Scriptures, Hymns and More
You can choose other poetries or stories as may be fitting to the occasion.

You may choose Scripture from this list of suggested readings, or you may offer other readings that reflect your loved one’s disposition toward the awareness of the sacred. These readings are suggested in the Book of Common Prayer. If you choose other poetry or stories in place of these readings, they will need to be approved by the clergy officiating the service for you. 

Overview Funeral Plans

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 laypeople at St. James are always ready to visit or offer Holy Communion at home for anyone who is too sick to come to church.

St. James 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. James 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. James Episcopal Church 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 the clergy at any time with any questions about our funeral services.

Choose Your Readings

Here you will find suggested readings for the service
  • Isaiah 25:6–9 (He will swallow up death forever)
  • Isaiah 61:1–3 (To comfort those who mourn)
  • Lamentations 3:22–26, 31–33 (The Lord is good to those who wait for him)
  • Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 (For everything there is a season)
  • Wisdom 3:1–5, 9 (The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God)
  • Isaiah 61:1–3 (To comfort those who mourn)
  • Job 19:21–27a (I know that my Redeemer lives)
  • Psalm 42:1–7
  • Psalm 46
  • Psalm 90:1–12
  • Psalm 121
  • Psalm 130
  • Psalm 139:1–11
  • Psalm 23
  • Psalm 27
  • Psalm 106:1–5
  • Psalm 116
  • John 5:24–27 (He who believes has everlasting life)
  • John 6:37–40 (All that the Father gives me will come to you)
  • John 10:11–16 (I am the good shepherd)
  • John 11:21–27 (I am the resurrection and the life) John 14:1–6 (In my Father’s house are many rooms)
  • Romans 8:14–19, 34–35, 37–39 (The glory of the Lord shall be revealed)
  • 1 Corinthians 15:20–26, 35–37, 42–44, 53–58 (The imperishable body)
  • 2 Corinthians 4:16–5:9 (Things that are unseen are eternal)
  • 1 John 3:1–2 (We shall be like him)
  • Revelation 7:9–17 (God will wipe away every tear)
  • Revelation 21:2-7 (Behold, I make all things new)

Hymns for Funerals and Memorial Services

Here are some of the common hymns used for funeral services. These are found in the Hymnal 1982.