Planning a Presbyterian Planning a Presbyterian FuneralFuneral

The resurrection is a central doctrine of the

Christian faith and shapes our attitudes and responses to the event of death

In the face of death Christians affirm with tears and joy the hope of the gospel.

Christians do not bear bereavement in isolation but are sustained by the power of the Spirit and the community of faith.

Christians and Death

Because it is difficult under emotional stress to

plan wisely, we encourage you to discuss and plan in advance.

Plans should include decisions about: Options of burial, cremation, donation for

medical purposes, including organ donation. These plans should provide for arrangements

which are simple and which bear witness to resurrection hope

Planning Arrangements

The service ordinarily should be held in the usual

place of worship in order to join this service to the community’s continuing life of worship.

The service shall be under the direction of the pastor or associate pastor who is leading the service.

Others may be invited at the discretion of the pastor.

This service may be observed on any day. Requests to have the service as part of Sunday

worship or to celebrate the Lord’s Supper must be approved by the Session.

Setting of the Service

Begins with scriptural sentences. It is appropriate to include hymns which affirm

God’s power over death, a belief in the resurrection, and the assurance of the communion of the saints.

Scripture shall be read. A sermon may be proclaimed. An affirmation of faith may be made by the

people. Aspects of the life of the one who has died may

be recalled.

The Order of the Service

Prayers shall be offered, giving thanks to God1. For life in Jesus Christ and the gospel promise2. For the gift of the life of the one who has died3. For the comfort of the Holy Spirit4. For the community of faith Intercession should be made5. For the family and loved ones who grieve6. For those who support the bereaved7. For all who suffer loss

The Order of the Service

Lifting supplications8. For faith and grace for all who are present Concluding with the Lord’s Prayer. The service ends by commending the one who

has died to the care of the eternal God and sending the people forth with a benediction

The Order of the Service

Service may be either before or after the

committal service. In order to direct attention to the worship of

God, when a casket is present it is closed. The casket may be covered with a pall. May include other actions common to the

community of faith and its cultures, as long as they do not detract from the worship of God.

Fraternal, civic, or military rites should be conducted separately, normally at the cemetery or columbarium.

Alternatives and Options

When there are important reasons not to hold

the service in the usual place of worship, it may be held in another suitable place.

Alternatives and Options

Service takes place at the graveside or

columbarium, which is to be conducted with simplicity, dignity, and brevity.

Service includes readings from Scripture, prayers, words of committal, and a blessing, bearing witness to faith in the resurrection of the dead.

Service of Committal

First Presbyterian Church has put together a

handbook. Copies are available on your tables and on the stage.

Funeral Handbook

Music must be appropriate to the worship of

God. The style of music is not so much the issue,

but whether it draws people into the awareness of God’s presence and the worship of God’s name.

College fight songs, Broadway show tunes, or the deceased’s favorite pop song are not appropriate.

Music

It is appropriate to remember aspects of the life

of the one who died. This may be done by someone other than the

minister, with the minister’s approval. Lengthy eulogies that draw the center of focus

away from the worship of God are inappropriate (a long eulogy sounds like those present must be convinced that the deceased was a good person – everyone knows this, it doesn’t need to be proven).

Multiple eulogies are to be avoided. The focus is on the resurrection and the worship of the God.

Eulogies

Scripture

What scripture passages have meant the most to you during your life?

Music Do you have particular music you would like to

have played before the service begins? Do you have favorite hymns or sacred music

that would be appropriate during the service? Other

Any other special requests your minister and family need to know?

Planning Your Service

Share

Give a copy to your family Give a copy to your minister

Planning Your Service

“How often has it been revealed to us that those who have been released from the world by the divine summons ought not to be mourned over, for we know that they are not lost but gone before; while appearing to lose they have really gained ground, as travelers and navigators are wont to do.”

St. CyprianThird Century AD