When a loved one dies, we seek the comfort of the community of faith. Christ Church offers the support of many pastoral ministries. Foremost in the family member’s mind is the planning of a service to remember the loved one departed. There are many details in planning a funeral or memorial service. The parish clergy work closely with the family to create a service of worship that honors the departed and communicates the faith of the Church—that in Christ Jesus, not even death has the power to separate us from the love of God.

Consider This:

While you are still in your health, plan for the hard choices that come with death.

• Take time to think through your ethics around death and dying. Create a medical directive to state your wishes, in the event you are not capable of making your own decisions. Consult with your health care provider for assistance.
• Make a will. It is the duty of all Christians to be good stewards of the manifold blessings of God. Arrange for the disposal of the material goods you have received in your lifetime, not neglecting, if you are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses. Click here for more information on creating a will or considering a planned gift.
• Make an outline of your wishes for your burial. Do you have favorite hymns or passages of scripture that you would choose? Do you wish to be cremated? Members of Christ Church can submit notes regarding their final wishes to be kept on file in the parish office. Members also may choose to be buried in our Memorial Garden. When you make these choices, you help your family through a difficult time.

Remember:

The Book of Common Prayer notes that the liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. Our worship finds all its meaning in the resurrection. This does not make our grief unchristian. The love we have brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. The liturgy commends the departed to God’s eternal care and comforts the living with the consolation of God’s loving presence now.

Click here to download a copy of our "Standards for Funerals at Christ Church."