Haden Tirey

Planning a Funeral Party



Posted: Wednesday, February 03, 2010

by Haden Tirey
Christian Urns

In the midst of planning my own funeral (no, I'm not sick) I have had my church hymnal out, looking for the perfect hymns. I love to sing (it's a pity that I don't have a more beautiful voice) and I have enjoyed going through and singing the ones I know, looking for just the right words. Generally, you only get 3 or 4 songs per funeral. I have 14 so far, and I've only just begun. I'm in trouble.

This all started with a simple plan at our church, to get our parishioners to preplan as much as possible of their own funeral. This takes away the guesswork for the Priest and the grieving family! How considerate! We have now decided to make it a party in the parish hall, complete with great food and music - black clothing and veils optional! I am making a large poster of the top 10 funeral songs, and our pianist will play the songs, just in case one can't quite remember how this song, or that song, goes! A big ole sing-along sounds like fun to me. We will have forms to fill out - just simple ones that can be filled in with your choice of readings, hymns, whether or not you want communion, cremation urn or casket My father is in charge of the cemetery at out church, and he will make his plea to all that now is the time to buy your plot! I have a cremation urn business and I will make my pitch as well. I have one specifically for Episcopalians - cleverly called the Episcopal Cremation Urn! Sandra, our priest, will talk about Planned Giving.

There are many decisions to make, and during the shock, illness, or grieving period is not the time to be making them. So - do your family and friends a favor. Make your wishes known about what you would like at your funeral or memorial service. Write it down and give it to your family and your church. You will be doing everyone a tremendous favor, and your funeral will be exactly as you want. What a pity that you'll miss it!

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