A funeral encompasses all of the various elements that surround the way in which we mark the death of a loved one. This includes the time surrounding the moment/process of dying, the time of saying good-bye, burial, and the grieving process that follows the immediate event.

In most cases, children should be encouraged to go to funerals. Attending funerals helps them to understand that death is a natural part of life.

Burial is scheduled according to the requirements of the cemetery chosen by the family.

Yes. Speakers should speak for no more than four or five minutes and think carefully about the content. Some of the stories may be more suitable for the reception after the funeral.

If you can’t go to the funeral it is a good idea to let the family know in a letter or a card. You may like to have a service said for the repose of the soul of the deceased person. You can buy a rememberance card at most church bookshops. You can then send the card to the dead person’s family.

Cremation is accepted by the Methodist Church. It is preferred that the body of the deceased be present at the funeral liturgy and cremation take place afterward, but it is also acceptable for the cremation to take place first and the cremains to be present at the funeral liturgy.

If you receive no instructions, check with the family. They may ask only family to bring flowers and ask others to make a donation to a designated charity.

We usually suggest that non-religious music is played at the reception after the funeral.

Funerals may be celebrated on any day except holy days of obligation, Maundy Thursday, the Easter Triduum (that is Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday), Sundays of Advent, Lent and Easter.