Death is a terrible enemy. When sin entered the world, death was the inevitable consequence. Until our Lord Jesus Christ returns, we will 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 that 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 will need to prepare for it. For funeral-home arrangements, burial and graveside, reception options, and preplanning, see Funeral Planning.
The Funeral Service
You will need to work with us and the funeral home to arrange a day and time for the funeral. Once the day and time are set, preparations for the service can begin.
A funeral service at Fairview generally lasts about one hour. It includes Scripture readings, hymns, eulogies or tributes, and a short sermon (generally about 15 minutes). Sermons can be based on any text of Scripture; it is common to preach from texts like 1 Corinthians 15, John 11, and John 14, which speak of resurrection hope.
Typical Order of Service
Prelude
A pianist or organist plays a selection of hymns as the family enters to take their seats.
Worship in Song
The congregation 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 / Tribute
One or more members of the family or close acquaintances share a eulogy (meaning “good word”) to remember the one who has died.
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 given any relevant instructions, and a final passage of Scripture is read to close the service.
What Families Need to Provide
In preparation for a funeral service, families will need to provide the following:
- A selection of hymns for congregational singing (see popular hymns below). Songs can be chosen from the Hymns of Grace hymnal and the Psalms for Singing psalter.
- A Scripture passage for the reading (see popular passages below). A reading can be a favorite passage of the departed or one that directs those who remain to timeless truth.
- The slideshow in digital format. We will 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.
After the Service
We can host a reception following the service, whether large or small. Options for catering or food provided by the ladies of our congregation are described on our Funeral Planning page. We would be pleased to work with you so that this time gives family and guests opportunity to fellowship together in honor of the deceased.
If you have any questions, please call, text, or email the church, and we would be pleased to assist you in this time of grief.