Christian Burial
O Almighty God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, who by a voice from heaven didst proclaim, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: Multiply, we beseech thee, to those who rest in Jesus the manifold blessings of thy love, that the good work which thou didst begin in them may be made perfect unto the day of Jesus Christ. Amen.
At a time of significant pastoral and spiritual need it is truly a care and a privilege for the clergy and people of Saint Andrew’s Church to offer the prayers and support of the Church to those who have experienced bereavement. We present ourselves, in the words of the Book of Common Prayer, “through Jesus Christ our Lord, who rose victorious from the dead, and comforts us with the blessed hope of everlasting life.”
Who May Be Buried from Saint Andrew’s Church?
The pastoral care of this Christian community is extended to all at this time, without regard to your previous membership and participation in this church—or in any church.
What Ministries are Customary?
If we are contacted at or near the time when a death has taken place, the clergy of Saint Andrew’s will make every effort to join loved ones for prayer and anointing. This may take place at home, in the hospital, or at a hospice or care facility. The rector will meet with the family in any event as soon as possible following a death for prayer and conversation, and to assist in planning arrangements. If desired, and if schedules allow, he may accompany family members as they meet with a Funeral Director and will continue to consult as plans are developed. In any event, the rector and the Funeral Director should speak together before plans are settled and published.
If a time to receive family and friends is planned in the facilities of the Funeral Director, the rector and other clergy, as available, will make every effort to join you, at least briefly. If desired, an informal time of prayer with those in attendance may be appropriate. The Hall and Meeting Room of St. Andrew’s Church may also be available to receive visitors—either immediately following a service, or at another time before or after the service.
Prior to burial, a funeral liturgy, using the Office for Christian Burial in the Book of Common Prayer, may be held at Saint Andrew’s Church, or at some other location (such as a Chapel in a Funeral Home or at a Cemetery). While the rector or other clergy of St. Andrew’s will conduct the service, other clergy may be invited to participate as well, at the request of the family. The service includes the great prayers of the church for the departed and for those who grieve. There are readings from scripture, a homily, and a Commendation. If desired, the service may include Holy Communion. The service may include music, with hymns, organ, or other instruments. While the service itself does not include the presentation of remembrances or personal tributes, these may be offered in the church immediately before the formal beginning of the Office. After the service the rector or other clergy may accompany the family to the cemetery or other place of burial to conduct the graveside prayers of Committal.
Note that a church service may be held following the Burial (sometimes the same day, sometimes even days or weeks later)—either in addition to or instead of the service prior to the Committal. This Memorial Service, also using the Burial Office of the Book of Common Prayer, may be scheduled flexibly to meet the needs of the family.
The people of Saint Andrew’s maintain a small Memorial Garden in the Churchyard next to the Church in which the cremated remains of loved ones may be interred. These burials are unmarked, though the names of those buried in the Garden are listed on a Memorial Plaque inside the Church. Please speak to the rector for more information.
Are There Costs Involved?
While it is customary for gifts and honoraria to be presented to the church and to officiating clergy in these services, the amount is at the discretion of the family. There is no set fee. If music is desired at the Burial Office or at a Memorial Service, the standard Organist Fee is $250 (and in cases of hardship the rector may reduce this amount). If additional musicians or more complicated musical services are desired, or if the Hall or Meeting Room are to be used for a Reception, there may be additional costs. If the burial of cremated remains in the Saint Andrew’s Memorial Garden is requested, a one-time gift of $250 or more is suggested, in support of continuing maintenance and care.
Who May Be Buried from Saint Andrew’s Church?
The pastoral care of this Christian community is extended to all at this time, without regard to your previous membership and participation in this church—or in any church.
What Ministries are Customary?
If we are contacted at or near the time when a death has taken place, the clergy of Saint Andrew’s will make every effort to join loved ones for prayer and anointing. This may take place at home, in the hospital, or at a hospice or care facility. The rector will meet with the family in any event as soon as possible following a death for prayer and conversation, and to assist in planning arrangements. If desired, and if schedules allow, he may accompany family members as they meet with a Funeral Director and will continue to consult as plans are developed. In any event, the rector and the Funeral Director should speak together before plans are settled and published.
If a time to receive family and friends is planned in the facilities of the Funeral Director, the rector and other clergy, as available, will make every effort to join you, at least briefly. If desired, an informal time of prayer with those in attendance may be appropriate. The Hall and Meeting Room of St. Andrew’s Church may also be available to receive visitors—either immediately following a service, or at another time before or after the service.
Prior to burial, a funeral liturgy, using the Office for Christian Burial in the Book of Common Prayer, may be held at Saint Andrew’s Church, or at some other location (such as a Chapel in a Funeral Home or at a Cemetery). While the rector or other clergy of St. Andrew’s will conduct the service, other clergy may be invited to participate as well, at the request of the family. The service includes the great prayers of the church for the departed and for those who grieve. There are readings from scripture, a homily, and a Commendation. If desired, the service may include Holy Communion. The service may include music, with hymns, organ, or other instruments. While the service itself does not include the presentation of remembrances or personal tributes, these may be offered in the church immediately before the formal beginning of the Office. After the service the rector or other clergy may accompany the family to the cemetery or other place of burial to conduct the graveside prayers of Committal.
Note that a church service may be held following the Burial (sometimes the same day, sometimes even days or weeks later)—either in addition to or instead of the service prior to the Committal. This Memorial Service, also using the Burial Office of the Book of Common Prayer, may be scheduled flexibly to meet the needs of the family.
The people of Saint Andrew’s maintain a small Memorial Garden in the Churchyard next to the Church in which the cremated remains of loved ones may be interred. These burials are unmarked, though the names of those buried in the Garden are listed on a Memorial Plaque inside the Church. Please speak to the rector for more information.
Are There Costs Involved?
While it is customary for gifts and honoraria to be presented to the church and to officiating clergy in these services, the amount is at the discretion of the family. There is no set fee. If music is desired at the Burial Office or at a Memorial Service, the standard Organist Fee is $250 (and in cases of hardship the rector may reduce this amount). If additional musicians or more complicated musical services are desired, or if the Hall or Meeting Room are to be used for a Reception, there may be additional costs. If the burial of cremated remains in the Saint Andrew’s Memorial Garden is requested, a one-time gift of $250 or more is suggested, in support of continuing maintenance and care.
I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord:
He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die.