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HOMEPAGE |
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Pastor Tom |
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Funeral Services |
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Funeral Services
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Where Christianity Is A Reality... Not A Religion!
Planning the funeral of your loved one or dear friend is never an easy task. Saying goodbye to a loved one is very difficult to do. Everyone grieves in their own special way, some breakdown in tears while others show no sign of remorse what-so-ever because they are in denial or shock. We all hold our pain in different ways. Oftentimes family tension adds to the stress during an already emotionally burdensome period. Family may begin arguing, they may hold together and become stronger, they may deliberately eliminate family and friends whom they feel were not active enough in the life of the deceased. Remember that losing a loved on affects everyone.
Memorial Service as a Celebration of the person's life.
Begin thinking of the service as a celebration of the person's life. It should be dignified and respectful without being depressing and morbid. Along with mourning, there should be room for expressions of joy, even laughter.
Choosing a Minister to Officiate the Service
If your loved one was a member of a specific church, they would most likely want you to ask their pastor or minister to officiate the service. If the deceased was not affiliated with a church and had not actively practiced in their faith they may still have wanted a Christian Funeral/Memorial Service. I can officiate the service for you. I have 21 years experience and a good collection of funeral/memorial services. We will work hand-in-hand with you to create a beautiful service that your deceased family member or friend would have liked, a service that fits their personality and belief system.
Parts of the Service you can include:
Songs, music, poetry, bible readings, a brief meditation, prayer, fun stories, Not all funeral services have to have that quiet tear jerking music.
Eulogy
Special speakers or singers
Photos of your loved one or family you would like displayed.
Charity or a benefit in lieu of flowers
Preparing a Eulogy
A typical eulogy is about 5 minutes in length. Here you have options, someone can read their eulogy at the beginning of the ceremony, another eulogy can take place mid-service, yet another near the end of the service. (It is recommended to leave the emotional elements for the end of the eulogy.)
Additional tributes given by family or friends should be limited in length to keep the service from going too long. Young children and family members may want to write down a few sentences to be read aloud by the minister or the person giving the eulogy.
Sample Eulogy Outline
The following is a sample eulogy outline to aid you in preparing the necessary information:
Brief history including birth date, place of birth, parents, grandparents, siblings.
Where did they grow up? What was their childhood like?
Where did they go to school?
Professional and career accomplishments?
Who did they marry? When and where? Children and grandchildren.
How long were they married?
Significant life accomplishments.
Personal interests, hobbies, achievements.
Character qualities, Christian service, and how they affected other lives.
Special Remembrances
A table is often provided for the family to place special remembrances, photographs and other memorabilia during the service. Be sure to think about what you might want to display. Take some time to gather these items and make arrangements with the funeral coordinator.