Planning the Funeral Service

When you are planning a crematorium or church service it is a good idea to have a think about favourite pieces of music or hymns, favourite readings or bible passages and have a brief outline and history of your loved one’s life written down as a tribute for the service.

The minister or celebrant will visit you and will want to know your choices of readings and music

If you cannot think of favourite pieces of music or readings, which you think are suitable please don’t worry the minister/celebrant will help you or you can ask us for suggestions.  It is popular for family members to give a Eulogy or Tribute but if this is something you don’t feel up to the minister/celebrant will be happy to do this.

There are other ways for family to play a role in the service

Such as handing out service sheets, welcoming congregation or acting as pallbearer – please don’t feel you have to stand up in front many people.

Below are some guides to typical Church and Crematorium services

Each Church and minister tend to have their own regulations and traditions – it is a good idea to speak with the Minister before deciding on too many details.

Crematorium Services – Religious

  • Music (organ or cd)
  • Welcome and Introduction
  • Hymn
  • Tribute/Eulogy
  • Bible Reading
  • Address
  • Prayer’s and The Lord’s Prayer
  • Hymn
  • Commendation
  • Committal
  • Music  (organ or CD)

Crematorium Services – Non Religiou

  • Music
  • Welcome and Introduction
  • Reading or Poem
  • CD music
  • Eulogy or Tribute
  • Reflection Music
  • Committal
  • Music

Church Service

  • The Sentences
  • Welcome and Introduction
  • Opening Hymn
  • Tribute/Eulogy
  • Bible Reading
  • Address
  • Prayers & Lord’s Prayer
  • Hymn
  • Commendation
  • Committal

Roman Catholic Mass

  • Greeting
  • Entrance Hymn
  • Opening Prayer
  • Bible Reading
  • Psalm
  • Gospel Reading
  • Homily
  • Prayers of the Faithful
  • Offertory Hymn
  • Communion
  • Communion Hymn
  • Eulogy
  • Commendation & Recessional

Some Popular Hymns

  • Amazing Grace
  • Abide With Me
  • Morning Has Broken
  • All Things Bright & Beautiful
  • The Lord’s My Shepherd
  • Dear Lord & Father Of Mankind
  • The Old Rugged Cross
  • Thine Be The Glory
  • Onward Christian Soldiers
  • How Great Thou Art
  • Praise My Soul The King Of
  • Guide Me O thou Great
  • Immortal Invisible
  • Jerusalem
  • Love Divine
  • Lord of All Hopefulness
  • Make Me A Channel Of

Some Popular Bible Readings

  • I Corinthians 13
  • Revelation 21, 1-7
  • Wisdom 3, 1-9
  • John, 35-40
  • Romans 8, 31-end
  • Ephesians 3, 14-19
  • Philippians 3, 10-end
  • John 14, 1-6
  • Psalm 23
  • Psalm 121

Some Popular Poems & Readings

  • Remember Me
  • Do not stand at my grave and weep
  • You can shed tears
  • Death is nothing at all
  • Footprints
  • What is dying?
  • Funeral Blues (Stop all the clocks)
  • Not how did he die, but how did he live
  • Traditional Indian Prayer