On Ash Wednesday, we heard the words, Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return. These words, along with the sign of the cross on our forehead with ashes, remind us that death will come to each of us. Death is not the last word, though. Our faith proclaims that in life and in death we belong to God. Because Jesus lives, we shall also live. This hope helps us to face our present mortality with faith. A funeral and/or memorial service gives us the opportunity to witness to this hope. Have you considered pre-planning your service? One of the gifts the late Harriet Zimmerman and Kitty Anderson gave to their families was a plan for their memorial services. They made sure their children knew favorite hymns, scripture ideas, and other details so that the service would reflect who they were as God’s beloved, and who God is as Creator and Redeemer.
Perhaps you would like to think about your own service this season of Lent. Funeral/Memorial Service Planning Guides are available in the church office. I encourage you to pick one up or request Jeanna to email it to you. Take some time to think about what you’d like your loved ones to know when that time comes for your transition from life to death to life everlasting.
Pre-planning is not only a gift to your loved ones, but it is a gift to yourself and a witness to your faith in Jesus Christ. It also will help your new pastor to learn about you as she or he prepares your service with your family. Reach out to Pastor Nancy for more information. She would be glad to meet with you to discuss your ideas.
