ArticleBlog | Funerals: some pitfalls and some practical tips
Funerals: some pitfalls and some practical tips
Author: Andy PeckPost Date: 17.09.21
In the early seventies, I trained for ministry. In those days there was little help given for conducting funerals. You were thrown in at the deep end! When you are still in your twenties, that can be scary.
I had already taken two funerals, and the local undertaker contacted me about a third. He told me it wasn’t at the local crem, but one 12 miles away. On the day, I thought I would arrive early to check the chapel, the buttons for the music and curtains and so on. An usher approached me and asked ‘Are you Rev Peter James?’ ‘No’ I replied. He continued, ‘He hasn’t turned up. This is the name of the deceased.’ Pushing me into the entrance, he said ‘You’re on!’ What an experience!
I have always visited the family before conducting a funeral, except on that one occasion. I find out their wishes, doing my best to fit in with them at this difficult time. If I do not know the deceased, I ask to see a photograph and get as much information as I can. In those early days, the families had simple instructions, and usually chose the hymns, what one undertaker always called C and A, ‘Crimond’ and ‘Abide with me.’ At the end of the visit, I would offer to pray with the family and give them a small booklet offering the hope of the Gospel.
