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A funeral service should be a time of
looking back and giving thanks for a life, as well as an opportunity to
affirm our faith in God and commend our loved ones to his care. The time
after a bereavement can be quite confusing with many
decisions to make. We hope that the following information will be helpful to
you Where will the funeral be held ? It is appropriate for a service to be
held in several different locations, normally either a church, a crematorium
chapel, the entire service held at the graveside, or a combination of these. The Order of service The following is a basic format for
an order of service, but it should only be considered as a guide. You may do
whatever you think is appropriate for the person who has died. 1. Welcome Often the service will begin with a
verse of scripture, and an introduction and welcome
to the service. 2. Opening Prayer This will be followed by a prayer
affirming our Christian faith and seeking comfort for those who are bereaved. 3. Hymn A hymn may follow. We are pleased to
help with suggestions. 4. Reading Usually from the Bible, this might
also include poems or other literature. We will of course be pleased to offer
suggestions. 5. Address Words of tribute to the person who
has died are especially important. These can be spoken by the Minister, a
member of the family or a friend. 6. Prayers It is appropriate to give thanks in
prayer for the life of the person who has died. This may be accompanied by
the Lord’s Prayer. 7. Hymn A second hymn is often requested 8. Committal The congregation always stand for these
traditional words when we commend the person who has died into God's merciful
keeping. If the service is cremation, this is when the curtains will close;
however you may request this not to happen. 9. Blessing After the final words of blessing, the
service is concluded. 10. Music We are always pleased to accommodate your own personal requests to
include items in the service. It is increasingly common for relatives to ask
for a piece of music to be played by the organist, or a track from a CD. Church and Flowers If flowers are sent in memory of the
person who has died then it is good if there is a place for them to be left
afterwards where you can visit. A Churchyard of Garden of Remembrance is
ideal. Simply advise the funeral director and arrangements will be made for
this to happen. Many people also like to provide flowers in church on a
Sunday and this is a fitting way to remember somebody who has died. Many
families find this a special and helpful time to come and join the worship of
the church as we remember those who have died in our prayers. |
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Last
reviewed 29th November 2009 |
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