Funeral Services
Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of death: Grant to us, your servants, so to follow in faith where you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully in you and wake up in your likeness; for your tender mercies' sake. Amen.
from The Book of Common Prayer, "Burial of the Dead, Rite II," p. 504
Funeral Services
When death is imminent, it is important to notify the office or the clergy directly as soon as possible. Even if someone’s final moments on this earth may be uncertain, the clergy should be called so that comfort, prayers, and other rites can be arranged. Priests and lay people at St. John’s are always ready to visit or offer Holy Communion at home for anyone who is too sick to come to church.
St. John’s uses the funeral services found in The Book of Common Prayer – Rite I, p. 469, or Rite II, p. 491. For more information about funeral planning at St. John's, see below.
Do not hesitate to contact the clergy at any time with any questions about our funeral services.
Advance Planning
Clergy in the Episcopal Church are required to instruct “all persons to make wills, while they are in health.” In addition to other kinds of advance directives, it is also helpful to plan one’s own funeral or the funeral of a loved one in advance. Family members and friends often find comfort in knowing that someone we love has thought about death and considered how she or he would like to be remembered. Please contact the office or the clergy if you or someone you know would like to discuss any of these matters.
Funeral Planning
St. John’s uses the funeral services found in The Book of Common Prayer – Rite I, p. 469, or Rite II, p. 491.
Please reference the information links below about planning a funeral, including customary readings and hymns.
The clergy is available to consult with you and provide you with any additional information or answer any questions you may have. Do not hesitate to contact them at any time with any questions about our funeral services.
The Memorial Cemetery
The Memorial Cemetery of St. John's Church is situated along Rte. 25A in Laurel Hollow approximately one mile west of the Church. The cemetery is administered the Vestry’s Cemetery Committee and managed by the resident superintendent, John Papa. Due to limitations of space, burials are limited to St. Johns’ parishioners, clergy and the immediate family of plot owners.
Readings for Funerals and Memorial Services
OLD TESTAMENT READING
He will swallow up death for ever Isaiah 25:6-9 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over…
Read More »Hymns for Funerals and Memorial Services
Other choices are possible, in consultation with the clergy.
Entrance Hymns
208 The strife is o’er
287 For all the saints
388 O worship the King, all glorious above
390 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation
526 Let saints on earth in concert sing
637 How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord
680 O God, our help in…
Funeral Fees and Offerings
Church Offering
Suggested offering of $500 – check payable to St. John’s Church.
Clergy Offering
Suggested offering of $300-500 – check payable to St. John’s Church with Rector’s [or Curate’s] Discretionary Fund in memo line.
Organist Fee
$250 – check payable to St. John's Church with Carol Weitner, Organist in memo line.
Musician Contracting Fee - If outside musicians a…
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