Family Member Worksheet for Funerals
FUNERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Some Pastoral Considerations
For Christians, death, though real, calls us in faith to see beyond the immediate death of the physical
body to our hope of Resurrection to life that is eternal in God. This is our Easter faith. It enables
Christians to consider their own mortality and ultimate departure from this earthly life without fear.
The Prayer Book reminds us of this great call to faith and hope. It reads:
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. 1979 BCP 507
It’s in this spirit that this Form is offered to the people of St. John’s and with the hope that it may assist
anyone in providing appropriate directions for their own funeral services and for any loved one that has
recently joined eternal life.
It’s important to have this information worked through and available to our survivors and that it explain
clearly what our desires are so our family and Church can make proper provision for our funeral
arrangements.
This Form attempts to provide, in one place, the immediate information that will be requested during
the hours and days immediately after death.
The Christian burial of the dead should be simple, reverent, with thanksgiving for the life of the
deceased. The Prayer Book service is focused on Jesus Christ. It is an affirmation of the comforting hope
of Resurrection for the bereaved. Elaborate and expensive displays that draw our attention to death are
inappropriate.
Before filling out this form, it is helpful to discuss it with the Rector. There are a number of possible
alternatives, both for the funeral and for the disposing of the body, which are in keeping with Christian
tradition.
There are special arrangements that are needed if you intend to use the Garth at St. John’s for the burial
of cremated remains. The Rector will clarify this for you.
You should make copies of this Form available to the proper family members, and if you have made prearrangements at a Funeral Home, that a copy of it should be kept in your file with them as well. A copy
can be filed with your attorney. You may make changes to it at any time.
It is an obligation for every Christian adult, regardless of age, to leave burial instructions and should
have a Will disposing of his or her temporal goods.
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In time of serious illness, the Rector should be notified. The sacraments should be received and
opportunity should be made for reconciliation with God before departing this life.
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STATEMENT FOR THE GUIDANCE OF MY
FAMILY AT THE TIME OF MY DEATH
I believe in the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Having lived in the Faith of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, it is my desire that I should be
buried in accordance with her traditions as expressed in the Book of Common Prayer. I have, therefore,
in consultation with the Rector, expressed my desires for my funeral arrangements, and these wishes
are contained in the attached statement.
Where specific pre-arrangements have been made, they are also noted here as well. A copy of this
statement is on file at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 411-415 E. California St., Gainesville, Texas 76240.
Additional copies have been given to:
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
It is my hope that this statement will spare my family as may be possible in their time of grief.
Signed: _______________________________
Date: _________________________________
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: _________________________________________________________________________
Length of Residence in this State: _________________________________________________________
Date of Birth: __________________________________________________________________________
Place of Birth: _________________________________________________________________________
Occupation: ___________________________________________________________________________
Are you retired ________________________________________________________________________
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FAMILY INFORMATION Living / Deceased
Name of Spouse: _______________________________________________________________________
Name of Father: _______________________________________________________________________
Name of Mother: ______________________________________________________________________
Children: _____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Number of Grandchildren: ______ Number of Great Grandchildren:_______
Brothers and Sisters: ____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Address of family contact person: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
CHURCH INFORMATION
Name of Parish: __________________________ Pastor _________________________________
Address: _________________________________ Phone ________________________________
ORGANIZATIONS
Name of Organization(s): ________________________________________________________________
MILITARY SERVICE
A copy of Discharge Papers should be attached to this Form.
Branch & Date of Service: ________________________________________________________________
Service Number: ________________________ Veterans Admin. Claim No. ________________________
Grade, Organization, & Type of Discharge: __________________________________________________
Do you receive Monetary Benefits for a Service-connected Disability? ____________________________
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LEGAL INFORMATION
Do you have a Will? Yes _____ No ____
My Will is located at: ___________________________________________________________________
The following person is taking care of my affairs: _____________________________________________
INSURANCE INFORMATION
My Insurance Policies are located at: _______________________________________________________
CEMETERY INFORMATION
I do ______ Do not _______ own a cemetery plot.
This plot is located: _______________________________________________________________
Other Cemetery Information: ________________________________________________________
I plan to use the Parish Columbarium: ______ Cost for space is $_________.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Please discuss with the Rector before making final arrangements.
Please remember that once the actual service begins, even when held at a Funeral Home, the casket is
closed and is never re-open for a final viewing.
The Rector of St. Paul’s presides at the service.
In addition I would like the following clergy to assist him, if available
________________________________________________________________________
Please Note: Eulogies are not allowed in the service.
I wish the burial Service to be:
1979 Prayer Book: Rite One _____
ASB Requiem Service_____
1979 Prayer Book “Grave-side” Service: _____
The Holy Eucharist: Yes _____ No _____
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Music at the Liturgy. Please note that we will have an Organist at the service, if it is held in the Church.
But there is no guarantee that a choir can be assembled _______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Flowers may be sent ________ I prefer that flowers not be sent. ___________
Instead of flowers, I suggest that gifts be made to ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I will be cremated: Yes _____ No ______
I will use the following Funeral Home: ______________________________________________________
I have made the following advance arrangements with this Funeral Home: ________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I want the following persons (if available) as Pallbearers: _______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
DESIRED LECTIONARY READINGS*
The Prayer Book has a full Lectionary for Christian Burial. Please consult it. The structure of the funeral
service as contained in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer assumes the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Old Testament Reading: ______________________
Reader: ________________________________
Psalm: _____________
Reader: ________________________________
New Testament Reading: _____________________
Reader: ________________________________
Gospel Reading: ____________________________
*
For readings, see Reading Appendix at the back of this document.
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Family Member Worksheet for Funerals
Here is some information from the Roman Catholic Church to guide you on Frequently Asked
Questions
As a Catholic, may I be cremated?
Yes. In May 1963, the Vatican's Holy Office (now the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith) lifted the
prohibition forbidding Catholics to choose cremation. This permission was incorporated into the revised
Code of Canon Law of 1983 (Canon # 1176), as well as into the Order of Christian Funerals. It then
became standard practice to celebrate the funeral liturgies with the body and then take the body to the
crematorium. Most recently the bishops of the United States and Holy See have authorized the
celebration of a Catholic funeral liturgy with the cremated remains when the body is cremated before
the funeral.
Do I need to ask permission to be cremated?
No, but it is a good idea to discuss your reasons with your pastor or other parish minister.
When should cremation take place?
The Church prefers that cremation take place after the full funeral liturgy with the body. However, in the
American culture, cremation often takes place immediately or soon after death.
"Sometimes, however, it is not possible for the body to be present for the Funeral Mass. When
extraordinary circumstances make the cremation of a body the only feasible choice, pastoral sensitivity
must be exercised by all who minister to the family of the deceased." Order of Christian Funerals,
Appendix II)
Is it necessary to embalm?
When cremation follows the funeral liturgy, embalming is usually necessary. When cremation follows
soon after death, embalming is not necessary. Each state has its own regulations in this matter, but
generally the rule is that a deceased human body that is not buried or cremated within 24 to 48 hours is
to be embalmed or refrigerated. However, simple embalming and the use of a cremation casket need
not involve excessive costs.
Is it necessary to purchase a casket for cremation?
No. The only thing required is a simple container in which the body can be transported and placed in the
cremation chamber.
If you choose to have the body present for Mass, with cremation to follow, rental is an option. Many
funeral directors offer regular caskets for rent, as well as the special cremation or shell casket which you
may purchase.
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What is the proper container for cremated remains?
Appropriate containers (not necessarily expensive) such as a classic urn are proper for the cremated
remains. At the present time the U.S. Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy has determined only what is
not a proper container. Although jewelry, dishes, statuary and space capsules are now being offered,
they are unacceptable in Catholic funeral practices. It is also unacceptable to have your cremated
remains made into jewelry, dishes and the like.
How are cremated remains transported?
It is a matter of personal choice. Individuals personally carrying a deceased person's ashes will often
have the added responsibility of packing and transporting the urn. You may wrap the container of
cremated remains with the possibility of sending it as accompanying baggage or take it along as carry-on
luggage. Some states regulate the transport of cremated remains. Ask the airline office or your state's
Department of Public Health for specific before preparing the cremated remains for transport by air.
Where no legal regulations exist regarding transport of cremated remains, cremated remains in a
standard shipping container are usually sent by U.S. Mail, UPS or another common carrier.
Must cremated remains be buried/entombed?
Yes. Burial options include a family grave in a cemetery marked with a traditional memorial stone or an
urn garden, a special section in a cemetery with small, pre-dug graves for urns, or a columbarium.
People do a lot of different things with cremated remains: some scatter the remains, some keep them at
home, some leave the remains at the crematorium or the funeral home. Some choose burial or
inurnment in a cemetery.
The Church recommends burial or inurnment of cremated remains as a mark of respect for the human
body which was a temple of the Holy Spirit, was nourished at the Eucharistic Table and will share in the
Resurrection.
In 1997 the bishops of the United States published a booklet called Reflections on the Body, Cremation,
and Catholic Funeral Rites that presents pastoral guidelines for Catholics who choose cremation. In part
the US bishops say:
"The remains of cremated bodies should be treated with the same respect given to the corporal remains
of a human body. This includes the manner in which they are carried, the care and attention to
appropriate placement and transport, and their final disposition. The cremated remains of a body
should be entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium; they may also be buried in a common grave in a
cemetery. The practices of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground or
keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent
disposition that the Church requires. Whenever possible, appropriate means of memorializing the
deceased should be utilized, such as a plaque or stone that records the name of the deceased."
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In addition, the value of memorialization is twofold:


Memorials constitute a visible history of our faith community.
Memorials are an important aid to survivors, providing a focal point for the expression of grief
and a place of comfort as survivors go through the grieving process.
Burial or Inurnment Options
The first selection related to burial or inurnment of cremated remains is really the last selection, i.e. the
urn to hold those remains which are returned from the crematory. That selection will be guided by the
following decisions.
In general terms, there are two options for the final disposition of cremated remains: in-ground burial
and above-ground inurnment.
I. Ground Burial of Cremated Remains:



In existing full grave with arrangements for one or more cremation burials and suitable
memorialization.
In a ground burial area designed with smaller graves to accommodate cremated remains and
provision for either flush ground or above-ground memorialization.
In the same grave space as already utilized or reserved for another family member's full burial,
with observance of the cemetery's regulation for memorialization in such instances.
II. Above-Ground Inurnment of Cremated Remains in a Columbarium:




A columbarium with an open face (glass front) may be selected; this is only found inside of a
building.
A columbarium with a closed face granite construction generally will be found in both interior or
exterior settings.
A columbarium with a closed face marble construction will generally be found in colder and wet
climates inside a building only.
In some instances a cemetery may make provision to allow for the inurnment of one or more
cremated remains in a full mausoleum crypt and permit memorialization on the face of that
crypt for the remains of the individual inurned.
In making the selection of the cremation urn one should keep in mind the location selected - will it be
seen or concealed? Does the urn space selected make provision for identification of the individual?
Obviously, a glass fronted niche will not do so and therefore the memorialization or the identification
will have to be executed on the urn itself.
What is a columbarium?
A common practice is the entombment of the cremated remains in a "columbarium". It is an
arrangement of niches, either in a mausoleum, a room or wall into which an urn or other worthy vessel
is placed for permanent memorial. Generally, niches range in price per space from $400. to $1,400.
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May I scatter the ashes?
No. "The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping
cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition
that the Church requires." (Order of Christian Funerals, Appendix II)
May I bury the ashes at sea?
Yes. Burial at sea of cremated remains differs from scattering. An appropriate and worthy container,
heavy enough to be sent to its final resting place, may be dropped in to the sea. The burial of cremated
remains at sea in this manner seems to be a appropriate alternative to the long-standing and revered
custom of a traditional burial at sea. Please consult your local government for environmental
regulations. (See Order of Christian Funerals, #405.4)
May anything be added to cremated remains such as the cremated remains of other persons, pets or
other objects?
The principle of respect for the cremated remains of a deceased Christian embraces the deeper belief in
the individuality of each baptized person before God. Throughout history, the mingling of remains has
never been an accepted practice, except in extraordinary circumstances.
Who decides if I am cremated?
In most cases you make the decision to be cremated. However, your survivors may decide to have you
cremated, generally due to special family circumstances, but rarely against your will.
How do I make my wishes known?
If you desire that your body be cremated you can make those wishes knows in your will and in
documents designed to help plan and prepare your funeral.
Do I have to honor my parent's or spouse's wish to cremate them?
Out of respect for loved ones, you will want to do all you can to carry out the wishes of the deceased
concerning funeral services provided they are in keeping with Church practice. Yet, you must always
keep in mind the therapeutic value to the family of celebrating the full funeral liturgy with the body
present. This may significantly outweigh your reasons for cremation before the funeral liturgy.
What funeral rites are celebrated when a person is cremated?
All the usual rites which are celebrated with a body present may also be celebrated in the presence of
cremated remains. The United States' bishops have written new prayers and have printed them as an
appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals. During the liturgies, the cremated remains are treated with
the same dignity and respect as the body.
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The following rituals may be celebrated:
Prayers after Death
This ritual is used immediately after death. The presence of the minister, the readings, and the prayers
can be of great comfort to the family. (Order for Christian Funerals, #101-108)
Gathering in the Presence of the Body
This ritual can also be of great comfort to family members and friends. It allows for a time of simple
prayer and shared silence. (Order of Christian Funerals #109-118)
Vigil for the Deceased
If cremation has already taken place, friends and family may still gather to pray. While it has been a
tradition to pray the rosary in some regions, the Vigil for the Deceased in a Liturgy of the Word service,
which includes prayer for the deceased and recognition of his/her Christian life. (Order of Christian
Funerals #54-97)
What length of time is there between death, cremation and the funeral Mass?
The answer to this question depends on various factors, just as in the case of funerals with the body.
The place of death, the location of the crematory, scheduling a time for cremation, the schedule at the
parish church, and other circumstances impact the timing. Once all arrangements have been made, you
should generally allow at least one day between death and the celebration of the funeral liturgy.
What happens at the Funeral Mass with cremated remains?
Significant attention should be given to the primary symbols of the Catholic funeral liturgy, as stated in
the Order of Christian Funerals and its commentaries. The paschal candle and sprinkling with holy water
are primary symbols of baptism and should be used during the funeral Mass. However, the pall is not
used. Photos and other mementos may be used at the vigil, but are not appropriate for the Mass. During
the Mass, the cremated remains should be treated with the same dignity and respect as the body. They
are to be sealed in a "worthy vessel." They may be carried in procession and/or placed on a table where
the coffin normally would be with the Easter candle nearby.
The body is always laid to rest with solemnity and dignity. So too, the Order of Christian Funerals
provides for the interment of cremated remains (Order of Christian Funerals, #428).
CANON LAW TITLE III: CHURCH FUNERALS
Can. 117 S 1 Christ's faithful who have died are to be given a Church funeral according to the norms of
law.
S2 Church funerals are to be celebrated according to the norms of the liturgical books. In these funeral
rites the Church prays for the spiritual support of the dead, it honors their bodies, and at the same time
it brings to the living the comfort of hope.
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S3 The Church earnestly recommends that the pious customs of burial be retained; but it does not
forbid cremation, unless this is chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching.
A common practice is the entombment of the cremated remains in a "columbarium". It is an
arrangement of niches, either in a mausoleum, a room or wall into which an urn or other worthy vessel
is placed for permanent memorial.
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Readings Appendix
Old Testament Readings
Isaiah 25:6-9 (He will swallow up death in victory)
On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wine
on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wine on the lees well refined. 7 And he will destroy on
this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. 8 He
will swallow up death for ever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the
reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth; for the LORD has spoken. 9 It will be
said on that day, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the
LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation."
Isaiah 61:1-3 (To comfort all that mourn)
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good tidings
to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and
the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and
the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion
-- to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of
praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the
LORD, that he may be glorified.
Lamentations 3:22-26, 31-33 (The Lord is good unto them that wait for him)
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new
every morning; great is thy faithfulness. 24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I
will hope in him." 25 The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. 26 It
is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD…31 For the Lord will not cast off
for ever, 32 but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his
steadfast love; 33 for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men.
Wisdom 3:1-5, 9 (The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God)
But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. 2 In the
eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be an affliction, 3
and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. 4 For though in the sight of
men they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. 5 Having been disciplined a little, they will
receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself…9 Those who trust
in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy
are upon his elect, and he watches over his holy ones.
Job 19:21-27a (I know that my Redeemer liveth)
Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me! 22 Why
do you, like God, pursue me? Why are you not satisfied with my flesh? 23 "Oh that my words were
written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! 24 Oh that with an iron pen and lead they were
graven in the rock for ever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the
earth; 26 and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then from my flesh I shall see God, 27 whom I
shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
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Psalms
Psalm 23 (KJV)
The LORD is my shepherd; *
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; *
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul; *
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his
Name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death,
I will fear no evil; *
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of
mine enemies; *
thou annointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of
my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 42
Like as the hart desireth the water-brooks, *
so longeth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God; *
when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
My tears have been my meat day and night, *
while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God?
Now when I think thereupon, I pour out my heart by
myself; *
for I went with the multitude, and brought them forth
into
the house of God;
Why art thou so full of heaviness, O my soul? *
and why art thou so disquieted within me?
O put thy trust in God; *
for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my
countenance, and my God.
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Psalm 121
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills; *
from whence cometh my help?
My help cometh even from the LORD, *
who hath made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved, *
and he that keepeth thee will not sleep.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD himself is thy keeper; *
the LORD is thy defence upon thy right hand;
So that the sun shall not burn by day, *
neither the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil; *
yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in,
*
from this time forth for evermore.
Psalm 139
O LORD, thou hast searched me out, and known me. *
Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising;
thou understandest my thoughts long before.
Thou art about my path, and about my bed, *
and art acquainted with all my ways.
For lo, there is not a word in my tongue, *
but thou, O LORD, knowest it altogether.
Thou hast beset me behind and before, *
and laid thine hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me; *
I cannot attain unto it.
Whither shall I go then from thy Spirit? *
or whither shall I go then from thy presence?
If I climb up into heaven, thou art there; *
if I go down to hell, thou art there also.
If I take the wings of the morning, *
and remain in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there also shall thy hand lead me, *
and thy right hand shall hold me.
If I say, Peradventure the darkness shall cover me, *
then shall my night be turned to day.
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Yea, the darkness is no darkness with thee,
but the night is as clear as day; *
the darkness and light to thee are both alike.
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New Testament Readings
Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39 (The glory that shall be revealed)
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of
slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, "Abba!
Father!" 16 it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if
children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order
that we may also be glorified with him. 18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not
worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager
longing for the revealing of the sons of God…34 who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died,
yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us?
35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or
famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 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.
1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 35-38, 42-44, 53-58 (Raised in incorruption)
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21
For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in
Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first
fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the
kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he
must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is
death…35 But some one will ask, "How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?"
36
You foolish man! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And what you sow is not
the body which is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 38 But God
gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body…42 So is it with the
resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in
dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
44
It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a
spiritual body…53 For this perishable nature must put on the imperishable, and this mortal nature
must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on
immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 55
"O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the
power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work
of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:9 (Things which are not seen are eternal)
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed
every day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory
beyond all comparison, 18 because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are
unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 5:1 For
we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not
made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Here indeed we groan, and long to put on our heavenly
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dwelling, 3 so that by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent,
we sigh with anxiety; not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that
what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
5
He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 6
So we are always of good courage; we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from
the Lord,
7
for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are of good courage, and we would rather be away from
the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to
please him.
1 John 3:1-2 (We shall be like him)
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The
reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's
children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be
like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Revelation 7:9-17 (God shall wipe away all tears)
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation,
from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in
white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation
belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!" 11 And all the angels stood round
the throne and round the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the
throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and
honor and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen." 13 Then one of the elders
addressed me, saying, "Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?" 14 I
said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great
tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night within his temple; and he
who sits upon the throne will shelter them with his presence. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither
thirst any more; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb in the midst
of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water; and God will
wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Revelation 21:2-7 (Behold, I make all things new)
I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride
adorned for her husband; 3 and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling
of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be
with them; 4 he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall
there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away." 5 And he
who sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these
words are trustworthy and true." 6 And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the fountain of the water of life without
payment. 7 He who conquers shall have this heritage, and I will be his God and he shall be my son.
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Gospel Readings
John 5:24-27 (He that believeth hath everlasting life)
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he
does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 "Truly, truly, I say to you, the
hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who
hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in
himself, 27 and has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man.
John 6:37-40 (All that the Father giveth me shall come to me)
All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out. 38 For I
have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; 39 and this is
the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at
40
the last day.
For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in
him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."
John 10:11-16 (I am the Good Shepherd)
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hireling
and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and
flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hireling and cares
nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, 15 as the
Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other
sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall
be one flock, one shepherd.
John 11:21-27 (I am the resurrection and the life)
Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 And even
now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your
brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at
the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though
he die, yet shall he live, 26 and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe
this?" 27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is
coming into the world."
John 14:1-6 (In my Father’s house are many mansions)
"Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are
many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And
when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am
you may be also. 4 And you know the way where I am going." 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do
not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and
the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.
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