Funerals

Question 1

At a typical Christian funeral, what are the things that could be chosen to happen to the coffin?

Answer 1

• It can be buried in a graveyard

- It can be cremated/burned

Question 2

When a coffin is buried in a graveyard, what does the priest do to the coffin?

Answer 2

The priest will sprinkle the coffin with holy water.

Question 3

When a coffin is cremated/burned, what happens to the ashes?

Answer 3

The ashes may be collected and buried in a pot in a cemetery, or scattered by the family/friends of the person who has died in a place that maybe the person really loved.

Question 4

At a funeral (whether a burial or a cremation), what does the minister/pastor/priest/vicar say?

Answer 4

“We commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust: in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Question 5

When a Christian dies, what procedures take place?

Answer 5

Their friends and family come together for the funeral service to remember and thank God for the life of the person who has died. The body is placed in a wooden coffin and the person who takes the service thanks God for the life of the person, but also prays for comfort for the family of the person who are grieving about the death.

Question 6

True or False?

Christians believe in life after death and that they will meet their loved ones again.

Answer 6

True.

Question 7

Give some verses from the Bible that talk about heaven and the afterlife for Christians. (5)

Answer 7

• John 14:1-2 (“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.”)
• John 11:25 (“Jesus told her, ‘ I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying’.”)
• 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (“We will be with the Lord for ever.”)
• Psalm 23:4 (“Even when I walk through the darkest valley…you are close beside me.”)
• Revelation 21:4 (“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”)

Question 8

What is important to Christians at a funeral?

Answer 8

• Personal preferences of the person who has died as to where and how they are buried, and the colour of the guest’s clothing, songs for the service etc.
• Service of thanksgiving with worship and prayers
• Respect shown to the person