At the start of the service, to define sacred space and invoke a holy presence for the time together.

Reading-a short poem, a scriptural selection-should be brief and should be chosen to serve a very specific purpose at a particular time in the service: They come in the presence of death to grieve and reflect on what is meaningful in life they come to be comforted and uplifted in their time of loss. Most people do not come to a funeral to hear a sermon or philosophize about death. Because of their power, they need to be carefully chosen, with an eye and ear towards being as inclusive as possible of the various perspectives that people in attendance will have.ДЄny readings used in a memorial service should be selected intentionally and used sparingly. They are not essential to the basic structure of a service, but they are often included for their power to offer spiritual nourishment and to touch universal chords of human feeling. Readings and music nourish the soul, ground the spirit, and invite emotional release. Often there is something in the opening words that invites the spirit of the person who has died into the space. What tone or style will be in keeping with the spirit of the person who is being remembered? Should it be dignified, warm, creative, pious, earthy, sophisticated, homespun? Whatever it is, it will come across as much in the presence of the person speaking and in the preparation of the meeting space as in the words spoken. The first words spoken set the tone for the entire service. They may be offered in an informal setting but should never be offered casually. The opening words invoke a spirit of love and healing to prevail. This is particularly important when the space itself is not a traditional religious setting. The words that open a service define the space as holy and the time as sacred.

And you want to hear a name-'dearly departed one' or 'the deceased' just doesn't cut it. When you enter a space to honor someone who has died, you don't want to wait long before hearing what it is that has brought you there.

Opening remarks set the tone and create space for what people are feeling. Offer words of blessing and inspiration for the living.

Invoking a spirit of gratitude, healing, and love (as in a litany or a prayer).

Honoring and remembering the person who has died.

Each part has a purpose, and participants need to know how they fit into the larger design, the fuller meaning.ДЇour elements are essential to nearly all ceremonies (with additional readings or music included as desired): Each part, from beginning to end, is a part of the whole and contributes to the rhythm and mood of the entire service. A memorial service is less like a variety show and more like a musical composition or a woven fabric. But the service leader conducted the service as if he were the master of ceremonies introducing one act after another. It was in many ways a satisfying ceremony, providing space for people to share their memories of the person who had died. Not long ago, I attended a memorial service that was planned and conducted by a friend of the bereaved family. Excerpted from ' Remembering Well' by Sarah York.

Space funeral 4 bubsy ending