A Funeral Customary

Where To Begin | General Guidelines | Flowers | Interment | Reception | Contribution and Fees

The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised.

The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn. (BCP, p. 507)up graphic

Where To Begin

The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with, the Minister of the Congregation.

Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church. The service should be held at a time when the congregation has opportunity to be present. (BCP, p. 468)

General Guidelines

The clergy of the parish are honored to plan the burial liturgy with family members. Input from family on Scripture lessons, hymns and music, and participants in the service is encouraged.

  1. Scripture Lessons: On pages 494-5 in the Book of Common Prayer are suggested readings, though others are possible too. Readings from the Old Testament, a Psalm, the New Testament and the Gospels are usually read.
  2. Hymns and Music: Singing hymns is a way for people in the congregation to participate. Anywhere from 3 - 6 hymns is appropriate. A list of optional hymns is available from the clergy. Special music should be discussed with the clergy.
  3. Participants: Family members, fellow church members, friends and colleagues are very appropriate participants in roles as lectors, acolytes and ushers. It is also appropriate for the family to designate someone to give a eulogy, should they desire. The clergy are happy to discuss all of these roles

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Flowers

The beauty and elegant simplicity of St. Peter’s church building dictates that flowers behind the Altar are sufficient decoration. Dottie B Florist (telephone (904) 261-3011) is our supplier and families are welcome to contact them directly with special requests. Otherwise, the parish will order seasonally appropriate flowers.

Interment

For burial of a body, local options include St. Peter’s Cemetery and Bosque Bello Cemetery. Arrangements to purchase a plot at St. Peter’s should be made through the Parish Office (261-4293). We also encourage families to consider cremation. Cremated remains may be interred in the Roy Carlisle Taylor, Jr. Garden at St. Peter’s, in a plot in the St. Peter’s Cemetery, or in another special place of the family’s choosing. Please feel free to discuss these options with the clergy.

Interment may take place immediately before or after the service, or at another convenient time.

Reception

Whenever possible, it is the custom of the Bereavement Luncheon Committee to provide a reception immediately following the funeral services. The clergy will discuss options and arrangements.up graphic

Contribution and Fees

  1. Organist $75.00. Check should be directed to Martha Skirven (unless otherwise discussed). Arrangements for special music, and for payment thereof, will be handled by Mrs. Skirven.
  2. Flowers $65.00. This is the standard cost for Altar flowers from Dottie B’s. Special requests may require additional fees. This fee may be paid to St. Peter’s, or directly to Dottie B’s (261-3011).
  3. St. Peter’s Cemetery Plot. Please call Parish Office (261-4293) for costs.
  4. Roy Carlisle Taylor Jr. Memorial Garden $200.00. Fee covers bronze plaque for Memorial Garden wall, as well as upkeep and repairs. Arrangements should be made with clergy.
  5. There is NO fee for the service of the parish clergy. The planning and carrying out of funerals is a central aspect of the ministry of the parish. If a family wants to make a contribution to the Parish or the clergy discretionary funds, you may contact the Parish Administrator (261-4293) for details.

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St.   Peter’s  Episcopal  Church
Atlantic Avenue and 8th Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 261-4293
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