Cornerstone Chapel

"The Wedding Officiant"

Christian Funeral or Memorial Service

 

Weddings

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Wedding Officiant, MA & RI

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Ordained Non-denominational Ministers

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Minister

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Wedding Locations

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Spiritual Wedding versus Religious Wedding

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Marriage License Laws

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Wedding Time Table

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Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

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Wedding Packages

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Personalized Wedding Ceremony Suggestions

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Wedding Music Suggestions

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Testimonials

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Wedding Supplies

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Wedding Photo's

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Biker Wedding

Baptism Baby Dedication

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Baptism

Christian Funeral or Memorial Service
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Christian Funeral or Memorial Service

Independent Study Program

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Biblical Studies Course 1

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Biblical Studies Course 2 

Reciprocal Links                    

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Links                                 

                                                         

Planning 

Planning the funeral of your loved one or dear friend is never an easy task. Saying goodbye to a loved one is very difficult to do. Everyone  grieves in their own special way, some breakdown in tears while others show no sign of remorse what-so-ever because they are in denial or shock. We all hold our pain in different ways. Oftentimes family tension adds to the stress during an already emotionally burdensome period. Family may begin arguing, they may hold together and become stronger, they may deliberately eliminate family and friends whom they feel were not active enough in the life of the deceased. Remember that losing a loved on affects everyone. 

Memorial Service as a Celebration of the person's life

Begin thinking of the service as a celebration of the person's life. It should be dignified and respectful without being depressing and morbid. Along with mourning, there should be room for expressions of joy—even laughter.

Choosing a Minister to Officiate the Service

If your loved one was a member of a specific church, they would most likely want you to ask their pastor or minister to officiate the service. If the deceased was not affiliated with a church and had not actively practiced in their faith they may still have wanted a Christian Funeral/Memorial Service. We can officiate the service for you. We  have 20 years experience and a good collection of funeral/memorial services.  We will work hand-in-hand with you to created a beautiful service that your deceased family member or friend who of liked. A service that fits their personality and belief system. 

Parts of the Service you can include

bulletSongs, music, poetry, bible readings (Not all funeral services have to have that quiet tear jerking music.  I recently officiated a service where they played country western, and oldies because that is what the deceased wanted. Also, the deceased was a biker and I was also asked to lead the procession from the funeral home to the VA National Cemetery on my motorcycle with another biker.
bulletEulogy
bulletSpecial speakers or singers 
bulletPhotos of your loved one or family you would like displayed.
bulletCharity or a benefit in lieu of flowers

Preparing a Eulogy

A typical eulogy is about 5 minutes in length. Here you have options, someone can read their eulogy at the beginning of the ceremony, another eulogy can take place mid-service, yet another near the end of the service. (It is recommended to leave the emotional elements for the end of the eulogy.) 

Additional tributes given by family or friends should be limited in length to keep the service from going too long. Young children and family members may want to write down a few sentences to be read aloud by the minister or the person giving the eulogy.

Sample Eulogy Outline

The following is a sample eulogy outline to aid you in preparing the necessary information.

Outline of a Eulogy

bulletBrief history including birth date, place of birth, parents, grandparents, siblings.
bulletWhere did they grow up? What was their childhood like?
bulletWhere did they go to school?
bulletProfessional and career accomplishments?
bulletWho did they marry? When and where? Children and grandchildren.
bulletHow long were they married?
bulletSignificant life accomplishments.
bulletPersonal interests, hobbies, achievements.
bulletCharacter qualities, Christian service, and how they affected other lives.

Special Remembrances

A table is often provided for the family to place special remembrances, photographs and other memorabilia during the service. Be sure to think about what you might want to display. Take some time to gather these items and make arrangements with the funeral coordinator.

 

 

Cornerstone Chapel

" The Wedding Officiant"

Auburn, MA    Worcester, MA    Stoughton, MA  Brockton, MA     Fairhaven, MA    Providence, RI

(508) 984-1846   (401) 453-2141

 

info@TheWeddingOfficiant.org

 

Member Fairhaven Clergy Association

Copyright 1983 - 2008 Cornerstone Chapel and the Wedding Officiant