At
an Episcopal Funeral:
A guide
for families of the departed
At the time of death, the clergy should be contacted
immediately. They will be happy to assist in all of the planning for the
service. When possible, it is always better if people can make their own
wishes known in advance. Upon request, the clergy will also be happy to go
with you to the funeral director and to provide support and guidance through the
whole process. St. Luke's has a columbarium in the chapel where ashes may
be interred. Contact the clergy for more information about this
option. The notes below are intended to offer guidance in planning the
service.
The Service
The Episcopal
funeral service begins with the entrance of clergy and the casket or ashes (if
present). A hymn may be sung at this
time. In place of a hymn, or once
all are in place, the Officiant begins the liturgy with spoken “anthems”
(see page 469 or 491 of the Prayer Book [BCP]).
After the anthem a Eulogy may be offered.
This is completely optional. If
the family desires a Eulogy they should designate one person to deliver
it, keeping to 2-5 minutes in length. The
purpose is to remind us of the deceased with appropriate anecdotes or
reflections, not to give a complete biography.
After the eulogy, a prayer
(“collect”) is said and then two or three lessons are read.
These readings may be interspersed with a psalm or hymn.
Family or friends are encouraged to read lessons and psalms (the
exception is the Gospel reading at a Eucharist service, which is read by a
member of the clergy). Following are
the Bible readings that the Episcopal Church recommends.
Others may be substituted, particularly a passage held dear by the
deceased.
Suggestions from the Old Testament
Isaiah 25:6-9 (He will swallow up death for
ever)
Isaiah 61:1-3 (To comfort those who mourn)
Lamentations 3:22-26, 31-33 (The Lord is good
to those who wait for him)
Wisdom 3:1-5, 9 (in the Apocrypha) (The
souls of the righteous are in the hands of God)
Job 19:21-27a (I know that my Redeemer lives)
A suitable psalm, hymn, or canticle may follow the
readings. The congregation usually joins in saying the psalm, either
responsively (back and forth), or in unison.
Suggested Psalms:
(page numbers refer to the Book of Common Prayer)
23
(page 612), 27 (p. 617),
42:1-7 (p. 643), 46 (p.
649), 90:1-12 (p. 717),
106:1-5 (p. 741),
116 (p. 759), 121 (p.
779), 130 (p. 784),
139:1-11 (p. 794).
From the New Testament
Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39 (Nothing can
separate us from God)
1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 35-38, 42-44, 53-58
(The imperishable body)
2 Corinthians 4:16––5:9 (Things that are
unseen are eternal)
1 John 3:1-2 (We shall be like him)
Revelation 7:9-17 (God will wipe away every
tear)
Revelation 21:2-7 (Behold, I make all things
new)
From
the Gospels
(Note:
a Gospel reading is required at all services with Eucharist)
John 5:24-27 (He who believes has everlasting
life)
John 6:37-40 (All that the Father gives me will
come to me)
John 10:11-16 (I am the good shepherd)
John 11:21-27 (I am the resurrection and the
life)
John 14:1-6 (In my Father’s house are many rooms)
After the readings, the service continues with a
homily (short sermon); prayers for the departed and the bereaved; the Eucharist,
if desired (strongly recommended if the family is Christian; all denominations
are welcome to receive Communion); the Commendation of the person’s body or
ashes, if present; a blessing and the dismissal.
The COMMITTAL of the
casket or ashes to its final resting place may follow, usually immediately after
the service.
At St. Luke’s we offer
the family the option of a RECEPTION downstairs, hosted by the Bishop Overs
Guild. Women from the parish bring
cookies and/or sandwiches, and serve coffee and tea.
The reception may last an hour, after which we need to begin clearing.
Please give us a rough estimate of how many persons are likely to attend.
A note about Music:
HYMNS are appropriate at all funerals.
They offer an opportunity to express our emotions while recalling the
faith of the church: that death is not victorious over those who belong to God.
If you are uncertain of what hymns would be best (with both a meaningful
text and a sufficiently familiar tune) please ask the clergy, who are glad to
assist.
At a typical funeral liturgy with the Eucharist
(Communion), we suggest three hymns:
- At the entrance OR between two of the lessons
- At the “offertory” (preparing the altar for
Communion; no money offering is taken)
- After Communion, before the Commendation
With a larger congregation that will sing, additional
opportunities for hymns include:
- At the entrance AND between lessons
- During Communion
- After the Dismissal, as we leave the church
If Communion is not part of the liturgy, hymns could be
sung:
- At the entrance
- Between lessons
- As we leave the church
The Organist will be prepared to play appropriate music
before and after the liturgy (prelude and postlude), and during Communion.
LITURGICAL DECISIONS TO BE MADE BY THE FAMILY:
A) Should someone give a Eulogy?
B) Choose 2-3 Lessons;
read by…
C) Choose 1-2 Psalms, read or led by…
D) Choose several Hymns, ask for clergy assistance as
needed
