The Lutheran Funeral Service
The most common Lutheran funeral includes worship in church with the body of the deceased present. However, should this not be possible, adaptations can be made to accommodate the situation, and the pastor can help you make the necessary arrangements.
A traditional Lutheran funeral service is composed of the following basic elements: hymns, litany, Old Testament reading and New Testament reading, Gospel reading, Apostle’s Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. Holy Communion is also often celebrated at the funeral and is not limited to the participation of family and mourners but is extended to all communicants present at the service.
The most common Lutheran funeral includes worship in church with the body of the deceased present. However, should this not be possible, adaptations can be made to accommodate the situation, and the pastor can help you make the necessary arrangements.
A traditional Lutheran funeral service is composed of the following basic elements: hymns, litany, Old Testament reading and New Testament reading, Gospel reading, Apostle’s Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. Holy Communion is also often celebrated at the funeral and is not limited to the participation of family and mourners but is extended to all communicants present at the service.
Eulogies And Tributes
A eulogy, which should reflect on the deceased’s religious life, may be delivered at the funeral service but is not required. In fact, because Lutherans stress salvation by grace and not by works of the deceased, they generally avoid eulogies.
Instead, Lutheran pastors will often work details about your loved one’s life of faith into the message they deliver about grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. Customs may vary between regions and church bodies, so it’s best to consult with your pastor about this.
Post-Funeral Reception
A luncheon or reception after the funeral service is common, and offers mourners a chance to connect with each other and reflect on the life of the deceased. If any mourners have further eulogies or tributes that they would like to deliver, the post-funeral reception is an appropriate time.
A eulogy, which should reflect on the deceased’s religious life, may be delivered at the funeral service but is not required. In fact, because Lutherans stress salvation by grace and not by works of the deceased, they generally avoid eulogies.
Instead, Lutheran pastors will often work details about your loved one’s life of faith into the message they deliver about grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. Customs may vary between regions and church bodies, so it’s best to consult with your pastor about this.
Post-Funeral Reception
A luncheon or reception after the funeral service is common, and offers mourners a chance to connect with each other and reflect on the life of the deceased. If any mourners have further eulogies or tributes that they would like to deliver, the post-funeral reception is an appropriate time.
