God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble Therefore we will not fear, though the

earth be moved, and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea; though its waters rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble at its tumult. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Psalm 46:1-4 Planning a funeral service can be a difficult time; we want you to know that we are here for you, your family and friends. We cannot take away the pain, but we can share the pain and are confident that our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, walks with you as well and will lead you to a day in which you will feel comfort, peace and joy again. Within this booklet, you will find a few resources to help prepare for your or your loved ones funeral service. The Order of Worship is an outline of what a traditional funeral service looks like at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, but can be modified and shaped for individual needs. Please call us if you have any questions, concerns or would like to set up an appointment to visit with the pastor about funeral arrangements at 320-573-2001.

Order of Worship Prelude Music Procession of Family Procession Hymn / Song *Prayers First Reading / Eulogy / Special Reading Hymn / Song Second Reading / Eulogy / Special Reading *Gospel Reading *Message Hymn / Song *Apostles Creed *Prayers *Lords Prayer: Sung / Spoken *Commendation Recession & Hymn / Song

Committal at the grave side

*indicates required parts of service

Funeral Considerations Funeral Pall A funeral pall is a large white cloth with a cross embroidered on it. The funeral pall covers the casket from the time the casket is brought into the sanctuary until it leaves the sanctuary during the funeral service. The funeral pall is a tradition form the early church symbolizing not only the equality of all people whether or not they are buried in the costliest casket or a simple wooden box, but also our unity with Jesus Christ. The white pall echoes the white garment of Holy Baptism reminding us that in our baptism we are joined to Christ, not only in death but also in eternal life. Procession of the Cross, Paschal Candle, and the Bible The cross, paschal candle and Bible may be processed into the sanctuary immediately before the casket or family procession. This procession reminds us that Jesus Christ goes before us in death (cross), gives us eternal life (baptism), and we are sustained by the Word of Christ (Bible). Military Honors We understand that serving in the military is a significant and important part of a persons life and is many times also a great sacrifice. You may cover the casket with a flag from the country the deceased served for during the funeral service. Bulletins Bulletins are provided by Gethsemane. We will print the order of the service as well as list the names of those participating in the service. We do not usually print the eulogy in the bulletin as this is usually printed in the folders provided by the funeral home. Guests with Special Needs We will make every effort to provide and accommodate for the needs of your guests. If you or any of your guests are in need of a deaf or language interpreter, vision impaired worship aids, or if a guest has mobility limitations please let us know as soon as possible. We will also try to accommodate for special dietary needs for those in the immediate family. Flowers If you are not sure what to do with flowers and plants following the service, you are welcome to leave them at Gethsemane. We will tend to them as long as possible but reserve the right to dispose of the flowers, plants and containers as needed. Hospitality Gethsemane members provide a meal for you and your guests following the

service. The lunch consists of sandwiches, pickles, bars, coffee, lemonade and salads (salads served at noon and supper time services). There is no charge for the lunch. If you want something other than the usual meal, it may be your responsibility to provide for the preparation and cost of the meal.

Song Suggestions Alleluia! Jesus is Risen! Come Away to the Skies Thy Holy Wings Abide With Me Meet Me There Sweet By and By The Lords My Shepherd Amazing Grace I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry Children of the Heavenly Father I Know That My Redeemer Lives Soon and Very Soon O God, Our Help In Ages Past On Eagles Wings Oh When the Saints Go Marching In Dancing With the Angels I Can Only Imagine Comforter Hes Walking Her Home The Promise Blessed Assurance O Blessed Spring Precious Lord Take My Hand We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight For All the Saints Over the Sunset Be Still My Soul O Lord, Now Let Your Servant What A Friend We Have in Jesus Be Not Afraid How Great Thou Art The Old Rugged Cross Great is Thy Faithfulness Softly and Tenderly Jesus Remember Me Just a Closer Walk With Thee Cry Out to Jesus With Hope (for a child) Homesick Till I See You Again Held (for a child) Love Came Down How Deep the Father's Love for Us Come to Jesus

Scripture Suggestions Job 19 My Redeemer lives Isaiah 40 Soar on wings like an eagle Lamentations 3:22-26, 31-33 The love of the Lord never ceases Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd Psalm 25 I lift up my soul Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation Psalm 38:9-10, 15, 17, 21-22 All my longing is known in you Psalm 84:1-4 How lovely is your dwelling place* Psalm 91 You who live in the shelter of the Most High (Eagles wings) Psalm 118:4-9, 14-29 Out of my distress I called on the Lord Psalm 139:1-18 You have searched me and known me Isaiah 49:15-16 I will not forget you Matthew 18:1-5, 10 Little ones* Mark 10:13-16 Let the little children come* Luke 24:1-11 The Resurrection John 6:35-40(53-58) All that the Father gives me will come to me John 14:1-6 Many rooms Romans 6:3-11 Baptized into his death 1 Corinthians 15 Resurrection of the dead 2 Corinthians 4:16 - 5:10 The heavenly body Philippians 3:10-21 Gods purposes 2 Timothy 2:8-13 If we have died with him we shall also live with him 1 John 3:1-3 We shall be like him Revelations 21:1-7 Make all things new Isaiah 61:1-3 Comfort all who mourn Isaiah 43:1-4a Called you by name Psalm 31 In you, I seek refuge Psalm 42 Deer longs for streams Psalm 90 Our dwelling place Psalm 116 I love the Lord Psalm 121 My help comes from the Lord Song of Solomon 2:10-13 Arise my love and come away* Matthew 25:31-46 Sheep and Goats Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-6 He has risen, he is not here

John 5:19-24 Whoever hears and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life John 11:17-27 I am the resurrection and the life John 19:38-42; 20:1-11 Death and resurrection of Jesus Romans 8:18-30 The future glory Romans 14:7-12 Christ the Lord of the living and the dead 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 We carry in our mortal bodies the death of Jesus Ephesians 3:14-21 The power to understand Christs love 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 So we shall always be with the Lord 1 Peter 1:3-9 We have been born anew to a living hope Revelations 7:9-17 God will wipe every tear from their eyes Revelations 21:22-26; 22:3b-5 The Lord God will be their light.
*indicates readings suitable for the funeral of a child