a “loan”. However, he kept no ledger or mental accounting of these gifts, confiding to close family that he treated all such loans as money already given away. He held material possessions lightly, even placing an oval stone at the entrance of his home engraved with the words: “You Can’t Take It With You.”
In the autumn of his life, friends and family observed profound changes in Patrick that could only be attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit. He lost interest in gambling, a struggle from his youth into his forties. He communicated with increased patience and sought forgiveness for moments of harshness. He openly testified to God’s goodness wherever he went, including during treatments for prostate cancer at medical centres in Florida.
On the evening of December 17th, shortly after Gabby and Grey flew in from Eleuthera to celebrate Christmas in Nassau, Patrick took his final rest.
We reflect on a life lived fully, and covered by the grace and mercy of Patrick’s Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Left to cherish his memories are:
Wife: Constance (Connie) S. Bethel; Children: Chase Bethel (Jessica), Jaime Bethel (Fanny), Gabriella Bethel-Cleare (Richard Cleare), Kimbraé Bethel, Timothy Lowe; Grandchildren: Omar Bethel Jr., Ashley Bethel, Alicia Bethel, Destiny Bethel, Alaiyah Bethel, Drenae Bethel, Zamia Bethel, Tristan Bethel, Cole Bethel, Jace Bethel, Grey Cleare, Leiya Bethel; Brothers: Van Bethel, Phillip Moncur, Dario Rahming; Sisters: Dianne Cleare-Bethel, Janice Bethel-Pinder; Mother-in-Law: Elvert Mills; Brothers-in-Law: Joe V. Hunt Jr., George Miller, Troy Mills (Judith); Sisters-in-Law: Stephanie Mills-Campbell, Donna Burrows, Kayla Lockhart, Vanessa Lockhart-Fraser (Clyde), Indira Edwards, Tamara Johnson; Nieces: Shikera Burrows, Chenara Edwards, Jade Miller (Reginald), Alana Campbell, Sinclair Stuart (Derek), Chandra Mackey, Shejana Mills, Sarah Mills, Sophia Mackey, Inger Seymour (Kevin), Shanrec Cleare-Lloyd (Alfred), Nicole Robinson, Elton Gibson (Dwana); Nephews: Anton Pratt (Brooke), Dion Pratt (Shaquay), Monica Douglas (Ivan) of Washington DC, Keon Justin (Christina), Brian Johnson, Joe Hunt (Rebecca), Patrick Hunt of Miami Florida, Sylvester Hunt, Patrick Roberts, Tuwari H. Pinder, Naason Sands, Jubert Campbell, Duane Mackey Jr., Troy Mills Jr., Drake, Perez and Chandler Mills; Grandnieces & Nephews: Donnaaja Thompson, Shavantae Roberts, Shiloh Roberts, King Stuart, McCardia Capron-Fawkes (Colyn), Matthew Capron, Javante Mackey, Keja Davis (Jordan), K. Dominic Seymour, Dwight Wheatley II, Daniel Gibson, Anthon Pratt Jr., A’Kailah Pratt, Kai-Anthony Pratt, Dion Pratt Jr., Dionte Pratt, Chyna Pratt, Asia Pratt, Noah Justin, Lucas Justin, Brian Johnson Jr., Bristol Johnson, Chyna Robinson; Godchildren: Kaylen Jervis, Karrington McKenzie;
Dedicated Staff at J&P Investments: Vashti Smith, Timmar Fernander; A host of other relatives and friends including: Emeline Lockhart, Barbara Mullings and Family, Larry Russell and Family, Dr. L. Barry and Missy Russell and Family, Lynden and Jessica Russell and Family, Dennis Bain and Family, Cora Pratt and Family, Maria Munroe and Family, Laverne Ferguson and Family, Baron and Garnell Pratt and Family, Brenda Pratt and Family, Derek Pratt and Family, Peter Johnson and Family, Brian Johnson and Family, Michael Johnson and Family, Charlene Darling and family, Linda Darling and Family, Marcia Deleveaux and Family, Ingrid Darling and family, Cyntyche Darling and Family, Peggy Authur and family, Alphonso Mounts and Family, Higgs Family, Devoe Family, Washington Family, Garet “Tiger” Finlayson & Family, Dr. James Iferente, Janice Pinder & Family, The Offspring of Faith Hepburn, The Offspring of Eulie Johnson, Gerald & Barbara Sawyer and Family, Dean Patrick & Astrid Adderley, Bishop Gilbert Thompson, Sir Harry Woodside, Luther Edgecombe, Craig Flowers, A.J. & Karen Sampson, Irvin & Creola Taylor, Al Johnson, Thomas & Joann Ferguson, Percy Rolle, Wilhelmina “Buckey” Smith, Dorothy Fenney, Tony & Carol Case and Family, Derek & Joan Culmer & Family, The Lockhart & Moxey Families, Derek & Ceta Knowles & Family, Dr. Conville Brown & Family, Lowell Mortimer, Roger Simmons & Family, Whitfield & Bernadette Hutchinson, Bruce & Olive Pinder and Family, I. Ranfurly Brown & Family, Canon Curtis Robinson & Family, Canon Basil Tynes, Archdeacon Dwight Rolle & Family, Christ The King Church Family, The Chipman Family, Sean & Cypriana McQueeney, James Smith & Family, Virginia Dean, David Rolle & Family, Joey Johnson, Oral Martin, Ephaim Jones, Miriam Culmer, Doria Horton, Dame Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, Sir Arthur & Lady Joan Folkes, Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham & Family, Hon. Perry G. Christie & Family, Hon. Brave Davis & Family, Senator Darren Henfield, Hon. Edison Key, Hon. Consul General Leroy Major & Family, Julian Gordon & Family, Tanya Major & Family, Simeon Wilson & Family, Dolly Stubbs & Family, Dr. George Charite & Staff, Dr. Adrian Sawyer, Stoney & Julie Duncanson & Family, Dr. Lockley Munroe & Family, Conrad Jennings, Sonia CoxHamilton, Cheryl & Andrew Chea, Mrs. Sherman, Carol Hanna, Hope Curry & Cookie, Quinton Ellis, Joseph Johnson, Keith & Deidra Sands, Nicholas Symonette, Frank Rolle, Chef Eldred Saunders, Dr. David Barnett, Jerry Forrester, Troy Sampson & Family, Edward Williams & Family, Andrew Sawyer, Patricia Munroe, Ida Collie, Rosalee Minus, Sheila Bannister & Family, Gladys Ferguson & Family, Margaret Laramore & Family, Mildred Young & Family, Henry Dean & Family, Herbert Styles, Stan Davis & Patricia Mortimer, Chris Gibson, Jennifer Braynen, Denise Barnes, Jason and Elsie Moxey, Bones & Claire Hepburn, George Sands, The Treco Family, Philip Hilton & Family, Damien Fox-Gibson, Spence Close Winton Heights Neighbours, Lorena Adderley & Family, Clarice Bain, Jean Bullard, Bishop Silbert and Dolly Mills, Owen Parks & Family, Friendship Tabernacle Church Family, Andy and Tammara Sands, D.J and Shernett Nowack, Janette Dumont, Cay Mills, The Mills Family of Abaco, Duane Mackey, The Woolridge Family, The Chandler Family, The Burnside Family, The Sani & Nash Families, The Blair Family, Devaughn Edgecombe & Family, The Metz Family, Marsha & Bianca Ferguson, Trevor Johnson and Johnson & Johnson Barber Shop, Get Fit with Della online Class, Yamacraw Morning Walkers Crew, The Anglican Church Men of The Bahamas, The Anglican Church Women of The Bahamas, The Mortimer Travel Group,The Banana Boat Reunion Crew, The Greek Community of Nassau, St. Andrews Church Exuma, St. Margaret’s Church Exuma, The Exuma Community, The Danforth Community Toronto Canada, The Bridge Markham Church Canada, The Ragged Island Community, Bahamas Customs, and the Medical Professionals at University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Treatment Center.
THE ORDER OF Service
RECEPTION OF THE BODY
Celebrant: With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our brother, PATRICK for burial. Our brother was washed in Holy Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit. Let us therefore, with confidence, pray to God our Heavenly Father, the Giver of Life, that He will raise him to perfection in the company of the saints.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray:
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother, PATRICK. We thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends, to know and 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.
All: Amen.
OPENING SENTENCES
Jesus said, I am the Resurrection, and I am the life; he who believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. John 11:25-26
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His compassion never fails: every morning they are renewed. Lamentations 3:22-23
Jesus said, let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:1
I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers nor things present, nor things to come, 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. Romans 8:38-39
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be the Lord both of the dead and of the living. Romans 14:8-9
We brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out. The Lord gives and the Lord away: Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Job 1:21
The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
TRIBUTE | (3 mins) | Lowell Mortimer (Friend)
SOLO | (3 mins) | Anishka Lewis (Friend)
TRIBUTE | (3 mins) | Bishop Silbert Mills (Friend)
INTROIT HYMN | LIVING BY FAITH
I care not today what the morrow may bring, If shadow or sunshine or rain, The Lord I know ruleth o’er everything, And all of my worries are vain.
Refrain:
Living by faith in Jesus above, Trusting, confiding in His great love; From all harm safe in His sheltering arm, I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.
Though tempests may blow and the storm clouds arise, Obscuring the brightness of life, I’m never alarmed at the overcast skies The Master looks on at the strife. Refrain
I know that He safely will carry me through, No matter what evils betide; Why should I then care though the tempest may blow, If Jesus walks close to my side. Refrain
Our Lord will return for His loved ones someday, Our troubles will then all be o’er; The Master so gently will lead us away, Beyond that blest heavenly shore. Refrain
THE COLLECT FOR THE DEPARTED
Celebrant: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray:
Almighty God, we remember before You today Your servant PATRICK and we pray that, having opened to him the gates of larger life, You will receive him more and more into Your joyful service, that, with all who have served you in the past, he may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
FIRST LESSON | Lamentation 3:22-26, 31-33 | Shanrec Cleare-Lloyd (Niece)
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. For the Lord will not reject forever. Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.
Reader: The Word of The Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
PSALM 8 | Led by the Choir
1 O Lord our Governor, * how exalted is your Name in all the world!
2 Out of the mouths of infants and children * your majesty is praised above the heavens.
3 You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries, * to quell the enemy and the avenger.
4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, * the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
5 What is man that you should be mindful of him? * The son of man that you should seek him out?
6 You have made him but little lower than the angels; * you adorn him with glory and honour;
7 You give him mastery over the works of your hands; * you put all things under his feet:
8 All sheep and oxen, * even the wild beasts of the field,
9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, * and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
10 O Lord our Governor, * how exalted is your Name in all the world!
Rest eternal grant unto him O Lord. And let light perpetual shine upon him.
THE EPISTLE | Revelation 7:9-17 | David Rolle (ACM)
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. 10 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 honour 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 centre 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
All: Thanks be to God
The King of love my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine for ever.
Where streams of living water flow my ransomed soul he leadeth, and where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth.
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me, and on his shoulder gently laid, and home rejoicing brought me.
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill with thee, dear Lord, beside me; thy rod and staff my comfort still, thy cross before to guide me.
Thou spread’st a table in my sight; thy unction grace bestoweth; and O what transport of delight from thy pure chalice floweth!
And so through all the length of days thy goodness faileth never: Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise within thy house for ever.
GOSPEL | Luke 6:30-38
All, including members of the bereaved, to stand for the chanting of The Gospel
Jesus said: Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. ‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. ‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’
Priest: This the Gospel of Christ
All: Praise to Christ Our Lord
SOLO | Candace Bostwick (Friend)
Chorus | Be Still And Know
SERMON | Fr. Whitfield Hutcheson
THE
APOSTLE’S CREED
Celebrant: Let us with confidence and hope confess the faith into which we were baptized, as we say,
All: 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 was 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.
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.
INTERCESSION | Gabriella Bethel-Cleare (Daughter)
Leader: We have gathered to celebrate the entry of PATRICK into life eternal.
All: To affirm with praise and thanksgiving the goodness of the Lord.
Leader: Let us rejoice in God’s presence with us, in death as in life among those who now see God face to face.
All: Our lips will shout for joy, for God’s love is over all that God has made. Blessed be God’s glorious name forever!
Leader: We feel the pain of separation, we are conscious of our loss, but we have hope in Jesus Christ.
All: We give thanks to God from whom comes all life and death and who surrounds us in both. We have affirmed our faith and rejoice in Christ’s victory over death, which is God’s promise to us.
Leader: Lord, You raised the dead to life:
All: Give our brother PATRICK, eternal life.
Leader: Our brother PATRICK was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit: Give him fellowship with all Your saints.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: He was nourished with your Body and Blood: Grant him a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom.
All: Hear us, Lord.
Leader: Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother PATRICK. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother PATRICK, 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.
ACT OF PENITENCE
Celebrant: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. A period of silence shall be kept.
Celebrant: Let us therefore confess our sins.
All: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we have sinned against You and one another, in thought, word and deed, and in what we have left undone. We are sorry and repent of all our sins. For Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may serve You in the newness of life to the glory of Your name. Amen.
THE ABSOLUTION
Celebrant: Almighty God, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver You from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
OFFERTORY HYMN | JERUSALEM THE GOLDEN
JERUSALEM the golden, With milk and honey blest, Beneath thy contemplation Sink heart and voice opprest. I know not, oh, I know not What joys await us there, What radiancy of glory, What bliss beyond compare.
They stand, those halls of Sion, All jubilant with song, And bright with many an Angel, And all the Martyr throng; The Prince is ever in them, The daylight is serene, The pastures of the blessed Are decked in glorious sheen.
There is the throne of David; And there, from care released, The shout of them that triumph, The song of them that feast; And they, who with their Leader Have conquered in the fight, For ever and for ever Are clad in robes of white.
O sweet and blessed country, The home of God’s elect! O sweet and blessed country That eager hearts expect! Jesu, in mercy bring us To that dear land of rest; Who art, with God the Father And Spirit, ever Blest.
ELEMENT BEARERS | Jace Bethel, Grey Cleare (Grandsons)
THE PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
President: Through Your goodness Lord, we have this bread and wine to offer, the fruit of the earth and the work of human hands. They will become our spiritual food.
All: All things come from You, O Lord, and of Your own do we give You. Blessed by God for ever. Amen.
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Celebrant: The Lord be with you
All: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father almighty, everlasting God: Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who rose victorious from the dead, and comforts us with the blessed hope of eternal 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 forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of Your Name:
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, 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.
Celebrant: Sovereign Lord and Father, to You be glory and praise for ever. In Your boundless wisdom You brought creation into being. In Your great love You fashioned us in Your image; In Your tender compassion You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour, to share our human nature; In the power of the Holy Spirit, He overcame the power of sin and death and brought Your people to new birth as first fruits of Your new creation.
On the night that He was betrayed He took bread, and when He had given thanks to You, He broke it and gave it to His disciples and said: “Take this and eat it: This is my Body which is given for You, Do this for the remembrance of me.”
And 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.”
Celebrant: Therefore, Father, according to the command of Your dearly beloved Son:
All: We remember His death. We proclaim His resurrection. We await His coming in glory.
Celebrant: And we offer You, Father, our sacrifice of thanks and praise. Send Your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and wine that they may become the Body and Blood of Your Son, Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer. As we partake of this holy food of new and unending life, may Your Holy Spirit establish us as a royal priesthood with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Blessed Joseph, Blessed John the Baptist, and all your sons and daughters who share in your eternal inheritance; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. With Him and in Him and through Him by the power of the Holy Spirit, we worship You, Father Almighty, with all who stand before You in earth and heaven, in songs of everlasting praise:
All: Blessing and honour and glory and power be Yours for ever and ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Celebrant: As our Saviour has taught us, so we pray:
All: 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 forever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
All: Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
THE INVITATION
Celebrant: God of promise, You have prepared a Banquet for us. All: Happy are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb.
THE AGNUS DEI:
All: Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: grant him rest. Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: grant him rest. Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: grant him rest eternal
SOLO | Gerrard Rigby (Friend)
COMMUNION HYMNS
ALLELUIA SING TO JESUS
Alleluia, sing to Jesus! His the sceptre, his the throne; alleluia, his the triumph, his the victory alone; hark, the songs of peaceful Sion thunder like a mighty flood; Jesus out of every nation hath redeemed us by his blood.
Alleluia, not as orphans are we left in sorrow now; alleluia, he is near us, faith believes, nor questions how: though the cloud from sight received him, when the forty days were o’er, shall our hearts forget his promise, ‘I am with you evermore’?
Alleluia, Bread of angels, thou on earth our food, our stay; alleluia, here the sinful flee to thee from day to day: Intercessor, Friend of sinners, earth’s Redeemer, plead for me, where the songs of all the sinless sweep across the crystal sea.
Alleluia, King eternal, thee the Lord of lords we own; alleluia, born of Mary, earth thy footstool, heaven thy throne: thou within the veil hast entered, robed in flesh, our great High Priest; thou on earth both Priest and Victim in the Eucharistic feast.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to God on high; alleluia to the Saviour, who has gained the victory; alleluia to the Spirit, fount of love and sanctity; alleluia, alleluia to the Triune Majesty.
LET ALL MORTAL FLESH KEEP SILENCE
Let all mortal flesh keep silence and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in his hand Christ our God to earth descendeth, Our full homage to demand.
King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood, Lord of lords, in human vesture –in the body and the blood –he will give to all the faithful his own self for heavenly food.
Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way, as the Light of Light descendeth from the realms of endless day, that the powers of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away.
At his feet the six-winged seraph; cherubim with sleepless eye veil their faces to the Presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, Lord most high.
I AM NOT WORTHY HOLY LORD
I am not worthy, Holy Lord, that thou shouldst come to me; speak but the word; one gracious word can set the sinner free.
I am not worthy; cold and bare the lodging of my soul; how cant thou deign to enter there? Lord, speak, and make me whole.
I am not worthy; yet, my God, how can I say thee nay; thee, who didst give thy flesh and blood my ransom-price to pay?
O come! In this sweet morning hour feed me with food divine; and fill with all thy love and power this wavering heart of mine.
WE PRAY THEE HEAVENLY FATHER
We pray thee, heavenly Father, to hear us in thy love, and pour upon thy children the unction from above; that so in love abiding, from all defilement free, we may in pureness offer our Eucharist to thee.
Be thou our guide and helper, O Jesus Christ, we pray; so may we well approach thee, if thou wilt be the Way: thou, very Truth, hast promised to help us in our strife, food of the weary pilgrim, eternal source of life.
And thou, creator Spirit, look on us, we are thine; renew in us thy graces, upon our darkness shine; that, with thy benediction upon our souls outpoured, we may receive in gladness the body of the Lord.
O Trinity of Persons, O Unity most high, on thee alone relying thy servants would draw nigh: unworthy in our weakness, on thee our hope is stayed, and blessed by thy forgiveness we will not be afraid.
SELECTION | ANGLICAN CHURCH MEN
O Jesu, blessèd Lord, to thee my heartfelt thanks for ever be, who hast so lovingly bestowed on me thy body and thy blood.
Break forth, my soul, for joy, and say, ‘What wealth is come to me today! My Saviour dwells within me now; how blest am I! How good art thou!’
THE POST COMMUNION PRAYER
All: 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 not crying, but the fullness of joy with all your saints, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Hymn Before the Commendation | MARCHING TO ZION
Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known; join in a song with sweet accord, join in a song with sweet accord and thus surround the throne, and thus surround the throne.
Refrain:
We’re marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion; we’re marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God.
Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God; but children of the heavenly King, but children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad, may speak their joys abroad. (Refrain)
The hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets before we reach the heavenly fields, before we reach the heavenly fields, or walk the golden streets, or walk the golden streets.
(Refrain)
Then let our songs abound, and every tear be dry; we’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, we’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, to fairer worlds on high, to fairer worlds on high.
(Refrain)
THE COMMENDATION
Celebrant: Give rest, O Christ to your servant PATRICK with your saints.
All: 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 shall you 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 with Your saints. Where sorrow and pain are no more neither sighing, but life everlasting
Celebrant: Lord have mercy
All: Christ have mercy
Celebrant: Lord have mercy
Celebrant: Our Father…
All: 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. Amen.
Celebrant: Let us commend our brother PATRICK to the mercy of God our Maker and Redeemer. Deliver Your servant PATRICK O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set him free from every bond, that he may rest with all Your Saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: Let us pray:
Into Your hands, O merciful Saviour we commend Your servant PATRICK. Acknowledge we humbly ask 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 eternal peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.
Celebrant: Rest eternal grant to him O Lord.
All: And let light perpetual shine upon him.
Celebrant: May he rest in peace.
All: Amen.
THE RECESSIONAL HYMN | ALL HAIL THE POWER
All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall; bring forth the royal diadem and crown him Lord of all.
Crown him, ye morning stars of light, who fixed this floating ball; now hail the strength of Israel’s might, and crown him Lord of all.
Crown him, ye martyrs of your God, who from his altar call; extol the Stem of Jesse’s Rod, and crown him Lord of all.
Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race, ye ransomed of the fall, hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all.
Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget the wormwood and the gall, go spread your trophies at his feet, and crown him Lord of all.
Let every tribe and every tongue before him prostrate fall, and shout in universal song the crownèd Lord of all.
Patrick William James Bethel
Patrick William James Bethel
Patrick William James Bethel //
MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE
We, the family extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the many friends and family for each and every act of kindness shown to us during this most difficult time. Your prayers, visits, calls, messages and well wishes will always be remembered.
We Sincerely Thank Everyone of You
The Family
PALLBEARERS
Frank Rolle
Timothy Lowe
Anthony (Caya) Wilson Trevor
David Rolle
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665)
(242) 818-3478
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