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As Christians, we affirm our belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and in our own resurrection through faith. Resurrection faith rests on the belief that death is a part of our earthly life and on the belief that life beyond death is a gift of God, Who brought creation out of nothing and raised the crucified Jesus from the dead.
When a death occurs, pastors want to comfort and support the familes who grieve. A pastor will visit the home when the death occurs, and at a later time to help family members plan the funeral service.
Our fellowship committee provides meals for families either before or after the service. Families should decide whether they prefer a lunch prior to the service, a lunch following the service, or a light reception. Once the details are decided, our fellowship committee will handle all the preparations, as well as the clean up after the meal.
WHEN THE SERVICES SHOULD BE HELD
Services are typically held in our sanctuary within three days after a death has occured. If a service is preferred at the funeral home, arrangements should be made through the funeral home director and the pastor leading the service.
DISPOSTION OF THE BODY
Burial, cremation, or donation of the body for medical purposes are all options within the Christian tradition. A casket or urn need not be present at the service. The body or ashes may be interred prior to the service or following the service. If the body has been donated for medical purposes, a service may be held after the death or when the remains are available. TINKLING SPRING'S CEMETERY is available for the burial of both caskets and ashes.
THE SERVICE
The funeral is called a Service of Witness to the Resurrection because it is a liturgical service of worship to glorify God, and to comfort the family and friends of the deceased.
In the service, flowers are limited to a few arrangements in the sanctuary. In the case of an abundance of flowers, the remaining arrangements will be placed at the graveside.
Tinkling Spring will furnish a white pall for every service and a moss green pall for every graveside. The pall symbolizes the fact that in Christ we are "clothed" with grace. In Christ we put off the old self and put on a new creation. Learn more about PALLS.
The order of services emphasizes the glory of God and the hope of eternal life found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The readings, spoken words, and music all affirm God's power over our earthly death. Words of thanksgiving are lifted up to celebrate the life the deceased lived as a child of God and prayers of intercession are spoken for family members and other loved ones who grieve.
A typical order of worship includeds the following:
Prelude
Sentences of Scripture
Call to Worship
Hymn
Old Testament Lessons
Hymn or Special Music
New Testament Lessons
Meditation
Prayer of Thanksgiving with the Lord's Prayer
The Apostle's Creed
Hymn
Charge and Benediction
Postlude
If you have further questions on funeral arrangements at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, please contact our CHURCH OFFICE.
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