FUNERAL GUIDELINES
Faith Lutheran Church
A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
The Christian funeral is a service of worship and should involve all those present. The funeral serves a support function such that the religious, social, and emotional needs of the mourners are met.
LOCATION OF WORSHIP SERVICE
The funerals of active Christians are encouraged to take place in the church, the place where their lives of worship have been centered. In this setting, congregational singing should be encouraged and participation in the prayers should be taken for granted certainly to the extent of saying “Amen” and joining in the Lord’s Prayer.
CHANGES IN THE WORSHIP SERVICE FORMAT
Because of the emotional stress involved, the occasion of a funeral is not the time to press for changes in accepted parish practice.
THE MINISTRY OF THE PASTOR
The pastor’s ministry is to lead the bereaved into and through the rites of the church where the voice of the Gospel can be heard with healing power and clarity.
SERVICE USED
We use the current Service of the Burial of the Dead found in the Lutheran Hymnal. It can be modified for use in funeral homes and other places. It can also be modified for non-believers. The Service of the Burial of the Dead is an Easter liturgy. It has its focus in Baptism by which one is made a child of God forever and in the Easter Vigil and its celebration of the passage through death to new life, where Christ has led the way.
See the list of suggested scripture passages appropriate for funerals at the end of this policy.
FUNERALS FOR NON-MEMBERS
We welcome the opportunity to conduct funerals for non-members. We use the current Service of the Burial of the Dead found in the Lutheran Hymnal.
MUSIC SELECTIONS
Music selected for use at a funeral should reflect the spirit of Christian confidence, trust, and hope in the resurrection. The hymns should reflect such themes as the invocation of the Holy Spirit, the communion of saints and hope in the resurrection. Hymn versions of appropriate psalms may also be sung.
See the list of suggested hymns at the end of this policy.
VISITING CLERGY
Visiting clergy may participate upon the consent of this congregation’s pastor.
FLOWERS
After the funeral, flowers may be left at the church, taken to the grave site, or taken
home by family members.
BULLETINS
Bulletins outlining the service and containing information about the deceased will be made available at no cost.
MEMORIALS
Memorials to Faith Lutheran are welcome.
PASTORAL SERVICES TO MEMBERS OF ANOTHER CONGREGATION
The responsibility and authority for pastoral acts or services rest with the pastor of the congregation where the deceased held membership. The minister who is asked to provide pastoral services for members of other congregations shall contact the Pastor of the church in which the person held membership before providing the service. The Pastor who performs a service for a member of another congregation is obligated to provide information regarding that pastoral act or service performed to the pastor of the congregation in which the person held membership.
FOOD
Food for the service can be provided ($1.50 per plate served/ordered for non-members). Food would include:
Luncheon Menu Served Buffet Style
Open-faced Sandwiches
Pickles
Potato Chips
Cake
Coffee, Tea & Ice Water
(Lace tablecloths, napkins and centerpieces provided)
The family may, at their own expense, contract a licensed caterer to provide a variety of salads to supplement the above. The family may also choose to have the licensed caterer provide an entire hot meal. The church will coordinate and serve the meal.
Thank you for your cooperation.
CHURCH CONTACTS:
1. Pastor
Office - (715) 463-5388
2. Administrative Assistant
Office - (715) 463-5388
CHURCH ADDRESS:
Faith Lutheran Church
421 South Russell Street
Grantsburg, WI 54840
FEES:
Members: There is no charge except for:
Custodian - $50
Sound - $50
Organist - $100
(These fees are paid individually.)
Non-Members:
Pastor - $150-$200
Building usage - $100
Custodian - $50
Sound - $50
Organist - $100
(Pastor, custodian, sound, and organist are to be paid individually.)
Food-$1.50 per plate if we provide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUNERAL HYMNS
Abide with Me
Alleluia! Jesus is Risen!
For All The Saints
Give Me Jesus
Goodness is Stronger Than Evil
Here is Bread
Holy God, Holy and Glorious
When Memory Fades
Shall We Gather at The River
On Eagle’s Wings
Borning Cry
Amazing Grace
Be Thou My Vision
Blessed Assurance
There Is A Balm In Gilead
Rock Of Ages
The King Of Love, My Shepherd Is
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
All The Vault Of Heaven Resounds
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
At The Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
I Sing A Song Of The Saints Of God"
We Know That Christ Is Raised And Dies No
I Am The Bread Of Life
Holy God We Praise Your Name
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Fairest Lord Jesus
O Worship The King, All Glorious Above
Praise To The Lord, The Almighty
Now Thank We All Our God
Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
What Wondrous Love Is This
Alleluia, Sing To Jesus
Lift High The Cross
Lord Of All Hopefulness
Be Thou My Vision
O For A Thousand Tongues
How Lovely Is Your Dwelling-Place
Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
Jerusalem, My Happy Home
If You But Trust In God To Guide You
How Firm A Foundation
Lord Jesus, Think On Me
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Rock Of Ages
A Mighty Fortress is our God
Guide Me, O Great Jehovah
My Faith Looks Up To Thee
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUNERAL SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT
Job 19:23-27
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 14-15
Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9
Isaiah 40:1-11, 28-31
Isaiah 43:1-3a, 18-19, 25
Isaiah 55:1-3, 6-13
Isaiah 61:1-3
Jeremiah 31:8-13
Lamentations 3:22-26, 31-33
Daniel 12:1-3
PSALM
Psalm 23
Psalm 25
Psalm 27:1, 4-5, 8-9a, 13-14
Psalm 42:1-7
Psalm 43
Psalm 46:1-7
Psalm 61
Psalm 63
Psalm 100
Psalm 103
Psalm 116
Psalm 121
Psalm 122
Psalm 130
Psalm 143
NEW TESTAMENT
Acts 10:34-43
Romans 5:1-11
Romans 5:17-21
Romans 6:3-9
Romans 8:14-23
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39
Romans 14:7-9, 10b-12
1 Corinthians 15:12-26 or 20-23, 24b-28
I Corinthians 15:51-57
II Corinthians 5:1,6-10
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Philippians 3:20-21
1 Thessalonians 4:7-18
Hebrews 12:1-2
II Timothy 4:1-8
1 Peter 1:3-9
II Timothy 2:8-13
I John 3:1-2
I John 3:14-16
Revelation 7:9-17
Revelation 21:2-7
Revelation 22:1-5
GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1-10
Matthew 11:25-30
Matthew 25:1-13
Matthew 25:31-46
Mark 15:33-39
Mark 16:1-7
Luke 7:11-17
Luke 12:35-40
Luke 23:33, 39-40
Luke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53
Luke 24:1-9, 36-43
John 1:1-5, 9-14
John 5:24-29
John 6:37-40
John 6:51-58
John 10:11, 14-15, 27-30
John 11:21-27
John 12:23-28
John 14:1-6
John 14:25-27
John 17:24-26
John 19:17-18, 25-30
READINGS FOR CHILDREN
OLD TESTAMENT
Isaiah 40:1, 6-11
Isaiah 43:1-3a, 5-7
Isaiah 65:17-20, 23-25
Isaiah 66:10-14
PSALM
Psalm 23
Psalm 42:1-7
Psalm 121
Psalm 139:7-12
Psalm 142:1-6
NEW TESTAMENT
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39
I Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18
I John 3:1-2
GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1-10
Matthew 18:1-5, 10-14
Mark 10:13-16
John 10:11-16
Updated April, 2015
The Christian funeral is a service of worship and should involve all those present. The funeral serves a support function such that the religious, social, and emotional needs of the mourners are met.
LOCATION OF WORSHIP SERVICE
The funerals of active Christians are encouraged to take place in the church, the place where their lives of worship have been centered. In this setting, congregational singing should be encouraged and participation in the prayers should be taken for granted certainly to the extent of saying “Amen” and joining in the Lord’s Prayer.
CHANGES IN THE WORSHIP SERVICE FORMAT
Because of the emotional stress involved, the occasion of a funeral is not the time to press for changes in accepted parish practice.
THE MINISTRY OF THE PASTOR
The pastor’s ministry is to lead the bereaved into and through the rites of the church where the voice of the Gospel can be heard with healing power and clarity.
SERVICE USED
We use the current Service of the Burial of the Dead found in the Lutheran Hymnal. It can be modified for use in funeral homes and other places. It can also be modified for non-believers. The Service of the Burial of the Dead is an Easter liturgy. It has its focus in Baptism by which one is made a child of God forever and in the Easter Vigil and its celebration of the passage through death to new life, where Christ has led the way.
See the list of suggested scripture passages appropriate for funerals at the end of this policy.
FUNERALS FOR NON-MEMBERS
We welcome the opportunity to conduct funerals for non-members. We use the current Service of the Burial of the Dead found in the Lutheran Hymnal.
MUSIC SELECTIONS
Music selected for use at a funeral should reflect the spirit of Christian confidence, trust, and hope in the resurrection. The hymns should reflect such themes as the invocation of the Holy Spirit, the communion of saints and hope in the resurrection. Hymn versions of appropriate psalms may also be sung.
See the list of suggested hymns at the end of this policy.
VISITING CLERGY
Visiting clergy may participate upon the consent of this congregation’s pastor.
FLOWERS
After the funeral, flowers may be left at the church, taken to the grave site, or taken
home by family members.
BULLETINS
Bulletins outlining the service and containing information about the deceased will be made available at no cost.
MEMORIALS
Memorials to Faith Lutheran are welcome.
PASTORAL SERVICES TO MEMBERS OF ANOTHER CONGREGATION
The responsibility and authority for pastoral acts or services rest with the pastor of the congregation where the deceased held membership. The minister who is asked to provide pastoral services for members of other congregations shall contact the Pastor of the church in which the person held membership before providing the service. The Pastor who performs a service for a member of another congregation is obligated to provide information regarding that pastoral act or service performed to the pastor of the congregation in which the person held membership.
FOOD
Food for the service can be provided ($1.50 per plate served/ordered for non-members). Food would include:
Luncheon Menu Served Buffet Style
Open-faced Sandwiches
Pickles
Potato Chips
Cake
Coffee, Tea & Ice Water
(Lace tablecloths, napkins and centerpieces provided)
The family may, at their own expense, contract a licensed caterer to provide a variety of salads to supplement the above. The family may also choose to have the licensed caterer provide an entire hot meal. The church will coordinate and serve the meal.
Thank you for your cooperation.
CHURCH CONTACTS:
1. Pastor
Office - (715) 463-5388
2. Administrative Assistant
Office - (715) 463-5388
CHURCH ADDRESS:
Faith Lutheran Church
421 South Russell Street
Grantsburg, WI 54840
FEES:
Members: There is no charge except for:
Custodian - $50
Sound - $50
Organist - $100
(These fees are paid individually.)
Non-Members:
Pastor - $150-$200
Building usage - $100
Custodian - $50
Sound - $50
Organist - $100
(Pastor, custodian, sound, and organist are to be paid individually.)
Food-$1.50 per plate if we provide
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUNERAL HYMNS
Abide with Me
Alleluia! Jesus is Risen!
For All The Saints
Give Me Jesus
Goodness is Stronger Than Evil
Here is Bread
Holy God, Holy and Glorious
When Memory Fades
Shall We Gather at The River
On Eagle’s Wings
Borning Cry
Amazing Grace
Be Thou My Vision
Blessed Assurance
There Is A Balm In Gilead
Rock Of Ages
The King Of Love, My Shepherd Is
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
All The Vault Of Heaven Resounds
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
At The Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
I Sing A Song Of The Saints Of God"
We Know That Christ Is Raised And Dies No
I Am The Bread Of Life
Holy God We Praise Your Name
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Fairest Lord Jesus
O Worship The King, All Glorious Above
Praise To The Lord, The Almighty
Now Thank We All Our God
Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
What Wondrous Love Is This
Alleluia, Sing To Jesus
Lift High The Cross
Lord Of All Hopefulness
Be Thou My Vision
O For A Thousand Tongues
How Lovely Is Your Dwelling-Place
Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
Jerusalem, My Happy Home
If You But Trust In God To Guide You
How Firm A Foundation
Lord Jesus, Think On Me
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Rock Of Ages
A Mighty Fortress is our God
Guide Me, O Great Jehovah
My Faith Looks Up To Thee
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUNERAL SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT
Job 19:23-27
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 14-15
Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9
Isaiah 40:1-11, 28-31
Isaiah 43:1-3a, 18-19, 25
Isaiah 55:1-3, 6-13
Isaiah 61:1-3
Jeremiah 31:8-13
Lamentations 3:22-26, 31-33
Daniel 12:1-3
PSALM
Psalm 23
Psalm 25
Psalm 27:1, 4-5, 8-9a, 13-14
Psalm 42:1-7
Psalm 43
Psalm 46:1-7
Psalm 61
Psalm 63
Psalm 100
Psalm 103
Psalm 116
Psalm 121
Psalm 122
Psalm 130
Psalm 143
NEW TESTAMENT
Acts 10:34-43
Romans 5:1-11
Romans 5:17-21
Romans 6:3-9
Romans 8:14-23
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39
Romans 14:7-9, 10b-12
1 Corinthians 15:12-26 or 20-23, 24b-28
I Corinthians 15:51-57
II Corinthians 5:1,6-10
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Philippians 3:20-21
1 Thessalonians 4:7-18
Hebrews 12:1-2
II Timothy 4:1-8
1 Peter 1:3-9
II Timothy 2:8-13
I John 3:1-2
I John 3:14-16
Revelation 7:9-17
Revelation 21:2-7
Revelation 22:1-5
GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1-10
Matthew 11:25-30
Matthew 25:1-13
Matthew 25:31-46
Mark 15:33-39
Mark 16:1-7
Luke 7:11-17
Luke 12:35-40
Luke 23:33, 39-40
Luke 23:44-46, 50, 52-53
Luke 24:1-9, 36-43
John 1:1-5, 9-14
John 5:24-29
John 6:37-40
John 6:51-58
John 10:11, 14-15, 27-30
John 11:21-27
John 12:23-28
John 14:1-6
John 14:25-27
John 17:24-26
John 19:17-18, 25-30
READINGS FOR CHILDREN
OLD TESTAMENT
Isaiah 40:1, 6-11
Isaiah 43:1-3a, 5-7
Isaiah 65:17-20, 23-25
Isaiah 66:10-14
PSALM
Psalm 23
Psalm 42:1-7
Psalm 121
Psalm 139:7-12
Psalm 142:1-6
NEW TESTAMENT
Romans 8:31-35, 37-39
I Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18
I John 3:1-2
GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1-10
Matthew 18:1-5, 10-14
Mark 10:13-16
John 10:11-16
Updated April, 2015