This is a starting order for a methodist funeral service. Every church and family does things a little differently, so treat it as a first draft to take to the officiating minister, who has the final say.
The service
- Opening hymn: O God, Our Help in Ages Past
- Opening prayer: The Officiating Minister
- Psalm: Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd)
- Scripture reading: John 14:1-6 (In my Father's house are many mansions)
- Hymn: Jesus, Lover of My Soul
- Life story: Read by a member of the family
- Tributes: Family and friends
- Sermon: The Officiating Minister
- Prayers of thanksgiving
- Vote of thanks: A member of the family
- Closing hymn: Blessed Assurance
- Benediction
At the graveside
- Hymn: Abide with Me
- Sentences: Job 14:1-2 (Man that is born of a woman)
- The Committal: Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust
- Prayers
- Laying of wreaths
- The Grace
- Closing hymn: God Be with You Till We Meet Again
Before you print
- Ask the minister to approve the order, the readings and the hymns.
- Add the name of each person who will read, speak or sing.
- Have two family members check every name and title.
Use this order in a programme
Homegoing fills in this order when you choose Methodist. You can change, move or remove any line, and hymn words are added for you. See everything that goes in a funeral programme.