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Celtic Rose,

Don't be sad, Dr. Kennedy is with God.

Philippians 1:21 (King James Version) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Here is what Dr. Kennedy said about mourning him upon his death:

“Now, I know that someday I am going to come to what some people will say is the end of this life. They will probably put me in a box and roll me right down here in front of the church, and some people will gather around, and a few people will cry. But I have told them not to do that because I don’t want them to cry. I want them to begin the service with the Doxology and end with the Hallelujah chorus, because I am not going to be there, and I am not going to be dead. I will be more alive than I have ever been in my life, and I will be looking down upon you poor people who are still in the land of dying and have not yet joined me in the land of the living. And I will be alive forevermore, in greater health and vitality and joy than ever, ever, I or anyone has known before.” Dr. D. James Kennedy

I watched his public funeral service (celebration of a life well lived) online and it was as he requested. Here is a quick overview:

First his coffin was carried into the entrance of the church where the Church Choir was gathered. The choir and the congregation then sang the Doxology:

"Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen."

The choir then moved in procession to the choir loft while Dr. Kennedy's coffin was moved to the exact spot he predicted.

A number of hymns and a prayer followed as well by a number of friends and family who gave thoughtful and wonderful comments about the life of a great Husband and Father, Pastor, Evangelist, and American Patriot.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ was proclaimed for all to hear (as was his wish, and what he would have done if another was lying there instead of him).

The final Eulogy was given by his friend of over 20 years, Dr. James Dobson, and then the choir and congregation stood and joined in the singing the "Hallelujah Chorus".

Dr. Kennedy's coffin was then taken from the Church led by a lone piper playing "Amazing Grace" (can a Celt ask for anything better?).

The Organist then played Wider's "Toccata, Symphony V" while the congregation exited the Church (I need to mention here Coral Ridge's beautiful multirank Pipe Organ, I would like to hear it in person!

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It was very liturgical traditional Presbyterian Service that even this old Baptist enjoyed.