The Funeral as Worship, Thanksgiving and Memory

The Christian funeral is a service of worship in which we thank God for the gifts of life, including those that extend beyond death. We especially give God thanks for this special person who lived among us and who now, even in death, continues in God’s love and care, and lives on in our memory.

 

The Service

While recommending the service in The United Methodist Church Book of Worship, our pastors are happy to plan with you a service that meets your particular needs and wishes.

 

Procedures

The death of a member of the church should be reported to the pastors as soon as possible, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with them.Services are appropriate in our Sanctuary or Chapel, at some other chapel, or at graveside.Wherever the service is held, it is appropriate that the casket be closed prior to the service.Since Christians from the beginning have believed “what is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable … it is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body” (I Corinthians 15:42), cremation or the contribution of the body for medical research presents no problem to the Christian faith. For such occasions, a memorial service in the Sanctuary or Chapel can be arranged.The music should reflect the strength of our faith in the victory of Jesus Christ.

 

Additional Procedures for Funerals and Memorial Services within the Church Sanctuary or ChapelThe altar, cross, baptismal font and pulpit will remain in their positions of prominence in the funeral service as the traditional symbols of the Christian faith.The flower is a symbol of the resurrection of our Lord. The use of flowers is appropriate for a funeral, as for every worship event in the church.The funeral director shall be responsible for the immediate removal of all flowers upon completion of the service.We encourage friends and family to express their love and remembrance with a contribution to the Covina United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or other charitable cause. The pastors request no honorarium for the service. Allow us to minister to you in this time of need.