Dear Family & Friends of Christ Church, 

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The last three Saturdays have seen funeral liturgies celebrated at Christ Church. I was also asked to help lead two other funerals outside of our sacred space, bringing the month’s total to five. I thought I would use this article to share some brief reflections.

 

1. I think praying the burial office (funeral liturgy) is one of the most faithful acts we can engage. I find myself continually moved by family and friends who share hope, encouragement and support alongside grief, sorrow and loss. One of the most powerful parts of the office proclaims that “even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia”. Only a deep and abiding faith in the resurrection to eternal life through Christ can allow these words to leave our lips. Praying at a funeral – I mean really praying the prayers at a funeral – is a profound and public witness of faith.

 

2. I am filled with gratitude for the many members who aid in these services. Every funeral, regardless of size, requires hours of extra work from many in our parish family. Each of our three Saturday funerals included a lunch in Holley Hall. The ways so many of you pitch in to demonstrate the love at the heart of our community is seen and deeply appreciated. Thank you.

 

3. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you: the music at Christ Church is exceptional. Time and again I receive feedback from funeral congregants on the quality of music they experience when worshipping with us. This is not by accident or happenstance. Our musicians work diligently to ensure a level of excellence and aid us in offering our very best to God. While always tricky to single out individuals (and risk offending others), I hope you will join me in recognizing the particular efforts of Diana Greene and Shannah Yerofeyev at our last three funerals. Leading worship with them is a gift.

 

4. I observed several of you this month attending the funeral of someone you did not know. I noticed, and several family members noticed. Never underestimate the impact and power of your presence. Standing beside grieving family and friends not because we knew their loved one, but because we are siblings in Christ, demonstrates our faith in a concrete and profound way.