Christians and Death.  The resurrection is a central doctrine of the Christian faith and shapes Christians’ attitudes and responses to the event of death. Death brings loss, sorrow, and grief to all. 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. The church offers a ministry of love and hope to all who grieve.

Planning Arrangements  Because it is difficult under emotional stress to plan wisely, members are encouraged to discuss and plan in advance the arrangements which will be necessary at the time of death, including decisions aboutthe Christian options of burial, cremation, or donation for medical purposes. These plans should provide for arrangements which are simple, which bear witness to resurrection hope, and in which the Christian community is central.

Form and Order. 

§  The service begins with scriptural sentences.

§  Hymns, psalms, spirituals, or spiritual songs which affirm God’s power over death, a belief in the resurrection to life everlasting, and the assurance of the communion of the saints.

§  Scripture is read and a message is proclaimed.

§  An affirmation of faith may be made by the people.

§  Aspects of the life of the one who has died may be recalled.

§  Prayers are offered, giving thanks to God

o   for life in Jesus Christ and the promise of the gospel,

o   for the gift of the life of the one who has died,

o   for the comfort of the Holy Spirit,

o   for the community of faith;

o   making intercessions for family members and loved ones who grieve,

o   making intercessions for all who suffer loss;

o   lifting supplications for faith and grace for all who are present;

o   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.

Service of Committal (Graveside)

§  Members and friends of the family of the one who has died should gather at the graveside for a service of farewell, which is to be conducted with simplicity, dignity, and brevity. The service includes readings from Scripture, prayers, words of committal, and a blessing, reflecting the reality of death, entrusting the one who has died to the care of God, and bearing witness to faith in the resurrection from the dead.