Summary: This is for young pastors conducting their first Funeral. Fill in the blanks. it will be well received by the family for a christian Man/Woman

Name of Deceased ________________________

A CELEBRATION

Open with “Amazing Grace” Pre recorded CD, Cassette, or a live Solo.

Today we come together to celebrate the life of ______________________.

First and foremost _________ was a loving, caring, giving …………………

Wife…. Mother ….Daughter… Sister. etc.

________ was an accomplished …. Describe her noteworthy accomplishments

_________, we dedicate this song to you. (Play her favorite song).

If she was in Ministry describe it here.

Describe her battle or reason for death. Some examples follow

EXAMPLE # 1

One cold winters night in January of 1994 _______ begin what was to be a nine year battle against the ravages of Melanoma Brain cancer.

EXAMPLE # 2

_______ was taken from us suddenly in an accident

Today _________ would not want a mournful dirge or sad funeral hymn, for _______ was full of life and her love for Jesus Christ. She would want those pre-Christians among us to know about eternal life only available through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. There is a heaven to be gained and a hell to be shunned. There is no other way into heaven except “Ye must be born again” as Jesus himself said to the teacher of the law.

Her favorite Scripture that helped her through the hard times: _________

Her favorite Song that helped her through the hard times: _________

Play the song or vocalist sings it live.

Read the 23rd Psalm

IF the Husband is in attendance use this, other wise change verbiage to reflect a tribute from a family member (Children, Sister, Brother etc.)

A Final Tribute.

My darling _______ who forever will be known to me as “_______”. (His pet name for her) I could never have hoped to find a woman who would fit so tightly and be woven so seamlessly into my life like a golden thread. We were always a team, there were no bosses in our relationship, and we planned our life together allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us through the hard times. You were not only my Wife, but my very best friend. A friendship I will cherish to the end of my days. And there is coming a day when tomorrow will start without me, But for now I have to carry on, it will be a difficult and lonely journey without you by my side, but one day I will meet you just inside the eastern gate and we will have all eternity to share our love together.

PS. (This is a poem written and published by Anne Peterson)

Yes _________, I would marry you again.

With tiny tears that glistened, my eyes were fixed on you, and thinking of the life we’d share we softly said “I do”.

Our hearts were knit together from the time that we first met, and memories were gathered that we never will forget.

While daily living life with you, you saw the real me, and still you chose acceptance, a loving mystery.

With many happy times gone by and others when we cried, some days we’d share so endlessly, while other days we’d hide.

With all the ups and downs we’ve had in learning to be friends, I know that in this heart of mine,

I’D MARRY YOU AGAIN.

Good bye _________

You will be forever loved, and you will never be forgotten. The legacy you left behind ensures that.

Your Loving husband

____________________

Written for my wonderful wife Joan Marie Doyle

Rev Wayne L. Doyle March 25, 2003

Authors note:

This format can be used for a married Man or Woman with minimum changes.

Name of Deceased____________________

ORDER OF SERVICE

Start Service

1. Play CD, Tape or have vocalist sing “Amazing Grace“

2. Pastor: Read the Eulogy For _________

Play or sing the songs as they are listed in the eulogy.

As friends are invited to file past on their way out, start music selected by the family.

After friends, invite the family to pay last respects

Invite her Children to pay last respects.

Announce that _________ (Husband) wants to be alone with _________