FUNERAL

OUTLINE

Comforting the Family

GATHERING

WORD

PRAYER

Funeral Liturgy

GATHERING
Greeting
Introduction
Sentences of Scripture
Hymn
Prayer of the Day
Remembrance

WORD
Readings
Sermon
Prayers

MEAL
Peace
Preparation of the Table
Great Thanksgiving
Communion
Prayer

COMMENDATION
Hymn
Silent Prayer
Words of Gratitude
Prayer of Commendation
Lord’s Prayer
Hymn

SENDING
Blessing
Farewell
Procession

Committal

GATHERING
Greeting
Prayer

WORD
Reading
Hymn

COMMITTAL

SENDING
Prayers
Lord’s Prayer
Blessing
Dismissal

Central elements of the rite are designated by bold face letters; other elements support and reveal the essential shape of the rite.

SHAPE OF THE RITE

The death of a human being is a reminder of the brevity of life on earth and of the universal, inescapable nature of life’s end. In the face of death, care for the dying and those who have died is a fundamental sign of humanness, giving expression to deeply held convictions about the meaning of life. The church’s most deeply held conviction is the paschal mystery: Christ’s saving passage through death to resurrected life as the new creation, the same passage into which Christ calls the baptized to follow. God’s people gather around Christ in Word and Sacrament every Lord’s day to celebrate that passage through death to life and that call to follow. So, too, when the church gathers to mark the end of life, the paschal mystery in which the baptized live is the source of worship, the heartbeat of mutual consolation, and the hope of healing.

Care for a dying person and the mourners at the time of death is a significant part of the church’s ministry. When death occurs, the pastor and other leaders of the congregation should be informed as soon as possible, in order that they might provide appropriate consolation and support to the family and friends, and assist them in making arrangements for the funeral. Comforting the family, the funeral liturgy, and committal focus on the public occasions that immediately follow death. They are intended primarily for use with the body or cremated remains of a baptized Christian present and with the funeral liturgy taking place in a church. Some possible adaptations for use as a memorial service or with an unbaptized person are suggested in the rite. Other adaptations for particular circumstances are a natural part of pastoral ministry and are left to the discretion of the pastor.

Comforting the Family

GATHERING
WORD
PRAYER

This rite is for use at the place of death, the home of the deceased, or a funeral establishment. It is the first of three stational rites, in that each rite is typically celebrated in a different location. Together with the funeral liturgy and finally the committal, the church marks the end of life and commends the deceased to God.

Funeral Liturgy

GATHERING
Greeting
Introduction
Sentences of Scripture
Hymn
Prayer of the Day
Remembrance

The congregation that gathers for the funeral liturgy includes relatives and friends of the deceased together with the whole community of Christ. In the name of the triune God all are welcomed and the gift of baptism is recalled. On the day of reception into the church, the baptized was washed into Christ and clothed with his righteousness; on this last day, words and symbols of baptism underscore God’s faithfulness to the baptismal promise. In prayer the assembly gives thanks for the departed sister or brother and asks for God’s compassion for the days ahead.

WORD
Readings
Sermon
Prayers

In the proclamation of scripture readings and sermon, Christ Jesus, victor over death and source of new life, is present to the congregation. Christ the Word is the spoken assurance of God’s presence in every moment of life and God’s gift of comfort and hope in deepest sorrow. In silent reflection or with song God’s people respond to the living Word. Trusting God’s baptismal promises, as in life, so now in death, the deceased and those who mourn are named before Christ in prayer. The commendation and sending lead to the committal when the eucharist is not celebrated.

MEAL
Peace
Preparation of the Table
Great Thanksgiving
Communion
Prayer

The living bread and the cup of salvation, shared in community around the familiar center of the table, is full of healing power for those who grieve. On the night before his own death, Jesus gave his disciples this holy meal; on the day of resurrection, the risen Christ brought joy to the grieving disciples at Emmaus through the breaking of the bread. This sacrament is the gracious sign of the completion of baptism, the foretaste of the heavenly banquet, and the anticipation of all the faithful reunited before God and the Lamb.

COMMENDAT ION
Hymn
Silent Prayer
Words of Gratitude
Prayer of Commendation
Lord’s Prayer
Hymn

The commendation marks the reality of separation. Words of comfort, gratitude, and thanks may be shared. In the prayer of commendation, the bereaved and the entire congregation release the one who has died, commending their loved one to the mercy of God and the company of the saints in light. Confidence in God’s promise may be sung or said in the words of farewell.

SENDING
Blessing
Farewell
Procession

The funeral liturgy concludes with a blessing and provides ample time for family and friends to pay their final respects.

Committal

GATHERING
Greeting
Prayer

The peace of the risen Lord, the assurance of grace, is once again the greeting to the community of faith. The place of final rest is set aside in anticipation of the coming of Christ, when all the faithful shall be raised up in joy.

WORD
Reading
Hymn

By this scripture reading, the church bears witness to the bereaved, as well as to the world, that death is not the last word. The last Word is Jesus Christ, the fullness of God, the fullness of life.

COMMITTAL

Trusting God as the origin and destiny of all, the community makes the final commitment of a loved one into God’s hands, even as Christ handed over his life on the cross. These words may include that ancient and beloved benediction with which, since the time of Moses, the name of God has been placed on the faithful.

SENDING
Prayers
Lord’s Prayer
Blessing
Dismissal

The church prays for the healing presence of God in the difficult days ahead, knowing that healing will be accomplished in and through grieving. Once again, the prayer of the Savior may be spoken by the congregation. All are blessed and dismissed in the name of the Holy Trinity, the same name of baptismal promise in which all had originally gathered, and in which all the faithful live.

	If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord;
	so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. (Romans 14:8)

COMFORTING THE FAMILY

The setting for this rite is often a funeral home or the home of the deceased, particularly in connection with a scheduled time when family members receive visitors. The rite may be led at a scheduled time during the visitation when those present can participate. A pastor or another person may lead the service. Especially when the group is small, remaining seated throughout the rite may be conducive to prayer, silence, reflection, and conversation with one another. Usually no printed materials will be needed for participants.

GATHERING

The leader greets those who are present and invites them into prayer with these or similar words:
L	We are gathered for prayer to begin our commendation of our sister/brother name,
	to the mercy of God.

L	Let us pray.

The leader continues with one or more of the following or another appropriate prayer:

1
	L	Eternal God, you gave name a new birth in baptism
		and entrusted her/him to us for a time which seems too short.
		As we thank you for the life we shared,
		help us now to release her/him to your mighty keeping.
		Bring us all to that day when we shall stand in your presence
		with all your saints in light eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

2
	L	Merciful Creator, your Holy Spirit intercedes for us
		even when we do not know how to pray.
		Send your Spirit now to comfort us in these days of need and loss,
		and help us to commend name to your merciful care;
		through Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

3
	L	Almighty God, source of all mercy and giver of comfort,
		graciously tend those who mourn,
		that casting all their sorrow on you,
		they may know the consolation of your love;
		through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

4	At the death of a child
	L	Holy God, your beloved Son took children into his arms and blessed them.
		Help us to entrust name to your never-failing lovingkindness.
		Comfort us as we bear the pain of her/his death,
		and reunite us in your good time in your paradise;
		through Jesus Christ our Savior.
	C	Amen.

WORD

One or more of the following or other appropriate readings are read.

Psalms
Psalm 121 					I lift up my eyes to the hills
Psalm 130 					Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord

New Testament
Romans 6:3-9 				Baptized into Christ Jesus
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:2a 	Prepared for eternal glory

Gospel
John 10:27-29 			My sheep hear my voice
John 14:27 				Peace I leave with you

The scripture reading may be followed by a time of mutual consolation and conversation. The leader may introduce this time by recalling and giving thanks for some aspect of the life of the deceased, perhaps relating it to a scripture reading, and then inviting others to share memories and thanksgivings as well as expressions of grief and loss, in a spontaneous fashion.

PRAYER

The leader may offer some or all of these prayers. Additional thanksgivings and intercessions may be invited from those present. The prayers conclude with the Lord’s Prayer.

L	Let us pray to the Lord most merciful,
	saying, hear our prayer.

L	Most gracious God, our sister/brother, name,
	was given the promise of eternal life in baptism;
	give her/him communion with your saints forever.
	Lord, in your mercy,
C	hear our prayer.

L	Merciful God, your Son wept at the death of Lazarus;
	look with compassion on name’s dearest loved ones,
	now bound by sorrow and pain at her/his death;
	grant the tender healing of your love.
	Lord, in your mercy,
C	hear our prayer.

L	God of salvation,
	we pray for all who have died in hope of rising again;
	welcome them into the light of your presence.
	Lord, in your mercy,
C	hear our prayer.

Additional intercessions may be offered by the leader or those present.

L	Living God, source of compassion,
	our joy has been turned to grief at the death of name.
	Draw us near to you in faith and to one another in love,
	that we may be one with all your saints.
	Lord in your mercy,
C	hear our prayer.

The prayers conclude with these or similar words:
L	All these things and whatever else you see that we need,
	grant us, O God, for the sake of Christ who died and rose again,
	and now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
	one God, forever and ever.
C	Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer may be prayed.

The leader concludes with a blessing:
L	Almighty God bless us, defend us from all evil,
	and bring us to everlasting life.
C	Amen.

Additional Prayers

These prayers are suitable for use with family and close friends of the deceased at the conclusion of visitation hours, especially in the evening.

1
	PL	Lord, it is night.
			The night is for stillness.
			Let us be still in your presence, O God.
			It is night after a long day.
			What has been done, has been done;
			what has not been done has not been done; let it be.
			The night is dark.
			Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you.
			The night is quiet.
			Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us,
			and all who have no peace.
			The night heralds the dawn.
			Give us hope that we shall see a new day in Christ.
	C		Amen.

2
	PL	O Lord, support us all the day long of this troubled life,
			until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed,
			the fever of life is over, and our work is done.
			Then, Lord, in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest,
			and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C		Amen.

This prayer may be used with family and close friends at the crematorium.
P	Merciful God, Lord of life, we give you thanks
	for sending your son to save us from sin and death.
	By his death and resurrection
	he opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
	Make us certain that because he lives we shall live also,
	and that neither death nor life,
	nor things present nor things to come
	shall be able to separate us from your love
	which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
	Confident in his victory and claiming his promises,
	we commend our brother/sister name to your merciful hands
	in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C	Amen.

FUNERAL

GATHERING

The funeral service for a believing Christian is normally held in the church or a funeral home, at a time when the family and members of the congregation can be present. When the deceased was not known to be a believer or had no connection with a church, then it is appropriate to hold the service elsewhere. The ceremonies and rites of fraternal, civic, or military organizations, if any, should occur at some other time and place.

If the faith of the deceased or of the mourners is such that the pastor considers parts of the funeral liturgy inappropriate, then certain portions of the liturgy may be omitted or adapted so that no one’s integrity (including the faith of the church) is violated.

Family members, friends, or members of the congregation may be invited by the pastor to share in certain leadership roles in the service.

This funeral service is intended for use with the body or ashes of the deceased present, but it may be adapted for use as a memorial service. A variety of optional prayers and scripture readings are provided for various circumstances. The committal may follow or precede this service.

The coffin or urn for ashes may be placed in the church or funeral home prior to the service. The coffin may be open or closed. As people gather, songs may be sung or music for worship may be played.

Greeting

The pastor greets the people in these or similar words:

1
	P	In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
	C	Amen.

2
	P	The grace and peace of God our Father, who raised Jesus from the dead, 
		be with you always.
	C	And also with you.

Introduction

The pastor may welcome people in these or similar words:
1
	P	We have gathered here to praise God and to witness to our faith
		as we celebrate the life of our brother/sister name.
		We come together in grief, acknowledging our human loss.
		May God grant us grace, that in pain we may find comfort,
		in sorrow hope, in death resurrection.

2
	P	Welcome in the name of Jesus the Savior,
		who died and was raised to new life by the grace of God.
		We are gathered here to worship,
		to remember before God our sister/brother name,
		to give thanks for her/his life,
		to commend her/him to our merciful redeemer,
		and to comfort one another in our grief.

3
	P	Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
		the source of all mercy and the God of all consolation.
		God comforts us in our sorrows so that we can comfort others
		with the consolation we ourselves have received from God.

Sentences of Scripture

One or more of the following, or similar sentences may be said:

1	(John 11:25-26a; Revelation 22:13 and 1:18b; John 14:19b)
	P	Jesus said: I am the resurrection and the life.
		Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,
		and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.
		I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
		I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever;
		and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
		Because I live, you also will live.

2	(Romans 6:3-5)
	P	All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus
		were baptized into his death.
		Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death,
		so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father,
		so we too might walk in newness of life.
		For if we have been united with him in a death like his,
		we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

3	(Isaiah 41:10)
	P	Do not fear, for I am with you,
		do not be afraid, for I am your God;
		I will strengthen you, I will help you,
		I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

4	At the death of a child (Matthew 19:14)
	P	Jesus said: Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them;
		for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.

5	At a sudden death (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
	P	Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
		the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation,
		who consoles us in all our affliction,
		so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction
		with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.

6	For a person who was not a Christian (Psalm 34:18; 147:3, 5)
	P	The Lord is near to the brokenhearted,
		and saves the crushed in spirit.
		He heals the brokenhearted,
		and binds up their wounds.
		Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
		his understanding is beyond measure.

7	Additional Sentences
	Matthew 11:28-29 		Come to me, all you who are weary
	John 14:27					Peace I leave with you
	Romans 14:7-9 			Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s
	Revelation 14:13 			Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord

Hymn

A hymn, song, or psalm may be sung.

Prayer of the Day

One of the following or a similar prayer is said by the pastor:

1
	P	O God of grace and glory,
		we remember before you today our sister/brother name.
		We thank you for giving her/him to us to know and to love
		as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth.
		In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn.
		Illumine our lives, so we may see in death the gate to eternal life,
		that we may continue our course on earth in confidence
		until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before us;
		through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

2
	P	Eternal God, we bless you for the great company
		of those who have finished their life’s journey and now rest from their labor.
		We praise you for those dear to us whom we name before you.
		(Pause to remember, either silently or aloud, those who have died)
		Especially we praise you for name,
		whom you have graciously received into your presence.
		By your presence lead us through our years,
		and bring us at last with all your saints
		into the joy of your eternal home;
		through Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

3	At the death of an infant
	P	God our Creator, you called into being this fragile life,
		which had seemed to us so full of promise:
		give to name, whom we commit to your care, abundant life in your presence,
		and to us, who grieve for hopes destroyed, the courage to bear our loss;
		through Jesus Christ our Savior.
	C	Amen.

4	At the death of a child
	P	Gracious God, we come before you this day in pain and sorrow.
		We grieve the loss of name, a precious human life.
		Give your grace to those who grieve, (especially name/s,)
		that they may find comfort in your presence
		and be strengthened by your Spirit. Be with this family as they mourn,
		and draw them together in your healing love;
		in the name of one who suffered, died and rose for us,
		Jesus our Savior.
	C	Amen.

5	At a sudden or tragic death
	P	God of us all, we thank you for Christ’s grace,
		through which we pray to you in this dark hour.
		A life we love has been torn from us.
		Expectations the years once held have vanished.
		The mystery of death has stricken us.
		O God, you know the lives we live and the deaths we die—
		woven so strangely of purpose and of chance,
		of reason and of the irrational,
		of strength and of frailty, of happiness and of pain.
		Into you hands we commend name.
		No mortal life you have made is without eternal meaning.
		No earthly fate is beyond your redeeming.

		Through your grace that can do far more than we can think or imagine,
		fulfill in name your purpose that reaches beyond time and death.
		Lead name from strength to strength,
		and fit name for love and service in your kingdom.
		Into your hands also we commit our lives.
		You alone, God, make us to dwell in safety.
		Whom, finally, have we on earth or heaven but you?
		Help us to know the measures of our days, and how frail we are.
		Hold us in your keeping. Forgive our sins.
		Save our minds from despair and our hearts from fear.
		And guard and guide us with your peace;
		through Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

6	For a person who was not a Christian
	P	Almighty God,
		source of all mercy and giver of comfort:
		Graciously tend those who mourn,
		that, casting all their sorrow on you,
		they may know the consolation of your love;
		through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

7	For a person who was not a Christian
	P	Almighty and everlasting God,
		look upon our sorrowing hearts today,
		and be gracious to us.
		Help all who mourn to cast every care upon you,
		and find comfort.
		Fill our hearts with trust in you,
		that we may without fear,
		commit name to your never-failing love,
		through Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

Remembrance

Remembrances and expressions of thanksgiving for the life of the deceased may be offered.

A hymn, song, or other appropriate music may be sung.

WORD

Readings

One or more readings are proclaimed. When Holy Communion is celebrated, the last is a reading from the gospels. A psalm may be sung or said in response to a reading from the Old Testament. A hymn or other appropriate music may precede or follow the reading of the gospel.

Old Testament
Job 19:23-27a 						I know that my Redeemer lives
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 				For everything there is a season
Isaiah 25:6-9 						God will swallow up death forever
Isaiah 40:1-11, 28-31 				Comfort, O comfort my people
Isaiah 43:1-3a, 18-19, 25 			I am about to do a new thing
Isaiah 55:1-3, 6-13 				Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters
Isaiah 61:1-3 						The spirit of the Lord God is upon me
Jeremiah 31:8-13 					I will turn their mourning into joy
Lamentations 3:22-26, 31-33 		The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases

Psalm
Psalm 23 							The Lord is my shepherd
Psalm 42:1-7 						As a deer longs for flowing streams
Psalm 46:1-7 						God is our refuge and strength
Psalm 90 							Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations
Psalm 118 							God’s steadfast love endures forever
Psalm 121 							I lift up my eyes to the hills
Psalm 130 							Out of the depths I cry to you
Psalm 143 							Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my supplications

New Testament
Romans 5:1-11 					Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39 			Who will separate us from the love of Christ
1 Corinthians 15:12-26 			Christ, the first fruits, has been raised from the dead
2 Corinthians 4:7-18 				We have this treasure in clay jars
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18 		We do not want you to be uninformed about those who have died
Hebrews 12:1-2 					We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
1 Peter 1:3-9 						A living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
Revelation 7:9-17 					God will wipe away every tear
Revelation 21:2-7 					I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem
Revelation 22:1-5 					The Lord God will be their light

Gospel
Matthew 5:1-10 					Blessed are those who mourn
Matthew 11:25-30 				Come to me, all you who are weary
Mark 16:1-7 						The resurrection of Christ
Luke 24:1-9, 36-43 				The resurrection of Christ
John 1:1-5, 9-14 					The light shines in the darkness
John 6:37-40 						I will raise them up on the last day
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
John 14:25-27 					Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you

Especially at the death of a child

Old Testament
Isaiah 40:1, 6-11 					God will gather the lambs
Isaiah 43:1-3a, 5-7 				I have called you by name, you are mine
Isaiah 65:17-20, 23-25 			I am about to create a new heaven and a new earth
Isaiah 66:10-14 					As a mother comforts her child

Psalm
Psalm 23 							The Lord is my shepherd
Psalm 42:1-7 						As a deer longs for flowing streams
Psalm 121 							I lift up my eyes to the hills
Psalm 139:7-12 					The gracious omnipresence of the Lord
Psalm 142:1-6 					With my voice I cry to the Lord

New Testament
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39 			Who will separate us from the love of Christ
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18 		We do not want you to be uninformed about those who have died
1 John 3:1-2 						See what love the Father has given us

Gospel
Matthew 5:1-10 					Blessed are those who mourn
Matthew 18:1-5, 10-14 			A child is the greatest in the kingdom
Mark 10:13-16 					Let the little children come to me
John 10:11-16 					I am the good shepherd

Sermon

A sermon is preached proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ in the midst of death. Silence for reflection and/or a hymn or other music may follow the sermon.

Prayers

These or similar prayers are offered. The prayers may be used individually or together, and close with one of the concluding prayers.

1
	P	Almighty God, in holy baptism you have woven your chosen people together
		in one communion of saints in the mystical body of your Son.
		Give to your whole church in heaven and on earth your light and peace.
		God of mercy,
	C	hear our prayer.

	P	May all who have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection
		die to sin and rise to share Christ’s new life.
		As we are one in life, let us be one in death.
		God of mercy,
	C	hear our prayer.

	P	Mercifully grant to all who mourn a sure and certain hope in your loving care,
		that, casting all their grief on you,
		they may have strength for the days and weeks ahead.
		God of mercy,
	C	hear our prayer.

	P	Help us in our present confusion and loss,
		and enable us to trust in the communion of saints,
		the forgiveness of our sins, and the life everlasting.
		God of mercy,
	C	hear our prayer.

2
	P	Merciful God,
		we thank you for your word;
		it is a lamp for our feet, a light for our path.
		We thank you especially that in the night of our grief
		and in the shadows of our sorrow,
		we are not left to ourselves.
		We have the light of your promises to sustain and comfort us.
		Through our tears, give us vision to see in faith
		the consolation you intend for us.
		In your mercy, grant us the unfailing guidance of your saving Word,
		both in life and in death;
		through Jesus Christ our risen Savior.
	C	Amen.

3
	P	O God, before whom generations rise and pass away,
		we praise you for all your servants
		who, having lived this life in faith, now live eternally with you.
		Especially we thank you for your servant name,
		and we praise you for the gift of her/his life,
		for all in her/him that was good and kind and faithful,
		for the grace you gave her/him,
		that kindled in her/him the love of your dear name,
		and enabled her/him to serve you faithfully.

		Mention may be made of the person’s Christian life and service.

		We thank you that for her/him death is past and pain ended,
		and that she/he has now entered the joy you have prepared;
		through Jesus Christ our risen Savior.
	C	Amen.

Concluding Prayers

1
	P	God of all grace, we give you thanks
		because of his death our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed the power of death
		and by his resurrection he opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
		Make us certain that because he lives we shall live also,
		and that neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come
		shall be able to separate us from your love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord,
		who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
	C	Amen.

2	At the death of a child
	P	Creator of all, by your mighty power you gave us life,
		and in baptism you have given us new life in Christ Jesus.
		We commend name to your merciful arms, trusting in your mercy.
		Help us to remember the joy which she/he brought to us,
		and guide us through our present darkness
		with the unfailing light of your Christ.
	C	Amen.

3	At a sudden or tragic death
	P	God of compassion, comfort us with the great power of your love
		as we mourn the sudden/tragic death of name.
		In our grief and confusion,
		help us to find peace in the knowledge
		of your mercy and grace to all your children,
		and give us light to guide us into the assurance of your love;
		through Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

4	For a person who was not a Christian
	P	Almighty and merciful God,
		in Jesus Christ you promised many rooms within your house.
		Give us faith to see, beyond touch and sight,
		some sure sign of your kingdom, and, where vision fails,
		to trust your love which never fails.
		Lift heavy sorrow
		and give us good hope in Jesus,
		so we may bravely walk our earthly way,
		and look forward to the life to come,
		through Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

Remembrances and expressions of thanksgiving for the life of the deceased may be offered if these were not included earlier in the liturgy.

When Holy Communion is not celebrated, the liturgy continues with the commendation.

MEAL

Peace

The peace is shared.
P	The peace of the Lord be with you always.
C	And also with you.

The pastor and congregation greets one another with a gesture of peace, using these or similar words:
C	Peace be with you.

Preparation of the Table

The bread and cup are brought to the table or uncovered if already in place. As the table is prepared, an appropriate hymn may be sung.

Great Thanksgiving

We offer praise and thanksgiving for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness through every generation, for the mighty acts of salvation in Jesus Christ, and for the blessing of the Holy Spirit. The pastor leads the Great Thanksgiving from the table. If possible, the pastor stands behind the table facing the congregation.

P	The Lord be with you.
C	And also with you.

P	Let us praise God with a joyful heart.
C	We give God praise.

P	Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C	We give God thanks.

The pastor may say the following before the congregation sings or says “Holy, holy, holy Lord.”
P	It is our greatest joy
	to give you thanks and praise
	eternal God, creator and ruler of the universe.
	By raising Christ from the dead,
	you gave new life to the world.
	The sting of death has been removed,
	so that, even in our grief and sorrow,
	we may rejoice in the glorious promise of his risen life.
	Therefore we praise you,
	joining our voices with the whole church on earth
	and all the hosts of heaven,
	who forever sing to the glory of your holy name:

The congregation may sing or say:
C	Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might,
	heaven and earth are full of your glory.
	Hosanna in the highest.
	Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
	Hosanna in the highest. (Isaiah 6:3; Mark 11:9-10)

	Eucharistic Prayer

	The pastor continues with the following or another eucharistic prayer:
	P	Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal:
		surrounded by evil and bordered by death
		we appeal to you, our sovereign, our wisdom, and our judge.

		We praise you for Christ, victor over death,
		who proclaimed your reign of peace
		and promised an end to injustice and harm.

		The pastor may lift the bread, saying:
		In the night in which he was betrayed,
		our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
		broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
		Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
		Do this for the remembrance of me.

		The bread may be broken here or following the Lord’s Prayer.

		The pastor may lift the cup, saying:
		Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
		and gave it for all to drink, saying:
		This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
		shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
		Do this for the remembrance of me.

		For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup,
		we proclaim the Lord’s death, until he comes.
	C	Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

	P	Remembering, therefore,
		the sacrifice of his life and death
		and the victory of his resurrection,
		we await with name and all the saints
		his loving redemption of our suffering world.

		Send your Spirit on these gifts of bread and wine
		and on all who share in the body and blood of your Son.
		Teach us your mercy and justice,
		and make all things new in Christ;
		through whom all glory and honor is yours,
		almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
		in your holy church, both now and forever.
	C	Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

The pastor may introduce the prayer in these or similar words:

1
	P	Let us pray with confidence in the words our Savior gave us:

2
	P	Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:

3
	P	Let us pray for God’s rule on earth as Jesus taught us:

C	Our Father in heaven,
	hallowed be your name,
	your kingdom come,
	your will be done,
	on earth as in heaven.
	Give us today our daily bread.
	Forgive us our sins
	as we forgive those who sin against us.
	Save us from the time of trial
	and deliver us from evil.
	For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
	now and forever. Amen.

The bread may be broken here.

Invitation

The pastor may lift the bread and cup and address the congregation with these or similar words:
1
	P	The gifts of God for the people of God.

2	(John 6:51)
	P	Jesus said: I am the living bread that came down from heaven.
		Whoever eats of this bread will live forever;
		and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.

3	(Psalm 34:8a)
	P	Taste and see that the Lord is good.

The pastor may invite the congregation to the table saying these similar words:
P	Everyone is invited to God’s abundant table of grace and mercy.
	All baptized Christians are invited to the table to receive communion.
	People who wish to receive communion
	should extend their hands to receive the bread and cup.
	People not yet communing and those who are not baptized
	are invited to the table for a blessing.

Communion

The pastors may commune before or after the congregation. The bread and wine are given to the congregation. As the pastor and worship leaders give the bread and cup to each communicant, they say these or similar words:
As the bread is given:
PL	The body of Christ, given for you.
C		Amen.

As the cup is given:
PL	The blood of Christ, shed for you.
C		Amen.

The pastor may bless those not yet communing by placing a hand on the person’s head, saying these or similar words:
P	May God comfort you with the hope of eternal life.

The congregation may sing hymns or music may be played during communion. Hymns expressing the people’s loving communion with God and one another, comfort and hope in the resurrection, or the scripture readings are appropriate. Hymns are especially effective if people can sing from memory as they move to and from the table.

After a group has communed at the table or after all have returned to their places, the pastor may say these or similar words:
P	The body and blood of our risen Savior Jesus Christ
	strengthen you and give you peace.
C	Amen.

After all have communed, the bread and cup are returned to the table or credence.

Prayer

The pastor gives thanks using one of the following prayers or similar words:
P	Almighty God, we thank you that in your great love
	you have given us a foretaste of your heavenly banquet.
	Grant that this sacrament may be to us a comfort in affliction
	and a pledge of our inheritance of life eternal
	where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying,
	but the fullness of joy with all your saints;
	through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C	Amen.

Remembrances and expressions of thanksgiving for the life of the deceased may be offered if these were not included earlier in the liturgy.

COMMENDATION

Hymn

A hymn of comfort and hope is sung.

Silent Prayer

Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.

Words of Gratitude

A representative of the family may express words of thanks and gratitude to the congregation and others. Announcements may be made of the interment, cremation service, or other celebrations.

The congregation stands.

Prayer of Commendation

P	Let us commend name to the mercy of God, our maker and redeemer.

Silence is kept. The pastor may place her/his hands on the coffin or urn while saying one of the following prayers:

1
	P	Into your hands, O merciful Savior,
		we commend your servant, name.
		Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you,
		a sheep of your own fold,
		a lamb of your own flock,
		a sinner of your own redeeming.
		Receive her/him into the arms of your mercy,
		into the blessed rest of everlasting peace,
		and into the glorious company of the saints in light.
	C	Amen.

2
	P	Into your hands, O merciful Savior,
		we entrust name, our companion in faith.
		May she/he go forth from this world
		in the love of God who created her/him,
		in the mercy of Jesus who died for her/him,
		in the power of the Holy Spirit
		who receives and protects her/him.
		May she/he rest in peace and rise in glory,
		where pain and grief are banished,
		and life and joy are yours forever.
	C	Amen.

3
	P	Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our sister/brother name.
		In this life, through the waters of baptism,
		you embraced her/him with your tender love;
		now bid her/him to enter eternal rest.
		Welcome her/him into your paradise,
		where there will be no more sorrow, no weeping or pain,
		but where she/he will enjoy the fullness of peace and joy
		in the presence of your Son and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever.
	C	Amen.

4	At the death of a child
	P	Holy God, parent of us all,
		you know our grief
		for you too suffered the death of your child.
		We commend name to your loving embrace,
		trusting in Jesus’ words:
		Let the children come to me,
		for the kingdom of God belongs to them.
	C	Amen.

5	For a person who was not a Christian
	P	God our creator and redeemer,
		by your power Christ conquered death and entered into glory.
		Confident in his victory and claiming his promises,
		we entrust name to your mercy in the name of Jesus our Lord,
		who died and is alive and reigns with you, now and forever.
	C	Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

The pastor may introduce the prayer in these or similar words:

1
	P	Let us pray with confidence in the words our Savior gave us:

2
	P	Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:

C	Our Father in heaven,
	hallowed be your name,
	your kingdom come,
	your will be done,
	on earth as in heaven.
	Give us today our daily bread.
	Forgive us our sins
	as we forgive those who sin against us.
	Save us from the time of trial
	and deliver us from evil.
	For the kingdom, the power,
	and the glory are yours,
	now and forever. Amen.

Hymn

A hymn may be sung or the following may be sung or said:
C	Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:
	your word has been fulfilled.
	My own eyes have seen the salvation
	which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
	A light to reveal you to the nations
	and the glory of your people Israel.
	Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
	and to the Holy Spirit,
	as it was in the beginning, is now,
	and will be forever. Amen. (Luke 2:29-32)

SENDING

Blessing

The pastor blesses the congregation using one of the following:
1	(Numbers 6:24-26)
	P	The Lord bless you and keep you.
		The Lord’s face shine on you and be gracious to you.
		The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
	C	Amen.

2	(Hebrews 13:20-21)
	P	The God of peace,
		who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus,
		the great shepherd of the sheep,
		by the blood of the eternal covenant,
		make you complete in everything good
		so that you may do God’s will,
		working among us that which is pleasing in God’s sight,
		through Jesus Christ,
		to whom be the glory forever and ever.
	C	Amen.

3
	P	The peace of God,
		which passes all understanding,
		keep your hearts and minds
		in the knowledge and love of God,
		in Jesus Christ our Lord;
		and the blessing of almighty God,
		Father, + Son, and the Holy Spirit,
		be among you and remain with you always.
	C	Amen.

The congregation sits.

Farewell

The family may pay their last respects to the deceased, then the congregation may follow. The family may greet the congregation as they leave the church/funeral home. After the final viewing, the family may gather around for the closing of the coffin. The pastor may offer a prayer of consolation for the family before or after closing the coffin.

Procession

If the committal immediately follows, the people leave the church/funeral home for the place of interment. The pastor and family precede the coffin/urn.

COMMITTAL

Committal may take place immediately following the funeral liturgy or at a later time. It may also precede the funeral liturgy; for example, when the deceased is interred in one location and the memorial service takes place at a later time in another location, or when the deceased is interred immediately following death. The service may be used for a burial in the ground or at sea, at the cremation or interment of ashes. The prayers and readings are also resources for family members and friends to use when ashes are scattered at a place where it is not possible for a larger assembly to be present.

GATHERING

The pastor and family precede the coffin/urn to the appointed place. When everyone has gathered, the pastor begins. If the committal immediately follows the funeral liturgy, the greeting may be omitted.

Greeting

1
	P	In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
	C	Amen.

2
	P	The grace and peace of God our Father, who raised Jesus from the dead,
		be with you always.
	C	And also with you.

Prayer

The pastor offers a prayer in these or similar words:

1
	P	Holy God, holy and powerful,
		by the death and burial of Jesus your anointed, you have destroyed
		the power of death and made holy the resting places of all your people.
		Keep in the company of all your saints our sister/brother, name,
		whose body/ashes we now lay to rest/return to your creation.
		And at the last, O God, raise her/him
		up to share with all the faithful the endless joy and peace
		won through the glorious resurrection of Christ our Lord,
		who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
	C	Amen.

2
	P	O loving God, you are gracious and tender-hearted.
		You have created all people, and you love all whom you have made.
		Have mercy on name, and take her/him into your arms of grace.
		Grant to her/his family and friends light in this time of darkness,
		and comfort in this time of sadness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
	C	Amen.

3
	P	Eternal God, maker of heaven and earth:
		You formed us from the dust of the earth,
		and by your breath you gave us life.
		We glorify you.

		Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life:
		You tasted death for all humanity,
		and by rising from the grave you opened the way to eternal life.
		We praise you.

		Holy Spirit, author and giver of life:
		You are the comforter of all who sorrow,
		our sure confidence and everlasting hope.
		We worship you.

		To you, O blessed Trinity,
		be glory and honor, forever and ever.
	C	Amen.

WORD

When the committal immediately follows the funeral liturgy, one or more brief readings may suffice. When the committal takes place at another time, the liturgy of the word may be more extended, and may include a brief sermon and remembrance of the deceased.

Reading

One or more of the following, or other appropriate texts, may be read:

Job 19:25 						I know that my Redeemer lives
Psalm 16:11 					You show me the path of life
Psalm 23 						The Lord is my shepherd
Psalm 42:1-7 					As a deer longs for flowing streams
Psalm 121 						I lift up my eyes to the hills
Psalm 130 						Out of the depths I cry to you
John 6:35-40 					I am the bread of life
John 11:25-26 				I am the resurrection and the life

John 12:23-26 				Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth
Romans 14:8 					If we live, we live to the Lord
1 Corinthians 15:51-57 		Where, O death, is your victory
Philippians 3:20-21 			Our citizenship is in heaven
Revelation 21:1-4 				Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth

Especially at the committal of a child:

Isaiah 40:11 					God will gather the lambs in his arms
Hosea 11:1, 3-4 				When Israel was a child
Matthew 19:14 				Let the little children come
Revelation 7:15-17 			God will wipe away every tear
Revelation 21:3b-4, 7 			I will be their God and they will be my children

Hymn

A hymn may be sung.

COMMITTAL

The words and actions accompanying the committal may be adapted to the circumstances. Especially when the coffin can be placed into the ground before the words of committal, the casting of earth is a fitting gesture. Other adaptations may be appropriate when a coffin is placed in a mausoleum, when ashes are interred in a columbarium, when ashes are placed in a memorial garden, or when ashes are scattered at land or sea.

	Earth Burial

	As the coffin is lowered into the grave, the pastor says:
	P	In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life 
		Through our Lord Jesus Christ,
		we commend to almighty God our sister/brother name,
		and we commit her/his body to the ground,
		earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
		The Lord bless her/him and keep her/him.
		The Lord’s face shine on her/him with grace and mercy.
		The Lord look upon her/him with favor and give her/him peace.
	C	Amen.

	Earth may be cast on the coffin (three times or in the sign of the cross) as the pastor says:
	P	You are dust, and to dust you shall return,
		and you shall be resurrected from dust.

Family and friends may lay flowers on the coffin. Pall bearers may lay their gloves or other items on the coffin.

	Mausoleum/Columbarium
	As the coffin or ashes are placed in the vault, the pastor says:
	P	In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life 
		through our Lord Jesus Christ,
		we commend to almighty God our sister/brother name,
		and we commit her/his body/ashes to its/their final resting place.
		The Lord bless her/him and keep her/him.
		The Lord’s face shine on her/him with grace and mercy.
		The Lord look upon her/him with favor and give her/him peace.
	C	Amen.

	P	You are dust, and to dust you shall return,
		and you shall be resurrected from dust.

	Family and friends may lay flowers near the resting place.

	Burial at Sea

	As the body is lowered into the water or the ashes are scattered over the water, the pastor says:
	P	In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life 
		through our Lord Jesus Christ,
		we commend to almighty God our sister/brother name,
		and we commit her/his body/ashes to the deep,
		earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
		The Lord bless her/him and keep her/him.
		The Lord’s face shine on her/him with grace and mercy.
		The Lord look upon her/him with favor and give her/him peace.
	C	Amen.

	P	You are dust, and to dust you shall return,
		and you shall be resurrected from dust.

	Family and friends may scatter flowers on the water.

	Scattering of Ashes

	As the ashes are scattered on the ground, the pastor says:
	P	In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life 
		through our Lord Jesus Christ,
		we commend to almighty God our sister/brother name,
		and we commit her/his ashes to the ground,
		earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
		The Lord bless her/him and keep her/him.
		The Lord’s face shine on her/him with grace and mercy.
		The Lord look upon her/him with favor and give her/him peace.
	C	Amen.

	Family and friends may lay flowers near the resting place.

The pastor may conclude any of the committals, saying one of the following:

1
	P	Grant her/him eternal rest, O Lord;
		and let perpetual light shine upon her/him.

2
	P	Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints,
		where sorrow and pain are no more,
		neither sighing, but life everlasting.

3	(Psalm 121:8)
	P	The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
		from this time on and forevermore.

SENDING

Prayers

The pastor says one of more of the following, or other appropriate prayer:

1
	P	Merciful God, you heal the broken in heart
		and bind up the wounds of the afflicted.
		Strengthen us in our weakness, calm our troubled spirits,
		and dispel our doubts and fears.
		In Christ’s rising from the dead
		you conquered death and opened the gates to everlasting life.
		Renew our trust in you that by the power of your love
		we shall one day be brought together again
		with our sister/brother name.
		Grant this, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

2
	P	Father, the death of name has plunged our lives into darkness.
		Separated from her/him, we are broken; we are adrift.
		Grant us your healing grace for the days ahead.
		Give us confidence that name is safe, that her/his life is complete with you.
		Deepen our trust that in Christ you have bridged the great chasm
		which has opened between us,
		and that at the last you will bring us together again
		with all the faithful into the light of your presence.
		We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

3
	P	Merciful God, source of our healing,
		as your servant Mary stood at the foot of the cross,
		we stand before you with broken hearts and tear-filled eyes.
		Keep us mindful that you know our pain,
		and lead us to see your resurrection power already at work in name.
		In your time, raise us from our grief
		even as you have promised to raise name to life eternal;
		through Jesus Christ our Savior.
	C	Amen.

4
	P	Eternal God, you have shared with us the life of our sister/brother name.
		Before she/he was ours, she/he was yours.
		For all that name has given us to make us what we are,
		for that of her/him which lives and grows in each of us,
		and for her/his life that in your love will never end, we give you thanks.
		As now we offer name back into your arms,
		comfort us in our loneliness, strengthen us in our weakness,
		and give us courage to face the future unafraid.
		Draw those of us who remain in this life closer to one another,
		make us faithful to serve one another,
		and enable us to know that peace and joy which is eternal life;
		through Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

5
	P	Almighty God, fountain of all mercy and giver of all comfort,
		deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn,
		that casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love;
		through Jesus Christ our Savior.
	C	Amen.

6	At the death of a child
	P	Loving God, give us faith to believe,
		that though name has died,
		you welcome her/him and will care for her/him,
		until, by your mercy,
		we are together again in the joy of your promised kingdom;
		through Jesus Christ our Lord.
	C	Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

The pastor may introduce the prayer in these or similar words:

1
	P	Let us pray with confidence in the words our Savior gave us:

2
	P	Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:

3
	P	Let us pray for God’s rule on earth as Jesus taught us:

C	Our Father in heaven, 
	hallowed be your name,
	your kingdom come, 
	your will be done,
	on earth as in heaven.
	Give us today our daily bread.
	Forgive us our sins 
	as we forgive those who sin against us.
	Save us from the time of trial 
	and deliver us from evil.
	For the kingdom, the power, 
	and the glory are yours,
	now and forever. Amen.

Blessing

The pastor blesses the people.

1	(Hebrews 13:20-21)
	P	The God of peace,
		who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus,
		the great shepherd of the sheep,
		by the blood of the eternal covenant,
		make you complete in everything good
		so that you may do God’s will,
		working among us that which is pleasing in God’s sight,
		through Jesus Christ,
		to whom be the glory forever and ever.
	C	Amen.

2	(Based on Jude 20-21, 24-25)
	P	Beloved, keep yourselves in the love of God;
		look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that lead to eternal life;
		and pray in the Holy Spirit.
		And to him who is able to keep you from falling,
		and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing,
		to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
		be glory, majesty, power, and authority,
		before all time and now and forever.
	C	Amen.

3
	P	Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever.
	C	Amen.

A brief silence for prayer may be observed.

Dismissal

1
	P	May God’s peace be with you always.
	C	Amen.

2
	P	Go in the peace of Christ.
	C	Thanks be to God.

Acknowledgments

Chinese Scripture quotations: Bible in Chinese Union Version “Shangti” Edition. Hong Kong Bible Society, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Used by permission.

English Scripture quotations: New Revised Standard Version Bible © 1989 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.

Additional Resources for Services of Death and Resurrection, © 1979 Abingdon Press, © 1992 United Methodist Publishing House: Funeral-prayer of the day 5.

The Book of Common Prayer (1979) of the Episcopal Church: Committal-committal conclusion 2; sending prayer 6.

The Book of Common Worship, © 1993 Westminster John Knox Press: Funeral-notes on the funeral service, adapted; prayers 3 and concluding prayer 4. Committal-gathering prayer 3; sending prayer 1 and 7.

Enriching Our Worship 2: Ministry with the Sick or Dying, Burial of a Child, © 2000 Church Pension Fund: Comforting the Bereaved-gathering 4; Funeral-prayer of the day 3 and 4. Committal-sending payer 3.

A New Zealand Prayer Book/He Karikia Mihinare o Aotearoa, © 1989 The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia: Comforting the Bereaved-additional prayers 1; Committal-sending prayer 2.

Order of Christian Funerals, © 1989 International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. (ICEL): Funeral-greeting 2. Committal-greeting 2; dismissal 2.

Prayer at the Service for a Person Who Did Not Profess the Christian Faith, © 1958 Board of Publication, Evangelical United Brethren Church: Funeral-prayer of the day 7. 

Praying Together, © 1988 English Language Liturgical Consultation (ELLC): “Holy, holy, holy Lord,” Lord’s Prayer.

Life Passages-Marriage, Healing, Funeral, Renewing Worship, Volume 4, © 2002 administered by Augsburg Fortress: Shape of the Rite; Comforting the Bereaved-gathering 1, 2, 3; prayer; additional prayers 2. Funeral-introduction 2 and 3; prayer of the day 1 and 6; prayers 1 and concluding prayers 1, 2, and 3; eucharistic prayer; prayer following communion; prayer of commendation 1, 2, 3, and 5. Committal-gathering prayer 1 and 2; committal.

A Service of Committal, © 1979, 1985, 1992 United Methodist Publishing House: Committal-sending prayer 5.

Services of Death and Resurrection, © 1979, 1980, 1985, 1989, 1992 United Methodist Publishing House: Funeral-introduction 1; prayer of the day 2.

This Far by Faith: An African-American Resource for Worship, © 1999 Augsburg Fortress: Funeral-blessing 3.