Comments on: Learning to do a funeral

By: Andrew Cox

Andrew Cox — Sat, 10 May 2014 15:54:46 +0000

I am a new Pastor and training daily. Does anyone have a good training process on how to do funerals or weddings. I have never done either and would love to learn how of course through the grace of God.

By: M.E. Eccles

M.E. Eccles — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 19:57:38 +0000

I too have done more funerals than weddings and am always aware of how humble, and yet joyful, they make me feel. Heidi, your reflection is powerful – thank you (and for the processional cross idea too!). In fact, you were in my prayers because the person whose funeral you did was once a parishioner at St. Martin’s. If it’s the person I think, we’ve been praying for her and her family the last two weeks.

By: MBauman

MBauman — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 23:15:41 +0000

I attended Rev. Heidi’s most recent funeral & she did a great job – she was both solemn & celebratory – followed the Litergy in a solemn way & incorporated humor & joy into her Homily, so that we had a true celebration of the deceased’s life. I hope my funeral (in the distant future!) is as good!

By: Steve Godfrey

Steve Godfrey — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 03:17:08 +0000

I’ve done many more funerals than weddings and, though I enjoy both, I have discerned that I particularly appreciate doing funerals. It is an opportunity to engage in basic, really important ministry. Thank you for this wonderful reflection on burial ministry, in which we have the most acute opportunity to point to the power of the Resurrection, of life over death. Thank you for the suggestion to bring the processional cross to the cemetery too.

By: Kate

Kate — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 02:19:52 +0000

My wedding story from the late 1970s – the equal rights era: I had insisted that the married couple not be introduced as Mr and Mrs, instead use our first names. So, when we were announced, the words that rolled out were each of our first names and my maiden name, not his last name. The laughing carried everyone to the gathering and set the right tone for the reception. May my funeral be even more joyful!

By: carroll

carroll — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 22:13:46 +0000

Well VICAR, I’ve done about 800 funerals. Never did learn how to do them. All I can say is that I much prefer them to weddings. Save one thing: use a form that even every member can fill in regarding what they want: hymns, scripture, etc. Saved me a lot of time and arguments. Make the form as detailed as you like.

By: Kara Wagner Sherer

Kara Wagner Sherer — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 15:43:49 +0000

Thank you for this beautiful reflection. I’ve done a pretty equal number of funerals and weddings, and both contain sadness and happiness. I “like” funerals best; they contain the most joy, even the hardest ones. And now I’ll make a note about bringing the processional cross. What a meaningful symbol of our trust in God’s power!