Paul the Apostle often spoke of the Christian’s need to face death not as the end, but as one more passage into the life of the Divine. For Paul, death was another beginning, a step in the adventure of faith. In our culture we have a tendency to deny death, to refuse to acknowledge its reality – and certainly we fail to prepare for it.

Often times in moments of goodbye the grieving family is so captured by the sense of shock and loss, that the details of planning a Christian Burial are nearly overwhelming. Much of this could be eased by pre-planning. To prepare for one’s own Christian burial is an act of love. As difficult as it is to think of one’s own mortality, we can help those who mourn us by preparing some of the details of burial.

Planning a Christian burial can also be seen as a prayerful response of gratitude. It allows us to reflect on the people God has given us to love; the songs that have lifted our spirits; the scripture readings that have inspired us along life’s journey.

If you’d like materials to help in this planning, please contact the office ourchurch@messiahchurch.com or Pastor Jeff pastorjeff@messiahchurch.com or click on the links below. We also have folders in the office containing planning forms and scripture readings that might help you in your reflection and prayer. It may be one tool, one more way, and one more moment to tell those you love that you love them.

Funeral Readings

Funeral Checklist