The chief purpose of a funeral is to point to the Christian hope of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Presbyterian funeral is fundamentally a service in witness to resurrection and eternal life.​

 

“In Baptism each Christian shares in Christ’s dying and rising, and receives the promise of eternal and abundant life in him. We understand the Christian funeral to be the completion of Baptism. In the face of death, we affirm with tears and joy the good news of the gospel and the hope of the resurrection. We do not grieve in isolation but are sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit and the community of faith.” The Book of Order W-4.0701

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A funeral or memorial service can be held with or without the body or other remains present. If a casket is present, it is always closed before the memorial service begins.

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A funeral service, held either in the church sanctuary or at a funeral home, typically consists of scriptural sentences, a prayer of thanksgiving, a hymn or psalm, scripture reading(s), a sermon, a prayer of commendation, and a benediction (parting blessing). Friends or relatives may choose to share memories or reminiscences of the deceased as a part of the service.​

 

Following the funeral service, a graveside committal service may be held for family and friends. The graveside committal is usually quite brief, consisting of several scriptural sentences, words of committal, a final prayer, and a benediction.

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A graveside memorial service looks similar to those outlined above and is usually fairly brief.

 

Members will find a funeral planning form available on this website. The planning form may be submitted to the church office. The minister is always ready to assist families, members, and non-members in planning or officiating a funeral as a part of his ministry.