When death comes to a family, it is often unexpected and family members are not as prepared for it as they thought. The extent and depth of grieving afterward sometimes surprises those who are so affected. Many people would rather avoid a funeral, but this is a mistake. While everyone must be allowed to deal with their own grief, without additional expectations placed on them by family, friends or society, most people benefit greatly from a funeral, memorial or grave side service. The biggest benefit is that it helps bring closure, which enables the process of grieving to proceed normally. As pastor to the people of New Life Assembly of God, and minister of the Gospel in our community, I am glad to help in such times of sorrow and loss any way I can.
When you are facing such times, you may benefit from some extra help. Here’s how your pastor, or I can help you:
Visiting and comforting the one who may be facing death. When appropriate, I can tell of the love and grace of God, and help family members come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
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I can be there for the surviving family when a loved one passes away. Your pastor or I could officiate at a funeral, memorial or grave-side service.
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Sometimes the grief is most unbearable day or weeks after the funeral. I can be there to talk and listen.
In order to provide a family with a funeral service that both honors the memory of their departed loved one, and to help bring closure to those who are grieving, there are some tasteful alternatives you might with to consider:
A Traditional Service
Many families prefer to choose a traditional worship-oriented funeral ceremony. A traditional ceremony typically includes:
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Viewing at the church or funeral home.
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The funeral service itself, conducted either at the church or the funeral home of your choice.
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Procession to the cemetery for a final committal service.
A Memorial Service
This is when the deceased is not present. It may take place at the funeral home, the family’s home, the church, or even outdoors. This is a time to remember your loved one through fellowship with friends and family. The memorial service can also be an addition to a traditional funeral service. For example, having a traditional funeral service here and then a memorial service back in the deceased’s home town. Or, a memorial service can be done after a burial or cremation if this meets the need of the family.
A Grave-side Service
This is a brief service at the grave site. Sometimes this follows a traditional funeral service, or it may be the only or primary service to honor the memory of the deceased. This gives family and friends a chance to say their final good-byes at the final resting place by placing flowers or sometimes sand on the casket.
The pastor and people of New Life Assembly of God will be happy to accommodate your needs, and will gladly work with the funeral home to fulfill your desires.