Celebration of Life: Rev. Wanda Russell ARCWP

The stories this community shared about Wanda yesterday gave beautiful testimony to her spirit—her listening heart, her compassion, her joy, and her generous hospitality.

In this moment of grief and gratitude, we trust in Jesus’ promise—that Wanda has now heard those words fully:

“Come to me…”
not just as an invitation, but as a loving embrace into the fullness of life—reunited with her dear Mom and all her loved ones who were there to greet her as she crossed over.

Jesus speaks of a “yoke” that is easy—not because life is without struggle, but because love carries us through it.

And now, even our grief at the loss of Wanda’s earthly presence can open us to a new relationship with her—her eternal presence, her love with us always.

Wanda lived that kind of love and deep faith—
the kind that lightens the load for others,
that makes room,
that listens,
that shows up.

And that love does not end—
it becomes a blessing that goes on and on, forever.

And then we hear that beautiful promise:

“In God’s house there are many dwelling places… I go to prepare a place for you.”

A promise of home—wide enough for all, filled with belonging.
Today, we entrust Wanda into that spacious love of God,
where there is no more pain, no more worry—
only peace, only the fullness of life.

And perhaps the most comforting promise of all is this:

“I will come back and take you with me… so that where I am, you also may be.”

Love never ends.
Wanda is held in God’s embrace.

So as we remember her, we give thanks—
for her life, her love, her witness.

And we listen, even now, for the quiet invitation of Christ—
not only to Wanda, but to each of us:

Come… rest… trust…
Trust in the power of Love—
the Beloved’s unconditional and everlasting love for you.

And we echo together:
Love is our Light and our Salvation.

Today, we also hear the tender promise spoken through the prophet Isaiah and echoed in the letter to Timothy:

“I have called you by name, you are mine.
You are precious in my eyes, and I love you and give you honor…”

Today, we trust that Wanda hears these words now in their fullness—
named, claimed, loved, and welcomed home
in the heart of God.

Blessing:

Holy One,

Source of Life, Love, and Everlasting Compassion,

we gather in gratitude for Wanda—

a beloved woman priest,

a courageous witness to Gospel equality,

a companion on the journey of justice and love.

We bless her memory,

for she broke open the Word

with wisdom and tenderness.

She welcomed all to the table—

without condition, without exception

reflecting your boundless hospitality.

We remember how she

anointed the broken with hope,

stood with the marginalized in solidarity,

and lived as a sacrament of your inclusive love.

Now, Holy Mystery,

receive Wanda into your eternal embrace—

that vast communion where love never ends

and where all tears are transformed into joy.

May she rest in the deep peace of your presence,

and may she rise in glory

as part of the great cloud of witnesses

who continue to surround and guide us.

And as we remember her,

may her spirit live on in us—

in our courage to speak truth,

in our commitment to justice,

in our joyful proclamation of a Church renewed.

Wanda, faithful priest and beloved friend,

we bless you.

We thank you.

We release you into Love.

And together we say:

Amen.

Gospel: 

Lector: A reading from the holy Gospel according to

Mathew and John. (Matthew 11: 28-30 and John 14: 1-3)

All: Glory to You, O God!

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will

give you rest. Take up my yoke upon you and learn from me, for

I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for

yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Don’t let

your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; In God’s house

there are many dwelling places; otherwise how could I have told

you that I was going to prepare a place for you and then I will

come back to take you with me, so that where I am, there you

may be as well.