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.
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.
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.
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.
356 May choirs of angels lead you
358 Christ the Victorious, give to your servants rest
492 Sing ye faithful, sing with gladness
618 Ye watchers and ye holy ones
620 Jerusalem, my happy home
623 O what their joy and their glory must be
624 Jerusalem the golden
625 Ye holy angels bright
208 The strife is o’er
680 O God, our help in ages past
688 A mighty fortress is our God
690 Guide me, O thou great Jehovah
608 Eternal Father, strong to save (Navy hymn)