Loading...One day last year, I sat with my mom and dad, to talk with them about their funerals. My dad didn’t want to stay, so he left, saying my mom could decide for the both of them.
Mom and I walked through the whole service, choosing scripture, prayers, and music, all to ensure that when the time comes, there is at least an outline of what they want so my brothers and I and the surviving spouse do not have to think about making these decisions in our grief.
My dad is turning 94 this week. Mom will be 90 in July. Neither thought they would live this long. They have been working to put things in order, because it had been many years since some of their documents were drafted, and their lives have changed, so they need to do those updates.
I’ll be honest. Jeff and I don’t have this ready. We are so far behind in creating our wills, Living Wills, Power of Attorney forms, and funeral plans. It’s been on our list for years, and we just keep putting it off.
No one really wants to think about dying. We know it is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean we want to talk about it. But, as your priest, I want to say that one of the best gifts you can give to your loved ones is to have your affairs in order. And, in my opinion, one of the easiest things any of us can do is provide our choices for our funerals.
The Burial of the Dead Liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer is beautiful. In it, we are given choices from scripture. You may have other favorite verses you would like. There are many prayers to consider. Eucharist is always an option. It is an Easter liturgy, reflecting a spectrum of emotions throughout the service.
Next time you come to church you will find a worksheet titled, “My Burial Instructions,” at the back of the church. This is my invitation to you to pick up as many as you need for your household to fill out and return to the church. Know that they can always be updated. Make sure to keep a copy for your records.
This is, as I have said, a valuable gift for those who are left to grieve; and for the church to be prepared to provide a service that reflects your faith. It is one way to help our loved ones in their time of grief.
Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Trusting in God’s mercy,
Debbie+
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