1. Planning a Presbyterian Funeral

2. 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

3. 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

4. The service ordinarily should be held in the usual place of worship in order to join this service to the communitys 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 Lords Supper must be approved by the Session. Setting of the Service

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

6. Prayers shall be offered, giving thanks to God 1.For life in Jesus Christ and the gospel promise 2.For the gift of the life of the one who has died 3.For the comfort of the Holy Spirit 4.For the community of faith Intercession should be made 5.For the family and loved ones who grieve 6.For those who support the bereaved 7.For all who suffer loss The Order of the Service

7. Lifting supplications 8.For faith and grace for all who are present Concluding with the Lords 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. First Presbyterian Church has put together a handbook. Copies are available on your tables and on the stage. Funeral Handbook

12. 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 Gods presence and the worship of Gods name. College fight songs, Broadway show tunes, or the deceaseds favorite pop song are not appropriate. Music

13. 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 ministers 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 doesnt need to be proven). Multiple eulogies are to be avoided. The focus is on the resurrection and the worship of the God. Eulogies

14. 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

15. Share Give a copy to your family Give a copy to your minister Planning Your Service

16. 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. Cyprian Third Century AD