Advanced Planning for Funeral
Download the form here or use the electronic form below.
For use by a member of Grace or family or friend of a member
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, p. 507)
The death of a loved one is difficult for family and friends. Making plans for your funeral and burial in advance of your death is a gift that will help your loved ones understand your wishes and preferences and decrease the number of decisions they will have to make in a time of great stress.
Planning your own funeral is also a spiritual discipline that can help you acknowledge your mortality and thus live more fully in the present moment.
In the Episcopal tradition, church members are normally buried when the congregation is able to gather. The body or ashes can be brought to the church in advance of the funeral and visitation for family and friends can be scheduled at the church.
An important part of grieving the death of a loved one is remembering the life of one who has died. A visitation before the service and/or a reception afterwards are good opportunities to tell stories. During the service, a homily (brief sermon) is preached after the Scripture is read. This homily is intended to proclaim our hope in the resurrection, rather than serve as a eulogy for the one who has died. At Grace, we do offer a brief time for one or two reflections from family members (limited to about 3 minutes each) at the beginning of the service before the Scripture is read.
The Church assumes the burial service will include Holy Eucharist (Communion). The sacrament unites us with the communion of saints, past and present, and can be a powerful expression of our continuing communion with one who has died. And it can be a source of great comfort in a time of loss.
As you plan your funeral, keep in mind that this is a service for the living to celebrate and give thanks to God for your life.
There are many options available for shaping a funeral liturgy – from Scripture choices, to hymns, to more or less formal language in the liturgy. These choices can be overwhelming. In thinking through this, you don’t have to complete this entire worksheet, but you may. Clergy will meet with your family or designee after you die to work out any remaining details.
We encourage you to leave a copy of this document with the church, and let your loved ones know that you have made these choices by sharing this information with them.
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, p. 507)
The death of a loved one is difficult for family and friends. Making plans for your funeral and burial in advance of your death is a gift that will help your loved ones understand your wishes and preferences and decrease the number of decisions they will have to make in a time of great stress.
Planning your own funeral is also a spiritual discipline that can help you acknowledge your mortality and thus live more fully in the present moment.
In the Episcopal tradition, church members are normally buried when the congregation is able to gather. The body or ashes can be brought to the church in advance of the funeral and visitation for family and friends can be scheduled at the church.
An important part of grieving the death of a loved one is remembering the life of one who has died. A visitation before the service and/or a reception afterwards are good opportunities to tell stories. During the service, a homily (brief sermon) is preached after the Scripture is read. This homily is intended to proclaim our hope in the resurrection, rather than serve as a eulogy for the one who has died. At Grace, we do offer a brief time for one or two reflections from family members (limited to about 3 minutes each) at the beginning of the service before the Scripture is read.
The Church assumes the burial service will include Holy Eucharist (Communion). The sacrament unites us with the communion of saints, past and present, and can be a powerful expression of our continuing communion with one who has died. And it can be a source of great comfort in a time of loss.
As you plan your funeral, keep in mind that this is a service for the living to celebrate and give thanks to God for your life.
There are many options available for shaping a funeral liturgy – from Scripture choices, to hymns, to more or less formal language in the liturgy. These choices can be overwhelming. In thinking through this, you don’t have to complete this entire worksheet, but you may. Clergy will meet with your family or designee after you die to work out any remaining details.
We encourage you to leave a copy of this document with the church, and let your loved ones know that you have made these choices by sharing this information with them.
Worship Times
Sunday 8:00am in person and live stream 9:15am Adult formation in person and on Zoom 10:30am in person Children's Sunday- 1st Sundays @ 10:30 am Taize Service - 1st Sundays @ 7:00 pm Wednesday 12:00 pm Eucharist + Healing Service |
Grace Church in the Mountains
394 N. Haywood Street, Waynesville, North Carolina 28786 • Phone: (828) 456-6029 Email: admin@gracewaynesville.com
Pastoral Emergency: (828)558-0246
394 N. Haywood Street, Waynesville, North Carolina 28786 • Phone: (828) 456-6029 Email: admin@gracewaynesville.com
Pastoral Emergency: (828)558-0246