Funeral words

Funerals

What words do we share at a funeral or memorial service? With what words do we celebrate life? Who writes them? Who says them? Who hears them? Resources for funerals & memorial services listed alphabetically:  

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Remembrance Day / Veterans Day, 11 Nov

With what words do we remember? With what words do we turn from the memories of war to the hope of peace?   Newest ‘Remembrance Day’ posts . . . (images link to posts) Remembrance services are held both in churches and at war memorials.  For some this is an opportunity to focus on peace. White […]

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In your heart — David Romano

When tomorrow starts without me, And I’m not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me, I know how much you love me, As much as I love you, and each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too. I hope […]

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Tis a Fearful Thing ― Yehuda HaLevi, Spain

‘Tis a fearful thing to love what death can touch. A fearful thing to love, to hope, to dream, to be – to be, And oh, to lose. A thing for fools, this, And a holy thing, a holy thing to love. For your life has lived in me, your laugh once lifted me, your […]

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Stardust — Lorraine Steel, USA

Genesis 1 is often included in readings for the Easter vigil, Trinity Sunday and Epiphany. As the stars slid down the beams of the universe in it’s beginning, they burned with love…. so much so that some became vulnerable and exploded. Eons later, in free fall toward our planet many of their parts held us […]

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Death’s welcome — Ana Gobledale, UK

Written in Salisbury Cathedral while listening toSt Matthew’s Passion by JS Bach and preparing a funeral service. Death Ceasing to be Becoming what? Breathless Containing all life Life-less Moving from Moving toward Leaving Arriving Shutting down It is finished Dust on the mantle Ash on the hearth Carried on zephyr puffs Lifted Unknowing Fear not […]

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Gravestone unveiling — Ana Gobledale, UK

How do we mark the passing of time after a death? What words do we share when we gather to install, place or unveil a gravestone or marker? This service has been used when unveiling a gravestone or placing a plaque at a grave. Complete Service ready to download and print PDF Gravestone unveiling – full […]

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What lies beyond death? — Cara Heafey, UK

We wonder what lies beyond death. Perhaps nothingness? May it be a great expanse of freedom. Perhaps sleep? May you rest in peace. Perhaps reunion? May those you have loved, for whom your soul aches, be waiting to greet you. Perhaps belonging? May it bring an end to all loneliness and separation. Perhaps completion? May […]

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Hopi Prayer — Mary E. Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting […]

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Prayer for approaching an horizon, St Edith Stein

Appropriate for sharing with the dying, at a funeral, crematorium service or at a memorial service       O my God, fill our souls with holy joy, courage and strength to serve you. Enkindle your love in us and then walk with us along the next stretch of the road before us. We do […]

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Nearing Death

What words do we use to comfort and strengthen those who are nearing death?       Resources providing words for sharing with the dying and their loved ones:  

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