Funerals

INTRODUCTION

A funeral is often a very difficult time for families. This funeral guide is intended to help in the pre-planning of a funeral, or to help families who are presently dealing with a funeral, so that they might be better prepared when they meet with the Pastor to design a funeral service.

It is helpful to remember that a funeral is, first and foremost, a worship service. And in a worship service, the primary focus is on God and the hope and  grace we receive from God. In the context of this remembering, we recall the deceased - friend, loved one, spouse. Our prayer in every funeral is that faith in Christ would be renewed and that God would be glorified, as the deceased is remembered. Our full Funeral Protocol can be find by following this link  Funeral Protocol

STRUCTURE OF THE WORSHIP SERVICE

A funeral service at Bethany Lutheran Church or at a funeral home chapel often includes the following basic elements.

• Hymns - A funeral service may consist of three to five hymns. The service begins and ends with a hymn, and a hymn is generally sung after the Pastor's Message (more hymns are sung if there is Holy Communion). Sometimes solos are included in the service.

• Eulogy - A eulogy -- now often called a tribute -- should be short and to the point. Eulogies / tributes are not required elements in a Lutheran funeral service. 

• Remembrance of Baptism 

• Introduction - The Pastor’s greeting to the worshipers

• Litany - responses between Pastor and congregation.

• Scripture - A funeral service may include one or all of the following (An Old Testament Reading, a Psalm, A New Testament Reading, and a Gospel Lesson)

• Pastor’s Message

• Apostles’ Creed - A brief statement of the Christian faith.

• Holy Communion may be part of the service. Bethany invites everyone to participate in this Holy Meal

• Prayers and Lord’s Prayer

• Commendation - Commending the deceased to God's care and keeping.

• Benediction and Blessing

• A note about the internment or cremation is usually printed in the worship folder.

HYMNS

When families meet with the Pastor, they are asked to suggest hymns for the worship service. Here are some hymns that are often used in Christian funerals.

Traditional Hymns

• Abide with Me! Fast Falls the Eventide

• Amazing Grace

• Beautiful Saviour

• Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer

• How Great Thou Art

• How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds

• I Know that My Redeemer Lives!

• If You But Trust in God to Guide You

• It Is Well with My Soul

• Jesus Lives! the Victory's Won!

• Jesus, the Very Thought of You

• Jesus, Lead Thou On

• Just as I Am

• The King of Love My Shepherd Is

• The Lord's My Shepherd

• Lord Take My Hand and Lead Me

• Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

• A Mighty Fortress

• My Faith Looks up to Thee

• My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

• O God, Our Help in Ages Past  

• Rock of Ages

• This Is My Father's World

• What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Click here to listen to hymns online

SCRIPTURE

Families will also be asked for input on Scripture readings. Here are some suggestions

Gospel

• Matthew 11:25-30

• Matthew 25:1-13

• Luke 12:35-40

• John 5:42-49

• John 6:37-40

• John 11:21-27

• John 14: 1-4

To read Scripture online http://bible.oremus.org/