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Belief on Death and Funeral Practices

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Agenda

  • Introduction
  • Opening Questions
  • Scripture References
  • Process of Death
  • What We Don’t Believe
  • Pre-Funeral Tips
  • The Funeral
  • After the Funeral

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Introduction

Belief on Death

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Opening Questions

  • Opening Questions about Death and Afterlife
    • What is Death?
    • Do you have to be saved to get to heaven?
    • Do you have to be baptized to get to heaven?
    • Why does God allow death?

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Scripture References

  • Ecclesiastes 12:7
    • Discusses the return of the spirit to God
  • Acts 7:59
    • Stephen's prayer to Jesus to receive his spirit
  • Psalm 146:4
    • Speaks about the spirit departing and thoughts perishing
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
    • Addresses the resurrection of the dead in Christ
  • 2 Corinthians 5:6-8
    • Paul's confidence in being away from the body and at home with the Lord

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Process of Death

      • Die
      • Body is Left on Earth
      • Sprit Returns Home or Eternal Damnation
      • Second Coming of Christ
      • Dead in Christ Raised First
      • Living in Christ Second

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What We Don’t Believe

    • Concept of a temporary state after death

Purgatory

    • Selection of saved or those damned

Pre-Destination

    • Uncertain or changing final outcome

Fluid Destination

    • Criticism or disapproval of cremation practices

Condemnation on Cremation

    • Refusal to acknowledge or express sorrow

Denial of Grief

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Pre-Funeral Tips

  • Barriers
    • Social Taboos around Death
    • Misunderstanding of Grief and Support
    • Family Strife
    • Selfishness & Comparisons
  • The Process
    • Notification of Death
      • Visit with Family
        • Listen: Bring notes, ask to record session, provide comfort and support, identify family leader
        • Plan: provide template, be patient, go over plans multiple times, know boundaries, understand the nature/temperature of the family

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Pre-Funeral Tips

    • Get Familiar
      • With Deceased
      • With name of Deceased
      • With Small Details of the Deceased
      • With Order of Service
    • Write Eulogy
      • Personable
      • Brief
      • Hopeful
      • Invitational
    • Call Family
      • Day before funeral for any last-minute changes

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The Funeral

  • Funeral Home Director
    • Open vs. Closed Casket
    • Destination of Flowers
    • Handling/Seating of the Family
    • Committal Details
  • Greet Family
    • Pray
    • Exhort
    • Lead
  • Family Hour
    • Start on Time
    • Use Your Resources: AME Zion Book of Rituals
    • Lead the Family
    • Give the Family/Friends space

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The Funeral (cont.)

  • Funeral
    • Start on Time
    • Be Uplifting
    • Use Stories/Analogies
    • Be Patient and Flexible
    • Keep Order and Decorum
    • Be Respectful of Time

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  • The Committal
    • Drive Your Own Car
    • Identify yourself to the funeral directors
    • Use Your Resources: AME Zion Book of Rituals
    • Share 5 or less encouraging parting Word

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After the Funeral

  • Attend the Repass if Invited
    • Show support by being present
    • Offer condolences to the family
  • Call the Family Within a Week
    • Express your sympathy and support
    • Offer help if needed
  • Refer to Grief Counselors
    • Recommend professional help if necessary
    • Provide contact information for counselors