The Christian Funeral does not eulogize the deceased. That he died is clear testimony to the fact that he was a sinful human being (Romans 6:23). But as one who died with Christ and with Christ was raised to a new life through Holy Baptism (Romans 6:3-4), the Church buries the person who physically died in Christ in the hope of a physical resurrection to eternal life. Thus the Christian Funeral is intimately connected with the Christian’s Baptism.

It is the custom of St. Paul’s Evangelical-Lutheran Church to grant a Christian burial to any of her members, unless it becomes clear that he fell away from his Baptismal grace during his lifetime. Conversely, if a non-member had given the pastor a confession of faith in his Savior before his death, and especially if he had the opportunity to get baptized, he too will be given a Christian burial out of the church. In either case it is finally the pastor who must make this determination.

Below is the order for The Christian Funeral with Communion. Please note the connection with Holy Baptism. right from the start . It is also to be noted that under normal circumstances this Service- as well as the one without Communion - is to be conducted in the Church, not the funeral home, and that it is within the minister’s authority to choose all hymns and readings - though if there is a particular hymn or reading you want, you are certainly free to bring your request to the minister, and he will give it his consideration.

THE CHRISTIAN FUNERAL
(with Holy Communion)

M: In the name of the Father and of the D Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

(As the sinner is clothed in Christ’s righteousness at Baptism, so the pall is draped over the casket as the ministers says:)

M: “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order than just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:3-4).

PROCESSIONAL HYMN

M: The Lord be with you.

C: And with your spirit.

M: Let us pray. Lord Jesus, you wept at the grave of your friend Lazarus and you consoled Mary and Martha in their distress. Draw near to us who mourn for Name and dry the tears of all who weep. Calm our troubled spirit, dispel our doubts and fears, and lead us to praise you for having brought him to faith. In your rising from the dead you conquered death and opened the gates to everlasting life. Strengthen us with your word and lead us through this earthly life until at last we are united with you and all the saints.

C: Amen.

Psalm 23

(Read in unison)

 

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

 

THE LESSONS

THE SERMON

APOSTLES' CREED

(in unison)

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven And is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

P: Almighty God, we praise your for the great company of saints who have finished their lives in faith and now rest from their labors. We remember especially our loved one, Mary, whom you have redeemed by the blood of your Son and received as our dear child through holy baptism. We thank you for giving her to us as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your compassion, comfort all who are sad in this hour. Lord, in your mercy:

C: Hear our prayer

P: We praise you for your love in Christ, which sustains us in life and death. In our earthly sorrows help us find strength in the fellowship of the church, joy in the forgiveness of sins, and hope in the resurrection to eternal life. Lord in your mercy:

C: Hear our prayer.

P: You do not leave us comfortless but strengthen and care for us through your Word and Sacrament. You give us family, friends, and neighbors to help when there is loneliness now and in the days to come. Brighten our future with a firm trust in your promises and care. Lord, in your mercy:

C: Hear our prayer.

P: Graciously receive our prayer, deliver us and preserve us through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

HYMN

 

P: The Lord be with you.

C(sing): And with your spirit.

 

P: Lift up your hearts.

C(sing): We lift them up unto the Lord.

P: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.

C(sing): It is good and right so to do.

 

P: It is truly good, right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting, who in the multitude of your saints did surround us with so great a cloud of witnesses that we, rejoicing in their fellowship, may run with patience the race that is set before us and, together with them, may receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and saying:

C(sing): Holy, holy, holy Lord God of heavenly hosts; heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he, blessed is he, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

 

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION by the Minister

 

P: Our Father who art in heaven,

ALL: Hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

THE DISTRIBUTION OF CHRIST'S BODY AND BLOOD & DISTRIBUTION HYMN

C(sing): Lord, now let your servant depart in peace according to your Word. For my eyes have seen your Salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people. A Light to lighten the Gentiles and the Glory of your people Israel.

P: O Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.

C(sing): And his mercy endures forever.

P: Prayer of Thanksgiving by the Minister

C(sing): Amen.

P: The Lord be with you.

C(sing): And with your spirit.

P: Bless we the Lord.

C: Thank's be to God.

P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with his favor and give you peace. Amen

C: Amen.

RECESSIONAL HYMN

As the people are ushered out the bell will toll the same number as the years the deceased lived in this world.