Creating a beautiful service together
Funeral or celebration of life?
The word “funeral” is often used as a phrase that essentially covers two separate processes; a memorial service and the committal of the body. A celebrant will work with you to decide exactly how you wish this is carried out.
Some people prefer a more traditional service with a cortege and a religious element, but others may prefer a secular ceremony that has personal elements that are meaningful to the family. Many people are unaware of the options and that there are no hard rules to follow.
Funerals are evolving and changing and environmental aware practices such as woodland burials are on the rise. Some people would prefer a direct cremation followed by a memorial service afterwards in a location of their choosing – a celebrant can work with you to put together whatever you want.
Either way, I am equipped with a wide range of poetry and readings from biblical, secular, humanist and multifaith sources and I will put together a service based on the individual family’s guide with tact and care.
Overview of the service
There are several things that you will need to consider for a service. These may include the following:
- Music to be played during the funeral booked
- Hymns of your choice played
- Songs that are meaningful to the person/family ordered
- Prayers
- Readings or literary exerts
- Poetry choices included
- Order of Service – assist the Funeral Director or Funeral Arranger at compiling the order of service
I will put together a eulogy based on a meeting with the family members and friends. My focus will be on capturing the essence of the person based on what the family wish to be included. I will personalise the ceremony whether that be to include a theme or place personal items on the coffin – let me know exactly what you want. This will be handled with sensitivity and personalised to make the service unique and memorable.
During the process, I will meet with the family to put together an outline of the service and get a feel for the person that we will be remembering on the day. I will be asking lots of questions throughout the process before writing a tribute. Once this has been completed, I will check that the information and themes covered match what you want and we can easily make changes beforehand. Following this, I will write the full service from start to finish, making sure that it is highly personalised and says exactly what you need it to say.
Following the funeral, I will send you a copy of the full service to keep. The day of the funeral may be difficult to process or remember in full. You will have the ceremony in case you wish to remember what was covered.
Poetry
Weep Not for Me
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest
There is no need for tears
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
By Mary Elizabeth 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 rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Let Me Go by Christine Rossetti
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It’s all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go.