Leela Sarojini Mallepalle was born on January 25, 1930 in Rajahmundry, AP, India. She was the first child of late Ratnam Bolleddu and late Gnanaratnamma Bolleddu. Leela finished her B.A. and B.Ed. and worked as a teacher. In 1953 she married Dr. Rajanna Mallepalle. They lived in Renigunta, India while he worked as the Medical Superintendent at K.L. Lutheran Hospital. She came to USA in 1962 and lived in Reading, Pa till 1964. She then returned to Renigunta as her husband went back to work at K.L. Hospital. After husband passed away in 1974 she moved to Tirupati, India and in 1984 came to USA.
She is survived by her sons Rev. Ebenezer Mallepalle and his wife Sujata and Julius Mallepalle and his wife Girija. She has four grandchildren - Anna Desjardin married to Nathan Desjardin of Columbia, MD, and Christopher, Jessica and Sarah.
A Celebration of the life of
Mrs. Leela Sarojini Mallepalle
January 25, 1930 – January 13, 2013
GATHERING
*Hymn “He Leadeth Me: Oh, Blessed Thought” LBW # 501
*P. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of all mercy and the God of all consolation. He comforts us in all our sorrows so that we can comfort others in their sorrows with the consolation we ourselves have received from God.
C. Thanks be to God.
*P. In Holy Baptism Leela Sarojini was clothed with the robe of Christ’s righteousness that covered all her sin. St Paul says – “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His Death?”
C: We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.
P. Let us pray. O God of Grace and Mercy, we give thanks for your loving-kindness shown to Leela and to all your servants who, having finished their course in faith, now rest from their labors. Grant that we also may be faithful unto death and receive the crown of eternal life; thought Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C. Amen
First lesson: Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 91 LBW page #258
*Gospel: John 11:21-27
Hymn of the Day "Now Thank We All Our God" LBW #534
Sermon
*P. God has made us his people through our Baptism into Christ. Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith.
C. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, 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, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayer of the Church
After each portion of the prayers-
P. Lord, In Your Mercy. C. Hear our prayer.
P: Taught by our Lord and trusting His promises, we are bold to pray –
C: Our Father …
Commendation
P: Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant, Leela. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. C: Amen
SIMEON'S SONG
C: Lord, now You let Your servant go in peace.
Your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation
which You have prepared in the sight of every people.
A light to reveal You to the nations
and the glory of Your people Israel.
and the glory of Your people Israel.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
P: Let us pray - Lord God our Shepherd, You gather the lambs of your flock into the arms of your mercy and bring them home. Comfort us with the certain hope of the resurrection to everlasting life and a joyful reunion with those we love who have died in faith; thought Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Benediction:
P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favour and give you peace. C: Amen
Hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" LBW # 228