Funeral Services
The death of a loved one is often a painful and disorienting experience. However, when experienced within the context of a Christian community, death can also be an occasion for celebration and hope.
The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) tells us: The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised.
The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 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."
This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn. (page 507)
Why we bury Christians from the Church
Because the faithful Christian lives his or her life within the context of a Christian church, the burial of a Christian is properly celebrated in the same way other Christian services are celebrated.
The Book of Common Prayer guides us on several points:
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"The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible [even if it's the middle of the night] and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with, the Minister of the Congregation. (BCP p. 490)
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"Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church." (BCP p. 490)
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"The service should be held at a time when the congregation has opportunity to be present." (BCP p. 490)
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For active communicants of the Church, a funeral normally and properly is held as part of a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. We believe the Eucharist is a "foretaste of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in eternal life." (BCP p. 860)
Death And Burial Is For Others
The death of a Christian, like the life of a Christian, should be marked by a sense of being for others. We do this through the service itself, through pre-planning, and through wills or charitable trusts.
The burial service is a God-given opportunity for the departed Christian to share his or her faith with friends and loved ones who will attend. Holding the funeral in the church is a way for the Christian to say "My church and my faith were important and special parts of my life."
It is appropriate and helpful for Christians to pre-plan their funerals. Picking scripture readings and hymns and making decisions about disposition of earthly remains will make the time of death easier for those left to make arrangements. Forms for pre-planning your funeral are available in the parish office. This information is kept on file for future reference.
The Prayer Book also reminds us that it is "the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well-being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses." (page 445)
Few of us like to think about death. Even fewer of us are willing to think about our own. Yet pre-planning our funerals is one of the most thoughtful, loving and meaningful things we can do for our loved ones who remain after we have ascended into Gods reward.
After the service
Many families have a luncheon for the guests that have attended the funeral celebration. If you would like this event as part of your service please let the Rector know so arrangements can be made for you.
There is no charge for these services