St. Paul Lutheran Church

Personal Arrangements for the Christian Funeral Ser-

vice for:

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Confessing Christ with My FuneralSo teach us to number our days that we may get a heart

of wisdom –Psalm 90:12

Unless Christ returns in our lifetime, we will all die. Death can be a traumatic and emotional event for those we will leave behind. It is therefore of great benefit to make our arrangements and record our wishes in ad-vance. This will spare our loved ones some stress. Fu-neral homes have their own set of options for things like caskets, services, and other arrangements. The purpose of this little pamphlet is to help you plan for the funeral service itself. Some aspects of the service are fixed but others will vary for each Christian. In all the decisions we make about our funerals, the question that should guide us is this: “How do I best confess my faith in Jesus, His return, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting?”

The information you provide will be kept on file in the church office. You should also keep a copy for your own records. You may request changes or updates to this in-formation at any time. Just contact the church office.

Baptism and DeathIn Romans 6, Paul teaches us that there is a strong con-nection between baptism and death. In our baptism, we die with Christ and our sins are washed away. However, the sinful nature continues to influence us and so we con-tinue to sin our whole lives. It is only in death that God completes the work of Baptism in us. When a Christian dies, he is set free from sin (Romans 6:7) and promised bodily resurrection (John 6:40). Therefore, the funeral service will point to Holy Baptism. The pall, a large white cloth, is placed over the casket at the beginning of the service. Like the traditional white baptismal gown, the pall is a symbol and reminder that the deceased has been

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baptized into Christ. The creed confessed at the funeral is the Apostles’ Creed, which is traditionally the bap-tismal creed. Baptism is, therefore a central theme of the Christian funeral service. Baptismal readings and hymns would be very appropriate.

For the Living and the Dead

We often say the funeral service is “for the living, not for the person who has died.” While this is true, we shouldn’t leave out the dead! The living hear and are comforted by the Word of God but the act of burial is for the dead. We do not treat the body of a deceased brother or sister as an “empty shell.” Because we confess the resurrection of the body, we should treat the bodies of believers with care and reverence. God is not finished with this body yet!

To give the departed Christian a proper “send-off,” fu-neral services are encouraged to be held in the church and at the place of burial. This allows the entire church community to participate in commending a brother or sister in Christ to the Lord. The graveside service is the church’s final act of loving care – sanctifying the resting place of the Christian with the Word of God and prayer.

Grief and JoyNobody wants people to be sad at their funerals. We know well that death has no ultimate claim on believers in Christ and that death means being in heaven, in the presence of the Lord. While this is certainly reason to celebrate and be joyful, we cannot deny the reality of grief. People will be sad at our funeral and we should al-low that time for grieving. The funeral of a Christian is bittersweet, able to encompass both grief and joy. As you plan your funeral, take both of these elements into con-sideration.

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Bodily Resurrection

We believe that when we die, our bodies rest on earth while our souls are taken to be with the Lord in heaven. This is a far greater existence than we have now (Philip-pians 1:23) but it isn’t the final stop. Better still will be the Resurrection, which will take place on the Last Day, at the return of Christ. Scripture speaks far more often of the resurrection life than it does of heaven. So our final hope and the promise that we cling to is not heaven but a new heavens and a new earth where we will dwell with new, glorified bodies (see 1 Corinthians 15). It is there-fore very appropriate to incorporate joyful, triumphant themes of Easter and Resurrection in your funeral ser-vice!

Confessing Christ in the Obituary

The obituary provides a final opportunity for Christians to witness to the love and mercy of Jesus Christ in their lives. Obituaries normally contain personal information about the deceased – their families, jobs, hobbies, and in-terests. For Christians, the obituary should also reflect their relationship with God. This can include things like date and place of Holy Baptism and Confirmation, fa-vorite Bible passages, and church activities. Several ex-ample obituaries are provided in the back of this booklet.

Holy Communion at the Funeral Service

It is entirely appropriate to celebrate the Lord’s Supper at a funeral service. We confess that Christ is truly present in the bread and wine at Holy Communion and when Jesus is present, he is joined by the whole heavenly entourage, including departed Christians. Christ said to his disciples, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I

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am you may be also” (John 14:3) and St. Paul teaches us that all things in heaven and things on earth unite in Christ (Eph. 1:10). When we kneel at the communion rail, we are participating in the worship service of heaven alongside “angels, archangels, and the whole company of heaven” (Preface to the Service of the Sacrament). The Eucharist is another way of confessing that death does not sever our fellowship with believers who are in heaven with Christ.

If you choose to include Holy Communion in your funeral service, those who have been instructed and share the confession of faith of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod will be invited to commune. For practical purposes or to avoid giving offense to non-Lutheran relatives or friends, you may choose not to include Communion in your service.

Donations

It is customary to have flowers donated for funerals. Flowers are a symbol of life and appropriately point to the ongoing life of those who die with Christ. Some choose to establish a memorial fund either in lieu of or in addition to donations of flowers. Members of the church may wish to designate that memorial gifts be given to the church. Some may also choose to include the church in their estate planning, which is certainly appropriate and greatly appreciated by future generations of members at St. Paul! Please include your intentions regarding these donations on the pages below.

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Policies for Funerals at St. PaulAppropriate hymns from the hymnal should be chosenThe hymnal we use in church contains a wide variety of appropriate hymnody from which to choose. You may want to choose hymns that fit with one of the themes outlined above. Some suggestions are provided at the end of this booklet. If a Christ-centered, doctrinally sound song from outside the hymnal is desired, approval must be sought from the pastor and the accompanist.

OrganistOur organist will normally play the music for all funerals. If additional musicians are to be involved, permission must be obtained from the pastor and staff organist.

Eulogies will not be allowed during the serviceEulogies are traditionally not part of a Christian funeral. This is because the funeral service is not focused on the good things the person did in their life. It is focused on what Jesus did for them. A more appropriate place for sharing memories might be the funeral home, a funeral meal, or in the home.

LCMS clergy officiate the funerals of LCMS membersWe certainly invite other ministers to attend the service and share their sympathies and consolation privately but because of our different confession of faith, we cannot co-officiate a service with a pastor or priest of a different Christian denomination. This would give a false impression of doctrinal unity where it does not yet exist. We continue to pray for the visible unity of the Christian Church.

Guidelines for cremationWhile the witness of Scripture and longstanding Christian tradition prefer burial, cremation is also an

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acceptable option as long as cremation is not seen as a denial of bodily resurrection. A cremated body should be treated with the same respect as any other body. God will one day raise this body again. We therefore strongly urge that ashes be buried or entombed. The practice of scattering or keeping cremains is discouraged among Christians. In the case of cremation, the funeral service may be held first with the committal rite (burial) following after cremation, or both may occur on the same day.

Organ donationChristians are permitted but not required to designate their bodies for scientific research or organ donation. Your body will be raised on the last day but in the meantime, it may continue to be of use to your neighbor. However, also consider when donating your body for research, that you will have no control over whether your remains are treated with appropriate dignity and respect.

Guidelines for military honorsWe are citizens of two realms – civil and spiritual. In the civil realm, honor is due to citizens who have demonstrated loyalty to their country. In the spiritual realm, honor is due only to God for his saving grace. For veterans, funerals may include military rites. This should occur at the cemetery following the conclusion of the church’s ceremonies. If the casket is to be covered with the American flag, this should happen after the casket leaves the sanctuary and the funeral pall has been removed. If a military chaplain wishes to say a prayer at the graveside, the approval of the officiating pastor should be sought.

Funeral mealThe family may use the church basement to host a funeral meal at no cost. The Women of St. Paul will provide drinks and desserts. The family is expected to provide the food.

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Fees/HonorariumsOrganist - $100Pastor - $100 (suggested)

Musicians enlisted by the organist will be compensated by the organist. Musicians enlisted by the family may be compensated by the family as they see fit.

There are no additional fees for the use of the church for a funeral.

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Service Planning ResourcesSuggested Readings and Hymns

Readings and hymns in boldface have long standing usage in the Funeral Service

OLD TESTAMENT READING2 Samuel 12:15–23 King David looks to the

resurrection of his son1 Kings 17:17–24 Elijah raises the widow's son2 Kings 4:18–37 Elisha raises the Shunamite's sonJob 5:6–7, 17–26 Job's friend speaks of the Lord's

wounding and healingJob 14:1–17 Job speaks of his mortalityJob 19:21–27 Job confesses his faith in the

resurrectionEcclesiastes 12:1–7 Remember your CreatorIsaiah 25:6–9 The Lord God will swallow up

death foreverIsaiah 26:1–4, 19 Your dead will liveIsaiah 35:3–10 Sorrow and sighing will flee awayIsaiah 40:6–11 He tends his flock like a shepherdIsaiah 40:27–31 He gives strength to the wearyIsaiah 43:1–3a, 25 Fear not, you are mineIsaiah 46:3–4 Even to your old age I will sustain youIsaiah 49:13–16 I will not forget youIsaiah 53:1–12 The man of sorrowsIsaiah 57:1–2 The righteous find restIsaiah 61:1–3, 10 To comfort all who mournIsaiah 65:17–25 New heavens and a new earthJeremiah 31:15–17 Rachel mourns for her childrenLamentations 3:22–33 His compassions never failDaniel 12:1–3 Multitudes who sleep in the dust

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of the earth will awake

These readings may be used during the Easter season:Acts 2:14a, 22-32 God raised Jesus from the deadActs 9:36-42 Peter raises Dorcas from the deadActs 10:34-43 God raised Jesus from the deadActs 13:26-33a God raised Jesus from the dead

EPISTLE READINGRomans 5:1–11 Christ died for usRomans 5:17–21 Justification brings life for allRomans 6:3–10 Baptized into Christ's death and resurrectionRomans 8:14–23 We share in Christ's sufferings and gloryRomans 8:31–39 Nothing can separate us from

the love of God in ChristRomans 14:7–9 Whether we live or die, we belong

to the Lord1 Corinthians 15:20–26 In Christ all will be made alive1 Corinthians 15:51–57 Death is swallowed up in victory2 Corinthians 4:13–18 The one who raised Jesus from

the dead will raise us2 Corinthians 5:1–10 Away from the body and at home

with the LordPhilippians 3:8–11 Knowing Christ and the power of

his resurrectionPhilippians 3:20–21 Our citizenship is in heavenColossians 3:1–4 You have been raised with Christ1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 The dead in Christ will rise first2 Timothy 2:8–13 If we died with him, we will also

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live with him2 Timothy 4:6–8 I have fought the good fight, I

have finished the raceHebrews 2:14–18 By his death he destroyed deathHebrews 4:6–11 The Sabbath rest of GodHebrews 11:1–2, 13–16Aliens and strangers on earthHebrews 12:1–3 Let us fix our eyes on JesusHebrews 13:12–14, 20–21 The God of peace who

brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus

James 4:13–17 What is your life?1 Peter 1:3–9 A living hope through the

resurrection of Jesus Christ1 John 3:1–2 We shall be like him, for we

shall see him as he isRevelation 7:9–17 Standing before the throne in

front of the LambRevelation 14:13 Blessed are the dead who die in the LordRevelation 19:4–9 Blessed are those invited to the

wedding of the LambRevelation 21:1–7 A new heaven and a new earthRevelation 22:1–5 The Lord God will give them light

HOLY GOSPELMatthew 2:13–20 Herod tried to kill Jesus and

murders the Holy InnocentsMatthew 5:1–12 Blessed are you…Matthew 11:25–30 Rest for the wearyMatthew 18:1–5, 10 Unless you become like little childrenMatthew 25:1–13 Jesus, the heavenly bridegroom comesMatthew 25:31–40 Come, take your inheritance

prepared for youMatthew 27:45–54, 28:1–6 Jesus' death and resurrection

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Mark 5:35–43 Jesus raises the daughter of JairusMark 10:13–16 Little children are brought to JesusMark 15:33–39, 16:1–6 Jesus' death and resurrectionLuke 2:25–32 Lord, let your servant go in peaceLuke 2:36–28 Anna spoke to all looking forward

to the redemptionLuke 7:11–17 Jesus raises the young man of NainLuke 12:16–21 This very night your life will be

demanded from youLuke 16:19–31 The angels carried him to Abraham's sideLuke 23:33, 39–43 Today you will be with me in paradiseLuke 23:44–49, 24:1–6a Jesus' death and resurrectionJohn 3:16–18 God so loved the worldJohn 4:46–53 Come down before my child diesJohn 5:24–30 He has crossed over from death to lifeJohn 6:27–40 I will raise him up at the last dayJohn 6:51–58 Whoever eats my flesh has eternal lifeJohn 10:11–16 I am the Good ShepherdJohn 10:27–30 I give them eternal lifeJohn 11:17–27 I am the resurrection and the lifeJohn 11:32–45 Lazarus, come out!John 12:23–28 Who hates his life in this world

will keep it for eternal lifeJohn 14:1–6 I am the way, the truth, and the lifeJohn 19:17–18, 25–30 Jesus' death

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HYMNS

The singing of hymns at a funeral provides a strong testimony to the victory over death that Christ won through His death and resurrection.

438-A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth878-Abide With Me596-All Christians Who Have Been Baptized753-All For Christ I Have Forsaken601-All Who Believe and Are Baptized477-Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven744-Amazing Grace633-At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing467-Awake, My Heart, with Gladness697-Awake, O Sleeper, Arise from Death537-Beautiful Savior574-Before the Throne of God Above676-Behold a Host Arrayed in White725-Children of the Heavenly Father458-Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands420-Christ, the Life of All the Living605-Father Welcomes All His Children677-For All the Saints742-For Me to Live Is Jesus607-From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee594-God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It801-How Great Thou Art468-I Am Content! My Jesus Ever Lives740-I Am Jesus' Little Lamb000-I Am the Bread of Life461-I know that My Redeemer Lives486-If Christ Had Not Been Raised from Death724-If God Himself Be for Me745-In God, My Faithful God

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938-In Peace and Joy I Now Depart755-In the Very Midst of Life672-Jerusalem the Golden741-Jesus Christ, My Sure Defense490-Jesus Lives! The Victory's Won743-Jesus Priceless Treasure708-Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart484-Make Songs of Joy880-Now Rest beneath Night's Shadow552-O Christ, Who Shared Our Mortal Life395-O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright449, 450-O Sacred Head, Now Wounded679-Oh, How Blest Are They Whose Toils Are Ended675-Oh, What Their Joy598-Once in the Blest Baptismal Waters000-Peace Be Yours671-Sing With All the Saints In Glory508-The Day Is Surely Drawing Near709-The King of Love My Shepherd Is710-The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want758-The Will of God Is Always Best762-There Is a Time for Everything759-This Body in the Grave We Lay482-This Joyful Eastertide516-Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying760-What God Ordains Is Always Good770-What a Friend We Have in Jesus764-When Aimless Violence Takes Those We Love476-Who Are You Who Walk In Sorrow756-Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me483-With High Delight Let Us Unite

During Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasonal hymns such as the following may also be appropriate:334-O Lord, How Shall I Meet You348-The King Shall Come347-Comfort, Comfort Ye My People355-O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide386-Now Sing We, Now Rejoice

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376-Once in Royal David's City364, 365-Away in a Manger402-The Only Son from Heaven397-As with Gladness Men of Old

Especially helpful at any funeral are most any Easter hymns. They express the great joy of Christ’s resurrection and victory over death. Through Baptism the hope of the resurrection is now a Christian’s great hope in the face of death as well. EXAMPLE OBITUARIES

These may be adapted according to circumstance and may be expanded to include additional information, such as the church and location of the deceased’s Baptism and Confirmation. When published, the place of burial may also be included.

Example 1Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through His servant name .

Full name was given life by his/her creator and was born on date , the child of name of father and name of mother . On date , he/she received the gift of Holy Baptism and became a child of God. On date he/she publically confessed his/her faith and was confirmed. He/she received the precious gift of the Lord’s life-giving body and blood. On date , he/she received the gift of a beloved companion in his/her spouse, name . He/she was blessed with the gift of children (a child), name(s) of child(ren) . God blessed name’s life with many special people as he/she served God in his/her vocations at home, church, work, and in the community. Finally, on date God blessed name with a holy death and took him/her home to rest in the arms of Jesus to await the resurrection of the dead.

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The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. We give thanks to God our Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for our brother/sister name .

Example 2Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through His servant name .

Full name , son/daughter of name of father and name of mother was born in on date . He/she was baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit on date . He/she confessed his/her baptismal faith in the rite of Confirmation on date and was admitted to the altar to receive the medicine of immortality, Christ’s life-giving body and blood. Name was joined together in holy matrimony to name of spouse on date . On date , name , at the age of years, fell asleep in Jesus. He/she is survived by . He/she is predeceased by . Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. We give thanks to God our Father

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through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for our brother/sister name .

Example 3Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through His servant name .

Full name , was born in on date to parents name of father and name of mother . He/she was reborn as a child of God in the waters of Holy Baptism on date . On date , he/she was confirmed in the Christian faith and was fed the life-giving body and blood of Jesus. He/she was united in holy marriage to name of spouse on date and blessed with years of married life together. God also blessed them with the gift of children (a child): name(s) of child(ren) . On date , God called name home to heaven. He/she is survived by . Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. We give thanks to God our Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for our brother/sister name .

Service planning resources and sample obituaries taken fromThe Lutheran Service Book Agenda, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis.

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My Funeral ServiceCOPY FOR PERSONAL RECORDS

Baptismal Name:

____________________________________________

Date & Location of Baptism:

___________________________________

Date & Location of Confirmation:

_______________________________

Confirmation Verse or Hymn (if applicable):

_______________________

Readings for Funeral Service

Old Testament:

______________________________________________

Epistle:

____________________________________________________

Gospel:

____________________________________________________

Hymns for Funeral Service

Entrance:

__________________________________________________20

Sermon:

___________________________________________________

Closing:

___________________________________________________

Would you like Holy Communion to be celebrated at your funeral?

YES/NO (Please read “Holy Communion at the Funeral Service” above)

Other Notes:

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Obituary:

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My Funeral ServiceCOPY FOR CHURCH OFFICE

Baptismal Name:

____________________________________________

Date & Location of Baptism:

___________________________________

Date & Location of Confirmation:

_______________________________

Confirmation Verse or Hymn (if applicable):

_______________________

Readings for Funeral Service

Old Testament:

______________________________________________

Epistle:

____________________________________________________

Gospel:

____________________________________________________

Hymns for Funeral Service

Entrance:

__________________________________________________23

Sermon:

___________________________________________________

Closing:

___________________________________________________

Would you like Holy Communion to be celebrated at your funeral?

YES/NO (Please read “Holy Communion at the Funeral Service” above)

Other Notes:

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Obituary:

(Please type and attach separately)

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Return this portion to the church office either in print or electronically by emailing it to stpsecretary@msn.com.

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