Helpful hints for planning your Memorial service. I have been a pastor for 23 years, and have had the opportunity to sit with many families to plan funeral services. The family is always grieving and most often in a state of shock. The decisions that get made in planning a service are often done in haste and in a hazy cloud of love and uncertainty.
The truth is- at some point all our family members are going to go through this experience. They are going to be asked what YOU would have wanted. I think we should help them and make the experience a little easier.
This is about YOU. When planning a service, I understand my role as a pastor is to provide a service that reflects what the person who has died wanted and what the family members need. You can help your family by writing down exactly what you want. It doesn’t mean that it is carved in stone- but it will certainly help your family to understand your wishes for a funeral/memorial service.
I don’t wish to discuss the legal or financial pieces- on those subjects please consult with professionals with expertise in those areas.
Here are some guiding questions for a Funeral Service….
- Do you want it to be called a Funeral Service, Memorial Service or a Celebration of Life?
- What are your 3 favorite hymns? Do you want hymns sung at your service?
- Do you have a favorite scripture reading(s)?
- The 23rd Psalm {The Lord is my Shepherd… is popular]