Planning a Celebration of a Life or Funeral Service for Yourself or a Loved One

The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all 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. – Book of Common Prayer, pg. 507

There are different terms and traditions to keep in mind. The preferred location for a service is at the church, but a memorial, funeral or celebration of a life can be done at the funeral home, graveside, or a location of your choice.

• A Celebration of Life or Memorial is a worship service with no body present.
• A Funeral is a worship service that includes a body in the midst of the people.
• A commendation is the act of committing the deceased to God.
• A Graveside service can be a full worship service and/or an interment service.
• An interment is the act of placing the body or ashes into the ground.

Whatever you choose, the service will be filled with the certain hope of the resurrection. We believe that God is bringing all things to completion for the sake of his resurrected Son, Jesus Christ. We will work with the funeral home of your choice. We consider it an honor to give your family the very best experience in saying good-bye to a loved one.