The name of the service on the occasion of death is “The Service of Witness to the Resurrection,” clearly stating our fundamental belief that in Christ, death has been conquered and the promise of eternal life is affirmed. Whether the casket is present or not, neither the name nor purpose of the service change.
The uniqueness of the Christian faith is especially apparent when death comes. Our hope of eternal life is based not upon a person’s worth, but upon the graciousness of God. Christians can commend to God’s care those who die, trusting that by God’s grace, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, all who believe in God are raised from death to life.
As we acknowledge the hope of the Gospel in the face of death, it is also important that we acknowledge our grief. This means that faith plays a major role in the grieving process. It does not mean that persons of faith do not grieve or that expressing sorrow shows a lack of faith. We need to grieve in order to be open to the healing help God offers.
Christians grieve as those who have a unique hope in the risen Christ. Reflecting this outlook, Christians should make the occasion of death a time in which the hope of the Gospel is reaffirmed with joy and peace. It is a time to celebrate the wonderful gift of God that was given to us in our relationship with the deceased. The properly planned service can be a benediction and a comfort to us, as well as a witness to our faith.
GUIDELINES
As a Presbyterian congregation, we follow the guidelines for services on the occasion of death as outlined in the “Directory for Worship” found in our Book of Order:
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 in the community of faith. The church offers a ministry of love and hope to all who grieve.
Because it is difficult under emotional stress to plan wisely, the session encourages members to discuss and plan in advance the arrangements which will be necessary at the time of death, including decisions about the Christian options of burial, cremation, or donation for medical purposes. These plans should provide for arrangements that are simple, which bear witness to resurrection hope, and in which the Christian community is central. The session is responsible for establishing general policies concerning the observance of services on the occasion of death.
The service on the occasion of death ordinarily should be held in the usual place of worship in order to join this service to the community’s continuing life and witness to the resurrection. The service shall be under the direction of the pastor. Others may be invited to participate as leaders in the service at the discretion of the pastor. This service may be observed on any day. A request to observe such a service as part of the Lord’s Day service or to celebrate the Lord’s Supper as part of a service on the occasion of death requires the approval of the session. (W-4.10000-4.10003)
PRACTICAL MATTERS
Since we believe that death for the Christian is a triumphant experience in which the promises of God in Christ are manifest in the deceased, the occasion at once suggests dignity, reverence, and simplicity. All unnecessary expense and display are to be avoided as inconsistent with the Christian faith. The expenses for whatever arrangements are made should place no undue financial burden upon the family. The pastors can assist in suggesting various types of arrangements and service providers.
TIME
A pastor should be notified before you call the funeral director or others responsible for arrangements. Usually one of the pastors is available to come immediately. You are urged to call one of the pastors at any time of day or night so that immediate assistance may be offered. The pastor who is to conduct The Service of Witness to the Resurrection must be consulted before final arrangements concerning the time and place of the service are made.
PLACE
As the Book of Order indicates, the most appropriate place for the service to be held is at the church, either in the sanctuary or Johnson Chapel. It is in the church where we celebrate and mark all of life’s passages: births, baptisms, weddings, confirmations and other significant events. At the time of death, that person’s life should also be celebrated in these familiar surroundings. If particular circumstances dictate, or if the family firmly directs, services may be held in other places. The officiating pastor makes the decision on the appropriateness of the setting.
BURIAL, CREMATION, OR DONATION
Burial is a dignified custom that many people may wish to observe. Advance consideration should be given to the location of the cemetery and the selection of the burial plot, including the need for future graves.
The practice of cremation is consistent with the Christian faith and is much less expensive than traditional burial. It is not new; it has been practiced by Christians throughout the centuries. The remains are usually placed in an urn and kept in an appropriate place. An urn may also be placed in a columbarium. Our church now provides such a service on our grounds. Information about the costs and requirements of our church’s columbarium are outlined in a separate booklet. A pastor can also share details with you. Another option is the scattering of the ashes by family and friends at a location that holds special significance.
A third choice is to donate one’s body to a medical institution for study or a donation of parts of the body, e.g. eyes, kidneys, tissue, etc., for medical use and/or research. The donation of one’s body or parts is considered an act of love and is an option which may be considered by all Christians.
INTERMENT SERVICES
The final disposition of the remains is another matter requiring forethought. Depending on the choice made (ground burial or cremation), time may be of the essence. When speaking with the pastor, you may decide to have an interment service before or after The Service of Witness to the Resurrection. If ground burial or placement of an urn in a columbarium is the choice, additional arrangements must be made with the appropriate entities.
FLOWERS AND MEMORIALS
Flowers are a traditional way of expressing sympathy. However, in keeping with the general worship practices of this congregation, only a limited number of arrangements will be permitted in the sanctuary. These are usually restricted to those provided by the immediate family. Other floral arrangements will be displayed in the room in which a reception is held.
The newspaper announcement may suggest that, in lieu of flowers, a memorial be given. In this way, the memorial becomes a “living gift” and the deceased, in very tangible ways, continues to contribute to and support the work and ministry of the Church or other benevolent causes in which he or she had an interest.
THE SERVICE
As noted above, The Service of Witness to the Resurrection may take place on any day, but final arrangements concerning time and place must be approved by the officiating pastor. This service is one which worships God and gives thanks for the life of the deceased and affirms the promises of eternal life we have in Jesus Christ. Thus, the service is one of affirmation and positive spirit.
The casket or urn may or may not be present in the sanctuary during the service. If the casket is present, it is closed and covered with a pall before the service so that everyone’s attention is directed toward God.
The typical order of The Service of the Witness to the Resurrection includes:
Prelude (which may include some favorite hymns of the deceased or family, or other appropriate selections.)
Call to Worship
Prayers
Hymn
Welcome and Remembrances
(If a family wishes, two or three individuals may be invited to speak briefly. If desired, the congregation at large may also be invited to share remembrances.)
Scripture Lessons
Meditation
Affirmation of Faith
Hymn or Special Music
Prayer
Hymn
Commendation (in which the deceased is commended to the eternal love and care of God.)
Benediction
Postlude
As one can see, we recommend that the congregation participate in the service through responsive prayers, affirmations, and by singing hymns. This enables all to respond in a positive, active way in giving thanks to God for the life of the deceased.
Variations on this order of worship are possible, but must be approved by the officiating pastor. In the event that rites of some fraternal order are desired, this ceremony should be conducted at a prior time in another location. The Christian service is complete in itself and should be kept apart from other rituals.
SOME SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING HYMNS AND MUSIC
Hymns of praise and affirmation should be included in the service. If there is a hymn of significance for the deceased or the family, it, too, can be included in the service if it is appropriate for the setting. The Minister of Music will discuss with the family music selections and assist in securing vocalists or additional instrumentalists, if desired.
Appropriate hymns for the service would include:
Our God, Our Help in Ages Past
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
For All the Saints
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
For the Beauty of the Earth
Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
Now Thank We All Our God
Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty
All People That on Earth Do Dwell
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Easter hymns (#104-123) and those listed in the “Funeral” section (#526-530) of the Hymnal are also appropriate.
SOME SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING SCRIPTURE READINGS
Old Testament
Job 19:23-27
I know that my redeemer lives.
Isaiah 25:6-9
God will swallow up death forever.
Isaiah 26:1-4, 19
God will keep them in peace.
Isaiah 40:1-11, 28-31
Comfort my people.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.
Isaiah 43:1-3a, 18-19m 25
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.
Isaiah 44:6-8
I am the first and the last.
Isaiah 55:1-3, 6-13
Ho, everyone who thirsts.
Isaiah 61:1-4
The spirit of the Lord is upon me.
Isaiah 65:17-25
I create new heavens and a new earth.
Lamentations 3:19-26, 31b-32
The Lord's steadfast love.
Daniel 12:1-3
Many of those who sleep in the dust shall awake.
Joel 2 (sel.)
Return to the Lord with all your heart.
Psalms
Ps. 16:5-11
The Lord is my chosen portion.
Ps. 23
The Lord is my shepherd.
Ps. 27:1, 4-9a, 13-14
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Ps. 39: 4-5, 12
Lord, let me know my end.
Ps. 42:1-6a
As a deer longs for flowing streams.
Ps. 43
Give judgment for me, O God.
Ps. 46:1-5, 10-11
A very present help in trouble.
Ps. 90:1-10, 12
Teach us to number our days.
Ps. 91
The one who dwells in the shelter of the Most High.
Ps. 103
Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Ps. 106:1-5
O give thanks to the Lord.
Ps. 116:1-9, 15
The Lord has heard my voice.
Ps. 118
Open the gates of righteousness.
Ps. 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
Ps. 130
Out of the depths I cry to the Lord.
Ps. 139:1-12
Where shall I go from your spirit?
Ps. 145
I will extol you, O God my King.
Ps. 146
Hallelujah! praise the Lord, O my soul.
Epistles
Romans 5:1-11
Hope does not disappoint.
Romans 6:3-9
Baptized into Christ's death, raised to live with him.
Romans 8:14-23, 31-39
Nothing can separate from the love of God.
Romans 14:7-9, 10b-12
Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
1 Corinthians 15 (sel.)
Christ raised from the dead.
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1
Visible things are temporary, invisible things eternal.
2 Corinthians 5:1-10
From God we have a house not made with hands.
Ephesians 1:11-2:1, 4-10
Saved by grace through faith.
Philippians 3:7-11
Knowing him and the power of his resurrection.
Philippians 3:20-21
Our citizenship is in heaven.
Colossians 3:1-17
Set your minds on the things that are above.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The comfort of Christ's coming.
2 Timothy 2:8-13
If we died with him, we shall also live with him.
Hebrews 2:14-18
Christ was tested in every way.
Hebrews 11-12 (sel.)
Faith, the pilgrimage, the cloud of witnesses.
1 Peter 1:3-9
Without seeing Christ, you love him.
1 Peter 3:18-22; 4:6
Christ's ministry to the spirits in prison.
1 John 3:1-3
We are children of God.
Revelation 7:2-3, 9-17
These are they who have come out of the great tribulation.
Rev. 14:1-3, 6-7, 12-13
Rest for the saints.
Rev. 21:1-4, 22-25; 22:3-5
A new heaven and a new earth.
Gospels
Matthew 5:1-12a
The Beatitudes.
Matthew 11:25-30
Hidden from the wise, revealed to infants.
Matthew 25:1-13
Wise and foolish bridesmaids.
Matthew 25:31-46
The Last Judgment.
Luke 7:11-17
Jesus raises the son of the widow of Nain.
Luke 18:15-17
We enter the kingdom only as children.
Luke 23:33, 39-43
Today you will be with me in Paradise.
John 3:16-21
God so loved the world.
John 5:24-29
Whoever hears and believes has eternal life.
John 6:37-40
Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away.
John 6:47-58
Whoever believes in me has eternal life.
John 11:17-27
I am the resurrection and the life.
John 11:38-44
Lazarus raised from the dead.
John 14:1-6, 25-27
Let not your hearts be troubled.
PRIOR TO THE SERVICE
The family and participants in the service will be asked to meet in Geneva Hall thirty minutes before the service. The officiating pastor will meet them there and go over the final details of the service, and prayer will be offered. The family then proceeds to the sanctuary where they will be seated in the first several pews. They will arrive in time to join the other worshippers in listening to the final portions of the prelude.
FOLLOWING THE SERVICE
After the benediction, the pastor will lead the family out of the sanctuary. If a reception is to be held at the church, the family is escorted to the appropriate reception room where they can greet others.
RECEPTION
If a reception following the service is desired, either Geneva Hall or Chadsey Hall is available. The family may want to share photographs and other items with friends. This is a wonderful opportunity to share memories and stories. Presbyterian Women will provide light refreshments upon request. (A donation of $150 is requested for this service. Please make checks payable to CCPC earmarked PW.)
FEES
There are no fees charged to active members and their families for the use of sanctuary, Johnson Chapel, or reception rooms. Also, there are no fees for clergy or the organist’s services, although many members of the congregation do provide honoraria.
The fees for non-members are:
Use of the sanctuary……..$500
Use of Johnson Chapel.....$200
Clergy..........................$350
Organist.......................$200
Reception room..............$200
ADVANCE PLANNING
The purpose of this booklet is to assist you and your loved ones in planning for death.
In addition to planning The Service of Witness to the Resurrection, there are several other actions and decisions which should be made in advance. These include making lists of important documents and providing for a written personal history, executing a will, completing advance medical directives, etc. To assist in this planning process, enclosed with this booklet are several forms which you may find helpful.
If you choose to complete the enclosed or similar documents, we urge you to share a copy of each (as appropriate) with family members, your attorney, your physician, and with the church. All documents delivered to the church will be considered strictly confidential. The church does not accept any legal liability for their custody nor may the church require others to follow directions and requests set down in them. However, they will be made available only to appropriate individuals to whom they may offer guidance. Of course, you may change any of the documents or have them returned to you at any time.
A FINAL WORD
The Session trusts this material is helpful to you. Please know that our pastors stand ready to assist you at every stage of your life’s journey, including making preparations for death. Please feel free to contact any one of them for information, assistance, or to clarify your desires.
May the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God’s Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, remain with you always. (Phil. 4:7, adapted )
PRAYER
O Lord, support us all the day long until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, in your great mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Worship)