Funerals
The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised.
The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn. (507)
The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to the rector or senior warden, and the arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with them. This consultation will usually take place at the church. We have a planning form that details the different parts of the Mass/service. These forms may be filled out with advance directives and filed in the church office.
The fees for funerals are:
- $100.00 for the organist.
- $50.00 or more for altar flowers. (All arrangements will be made through the church office. 2 Altar flower arrangement are the only flowers allowed in the Sanctuary and there is limited space. All other flower gifts will be in places like the reception, family room and memorial displays.)
- $150.00 for a church members cremains to be intered in the Memorial Garden.
(Request a form from the church office)
An honorarium for the priest is customary, but not required.
At Saint John’s, the choir sings at all funerals (except when no music in the service is requested) and helps lead the congregation in the responses. There is no charge for this ministry.
The Shepherd’s Group is available to provide a reception/luncheon in the parish hall immediately after the service. There is no charge for this ministry, but donations are greatly appreciated.
Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church, and the liturgy (service) should be held at a time when the congregation has opportunity to attend. It is not appropriate to conduct funerals in mortuaries unless there are unusual circumstances surrounding the death.
If there is to be a visitation/viewing of the deceased, it can be held in the parish hall of Saint John’s. It is appropriate at the visitation to conduct a brief vigil service (see The Book of Common Prayer page 465 f.)
The coffin is to be closed before the service begins and must remain closed thereafter. It is appropriate that that the casket or cremated remains be covered with a pall (vestment) or other suitable covering.
The service for the Burial of the Dead can be found on pages 491ff. in The Book of Common Prayer. Normally, the liturgy includes the celebration of the Eucharist.
Sunday Services
Join us for Saturday 4:00 pm and/or Sunday services 10:30 am (FB). Coming soon: September, The Breakfast Club Brunch following the 10:30 am only Mass.
