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 The funeral or memorial service is first and foremost a time of worship, and a celebration of the hope that is ours as believers in Christ. While the funeral honors, remembers and celebrates the life of the deceased, the heart of the funeral is always the gift of life that God grants. We strive to ensure that the proclamation of Easter life is strongly present in the music, scripture, and message of the service.
In the brief time leading up to the funeral or memorial service, a pastor will meet with your family to plan the worship service. Any input you have such as favorite hymns, scripture, etc., is helpful in making a plan. Location: Most often the location of the service is at the church. Date: The date of the funeral will be scheduled through the church and funeral home in consultation with the building and pastor’s schedule. Officiating Pastor: You may request any of the pastors presently serving First Lutheran to officiate, but the pastors will determine who officiates based on availability. Pall: When a casket is present, a cloth covering called a “pall” will be placed on the casket before it is brought into the sanctuary at the beginning of the service. The pall symbolizes the righteousness of Christ with which we are “covered” through our baptism. Luncheon: If you wish to have a meal or dessert served following worship, that can be arranged and it will be served by one of First Lutheran’s service groups. This fellowship time is important for families and friends as they support each other. The family should provide an approximate number of how many people will attend the luncheon. Visitation: Typically, a visitation is held at the funeral home the day before the funeral. It is also common to have a one hour visitation at the church immediately prior to the start of the service. Memorials: Many choose to designate one or more memorial recipients to which gifts may be given. There are many worthwhile charities and associations. Your consideration of First Lutheran Church and/or the First Lutheran Endowment Fund as a memorial recipient would be much appreciated. Making a plan: The pastors encourage your participation in planning and shaping the funeral or memorial service. Some parts of the worship to consider are:
In the event that a memorial service is planned, it is helpful to church staff members to have someone from the funeral home in attendance who will attend to the arrangements for the service such as setup, arranging of flowers, and tending to the many details involved with such a service. Military honors: Military honors occur outside of the worship service after the recessional or at the graveside after the benediction.
Suggested Hymns
Typically in the service, there are 3 to 4 musical selections which include hymns and possibly an anthem if desired. Hymns are preferable for the processional into the church, and the recessional out of the church. Scripture Texts to Consider
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| Local Funeral Homes to Assist You
Anderson Funeral Home (Alexandria) Roy-Hetland Funeral Home (Osakis) Lind Family Funeral Service (Miltona) Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home (Glenwood) |
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