The Funeral Rite

     In the Christian community, death is a corporate experience that touches the life of the entire family of faith.  When a death occurs, the immediate family is encouraged to notify the church as soon as possible and to share in the planning of a service.

     The UCC funeral rite service recognizes both the pain and sorrow of the separation that accompanies death and the hope and joy of the promises of God to those who die and are raised in Jesus Christ.  The service celebrates the life of the deceased, gives thanks for that person's life, and commends that life to God.  it offers consolation to the bereaved by acknowleding their grief and anger or guilt.  It provides the Christian community and others an opportunity to support the bereaved with their presence.  Its prupose is to affirm once more the powerful, steadfast love of God from which people cannot be separated, even by death.

     The service is an act of corporate worship: God's word is read and proclaimed, hymns may be read and/or sung, prayers offered, and the sacrament of Holy Communion shared by those who desire it.  If possible, the service most appropriately is held in the sanctuary.  If it is held in another place, it is important that it remain a corporate act of the church's worship.

The above is adapted from the United Church of Christ Book of Worship (1986),
published by the UCC Office for Church Life and Leaderhip.

     In most cases a Committal Service will follow the Funeral Service.  However, a committal service may also be held prior to a funeral service or as a part of the funeral service.  A committal service takes place at the site where the body or ashes are interred.

     Although in the UCC we encourage Christian funeral services to be held within the sanctuary of the church, services may be held at other locations, such as at the funeral home.  When appropriate having a time for viewing is encouraged in the church parlor.  Viewings may also be held at the funeral home.

     It is our tradition at Christ Church to pray for a member who has died using elements of the funeral rite liturgy on a Sunday following the funeral.  We come together as one family in love, support, and care of one another.

     All Saints Day, which we celebate on the first Sunday of November, is a time when we remember all those members of Christ Church who have died in the past year.  Their names are read, a chime tolls, and we pause for prayer.

     For more information about having a funeral or memorial service at Christ Church, please contact the pastor at 610-929-2020.