Proclaimer Blog
A different kind of funeral?
Funerals always seem such a miserable send off. A poorly attended mid week meeting or, worse still, 90 years of life crammed into 15 minutes at the Crematorium. So here's what we used to do at our old church (BTW, I realise that this wouldn't work in many larger churches, but be creative).
- The old approach. A dear saint dies and the Friday funeral is attended by a scattering of church members who are not in work and the family. We struggled to get any musicians – all at work.
- The new approach. A small family commital by the graveside or in the crematorium on, say, a Friday. Then, a Sunday afternoon service for the whole church (replacing our evening service) which is the memorial service. Good singing. Good music. A full church, and a proper thanksgiving for the life of N by the whole church family to which he or she belonged. The family are moved by the support of the congregation – follow it with a church tea for everyone. It can be good to make these events part of the ordinary church life. No coffin to preach over. All the kids can come. It all seems so…well, appropriate. Could that work in your church?