Death is a terrible enemy. When sin entered the world, death was the inevitable consequence. Until our Lord Jesus Christ returns, we’ll have to face the reality of death and grieve the loss of loved ones who have gone before us. Christians grieve, but not without hope. Christians grieve, yet honor a life lived through remembrance.
Funeral services are designed to honor those who have died. They are times to share fond memories which make us laugh and cry. They honor the dead while helping those who remain in their grief.
What follows are the elements of a funeral service at Fairview, and what you’ll need to prepare for it.
The Funeral Service
You’ll need to work with us and the funeral home to arrange a day and time for the funeral. Once the day and time is set, preparations for the service can begin.
The following is a typical order of service for a funeral.
Prelude
A pianist or organists plays a selection of hymns as the family enters to take their seats.
Worship in Song
The congregations sings a hymn selected by the family or minister.
Prayer of Invocation
The presiding minister prays to open the funeral service.
Scripture Reading
The family or minister selects a passage from the Bible to read. Sometimes a member of the family will come to the front to read it.
Eulogy
One or more members of the family or close acquaintances will say a eulogy (meaning “good word”) to remember the dead.
Slideshow
A presentation in pictures, video, and song provided by the family.
Worship in Song
Sermon
The presiding minister shares a brief sermon from God’s word.
Worship in Song
Announcements and Benediction
Guests are give any relevant instructions and a final passage of Scripture is read to close the service.
In preparation for a funeral service, families will need to provide the following:
- A selection of hymns for congregational singing (see below for popular hymns).
- A Scripture passage for the reading (see below for popular Scripture passages).
- The slideshow in digital format. We’ll need this the day before the funeral service.
- The names and relations of those sharing a eulogy.
- Whether the family will provide a pianist or organist or whether the church must provide one or both.
Popular Songs
Amazing Grace
Be Thou My Vision
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
How Great Thou Art
Psalm 23
It Is Well With My Soul
Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor
Popular Scripture Passages
Psalm 23
Psalm 51
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Lamentations 3:19–26
Hebrews 4:14–16
Romans 8:28–39
John 14:1–7
1 Corinthians 15:1–11
The Funeral Program
To complement the funeral service, we also print a funeral program which serves as a keepsake for family and guests. You can click here to see a sample.
To print the program, the following is needed at least 2 days in advance of the funeral service:
- Full name of the deceased, including birth date and date of death.
- The obituary.
- A picture for the front of the program.
- Funeral service details (see above).
- Dates and times of other events such as interment, graveside service, or reception.
The Reception
Besides the funeral service, Fairview also has the capacity to host a reception following the service, whether large or small.
We’d be pleased to work with you to ensure this time provides opportunities for family and guests to fellowship together in honor of the deceased.
If you have any questions, please either call, text, or email the church and we would be pleased to assist you in this time of grief.