Funerals & Memorial Services
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38–39
Paul’s words to the church in Rome are a source of comfort to Christians in times of loss, grief, and despair. Even though the pain at the death of a loved one is very real, we hear in this holy text that nothing will be able to separate us from God’s love. A funeral or memorial service provides an opportunity for friends and family to gather and give thanks for a life and commend their loved one to the eternal love of God.
The community of Church of the Servant is here to support you in your time of loss. Planning this service can be a particularly meaningful way of celebrating the life of your loved one, and we would be honored to support you as you make these important preparations. We hope this is a help and a comfort in your time of grief, and please know that you don’t have to walk this path alone.
One of the most moving services of the church is the Burial of the Dead (found in The Book of Common Prayer, pp. 491–505). The documents provided can help you with the details and options available for a funeral service. At a funeral service, the body or cremated remains are present; a memorial service is one where the remains are not present.
We also encourage parishioners to make their own funeral arrangements. Planning this service for yourself is a generous way to help your family and friends celebrate and honor your life. You may complete your funeral planning on your own, or with the assistance of the rector. Your planning document will be kept on file at the church.
Planning your Funeral or Memorial Service
