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THE FUNERAL SERVICE
AT
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
When you are planning a funeral for someone who has recently died, you have a difficult job. There are decisions that you have to make when you don’t feel prepared, and you are also hurting very much. In our ministry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, we are committed in helping you in this time of grief; helping you not only in the task of making the necessary arrangements, but also in the more difficult work of grieving and entrusting your loved one into God’s hands.
A funeral service helps you do the difficult work of grieving and letting go of someone whom you love very much. Jesus is with you as you plan and as you grieve.
As you sit down with the pastor to plan this funeral, keep in mind that the funeral is for you and your friends and family to help you during this difficult time. Also keep in mind that we, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church are offering prayers for you and your loved one. We pray that you might find the strength and comfort that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ.
This guide is intended for your use, with the pastor, in planning the funeral. Please don’t be overwhelmed by the great number of hymns and Bible verses and other options for you to choose from. If you already have some ideas in mind, make those known to the pastor before you begin planning.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” 1 Peter 1:3
THE OBITUARY
In the obituary, you are reminded of the life of your deceased loved one. A worship bulletin can be printed for the funeral service and the information will be obtained from the funeral parlor’s obituary notice.
Take some time to reflect on some of your memories of the deceased.
"These things I remember, as I pour out my soul, how I went with the throng and led them into procession to the house of God, with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving a multitude keeping festival"
Psalm 42:4
Scripture and Psalms
In the funeral service, the most beloved and inspiring passages of Scripture are read. They are God’s Word to you here and now. You may choose a Gospel reading and one or two other passages of scripture and a psalm.
Gospel
- Matthew 11:25-30
- Luke 12:35-40
- John 11:21-27
- Matthew 25:1-13
- John 5:42-49
- John 14: 1-4
Psalm
- Psalm 23
- Psalm 118
- Psalm 90
- Psalm 130
Old Testament Lesson
- Psalm 42:1-7
- Psalm 121
- Psalm 46:1-7
- Psalm 143
- Job 19:23-27a
- Isaiah 61:1-3
- Isaiah 25:6-9
- Lamentations 3:22-26, 31-33
New Testament Lesson
- Romans 5:17-21
- Romans 5:1-11
- 1 Corinthians 15:12-26
- 1 Peter 1:3-9
- 1 John 3:1-2
- Revelation 7:9-17
- Revelation 21:2-7
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Other uses of Scriptures in the Funeral Service
…Psalm may be chosen to be chanted as a solo.
…A friend or family member may read the deceased’s favorite passage of scripture. This may be read as a lesson, as part of the tribute, or as a special reading along with a brief introductions.
…A passage of Scripture may be printed in a bulletin and used for meditation before the funeral service or during a brief moment of silence during the service.
Involving Others
Sometimes it seems good to have a friend or a close relative involved in the funeral service along with the pastor and the assistant. Discuss with your pastor some ways in which you may involve others in the service.
Hymns and Solos
Through the lifting up of our voices in unison, hymn singing helps us feel the mutual comfort and support of friends and family gathered at the funeral service. And, if you desire it, a favorite hymn of yours or of the deceased may be sung as a solo to provide a time for quiet reflection and remembrance.
We suggest that you select three choices from the list below to be used as either hymns or solos. Some people choose as many as four or as few as two.
A list of hymn suggestions is at the back of this booklet.
Soloist
Do you want a soloist or other special music? Do you have a soloist in mind? Would you like us to find a soloist for you?
Organist
The organist of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church normally provides music for the funeral. Your funeral director can make the arrangements for you. However, if there is a friend or family member whom you wish to play, please feel free to do so.
Memorial Gifts
You may choose to make a gift, large or small, to the ministry of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on behalf of the deceased. We, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church have established a list of gift options and you may designate your gift to be put toward any one or more of these options. You may also choose to give a cash memorial without designating how the gift is to be used. Take some time to talk these options over with the Parish Administrator (316-524-3401).
Fellowship
Usually a meal, a light lunch, or cake and coffee follows the committal at the cemetery. The meal provides an intimate setting for you to share your thoughts and memories one more time before you go home.
The Good Shepherd Women circle in our congregation can serve you and your guests a meal, a light lunch, or cake and coffee.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
--Galatians 6:2
Serving Policy
If a light lunch or full meal is requested:
Sandwich makings, hot dish, Cole slaw, pickles, salads, milk, and dessert etc. can be coordinated with the Parish Administrator (316-524-3401) and paid for by the family and/or congregational members. Coffee and servers will be furnished by the Good Shepherd Women.
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