WORSHIP

As a faith community St Saviour's is committed to walking with people through the most significant moments of their lives, including the difficult occasion of the death of a loved one. The funeral liturgy is an occasion when we gather together as a community in support of one another and in order to commend our beloved back to God their Creator.

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Many families have questions about what goes into planning a funeral service according to the rites of the Anglican Church of Canada. Below you can find some information that will be helpful in planning this liturgy. Our clergy will be happy to walk you through this information and can craft a service that works with the specific needs of your family within the framework of the liturgy.

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If you would like to schedule a time to speak with our priest about funeral arrangements, either at the time of death, or as advanced preparation, please contact the church office and we will be happy to assist you.

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Readings

The funeral liturgy involves usually multiple readings from Scripture. If the funeral service involves a celebration of the Holy Eucharist then (1) Old Testament reading, (1) Epistle reading, and (1) Gospel reading are included. If the service does not involve a celebration of the Holy Eucharist then (1) Old Testament or Epistle reading, and (1) Gospel reading are included. You can find common suggestions for funeral scripture readings below, but do not need to feel limited by these options.

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Old Testament

• Job 19.1, 21–27a – I know that my Redeemer lives

• Isaiah 25.6–9 – He will swallow up death for ever

• Isaiah 61.1–3 – To comfort all who mourn

• Lamentations 3.17–26, 31–33 – The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases

• Daniel 12.1– 3 – Every one whose name shall be found written in the book

• Wisdom 3.1-6(7–9) – The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God

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Epistles

• Romans 6.3–9 – All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death

• Romans 8.14–19(34–35, 37–39) – The glory that is to be revealed

• Romans 14.7–9 – Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s

• 1 Corinthians 15.20–28(35–44a) – In Christ shall all be made alive

• 1 Corinthians 15.51–57 – Death is swallowed up in victory

• 2 Corinthians 4.7–18 – The things that are unseen are eternal

• 2 Corinthians 5.1–9 – What is mortal may be swallowed up by life)

• Philippians 3.20–21 – To be like his glorious body

• 1 Thessalonians 4.13–18 – So we shall always be with the Lord

• 2 Timothy 2.8–12a  – If we have died with him, we shall also live with him

• 1 Peter 1.3–9 – We have been born anew to a living hope

• 1 John 3.1–2 – We shall be like him

• 1 John 4.7–18a – We may have confidence for the day of judgement

• Revelation 21.1–7 – Behold I make all things new

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Gospel

• Matthew 5.1–12a – Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven

• Matthew 11.25–30 – Come to me and I will give you rest

• Mark 15.33–39; 16.1–7 – He has risen, he is not here

• Luke 24.13–16(17–27) 28–35 – He was known to them in the breaking of the bread

• John 5.24–27 – Who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life

• John 6.37–40 – All that the Father gives me will come to me

• John 10.11–16 – I am the good shepherd

• John 11.17–27 – I am the resurrection and the life

• John 14.1–6 – In my Father’s house are many rooms

• John 20.1–9 – The stone had been taken away from the tomb

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Music

The regular hymnal for the Anglican Church of Canada is Common Praise. If you have hymn requests or would like to see a copy of our hymnal please feel free to make arrangements with the Parish Office. Our two talented musicians are generally able to provide piano or organ accompaniment, subject to their availability.

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Recording / Livestreaming

St Saviour's has the capacity to either record a funeral service or to livestream it direct to YouTube for those who cannot attend in person. Please let us know in advance if that is something you would like.

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Fees

St Saviour's Church does not charge a fee for funeral services, except in particular circumstances*. We welcome a donation to the Church and/or to the rector's discretionary fund. Any donation to the church will be recorded and receipted accordingly for charitable purposes at the end of the year.

 

* As our talented musicians are not salaried by the church, if a family would like a musician present for the service (piano or organ) we ask an honorarium of $125 payable to the church. Also, if a family desires to hold a reception in the parish hall following the service there is a separate fee schedule for that. Please contact the church office for more information.

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