Funerals for Non-Denominationalist

[JesusFreak877]

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[Dottie]

:wave: Hello to everyone here. I am a non-denominational (ex Catholic/Baptist) and I don't currently attend a particular church. The last church I attended was a Catholic church and before that a Baptist church but I can no longer attend church for various reasons, one of them being that I no longer believe in denominations and prefer to go by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit since most churches in my area are compromising the Gospel in some way.

So I wanted to know if other non-denominationalists like myself belong attend a certain church or if not, how would you go about planning for your funeral and make known your wishes in the event of death to your family? Does this even matter since it has more to do with religious rite than just trusting in the Lord and living by his Word?

Although I am hoping I have time on earth left as the Lord allows, the older I get, the more conscious one becomes of one's mortality and I am confused about this issue so any comments or suggestions would be helpful!

Thanks and God bless!

JesusFreak877It looks like you and I are almost in the same boat here, as I have no particular church that I attend regularly either. So . . . . the following are my instuctions to whomever might survive me: 1. A short visitation for anyone who might want to come, at the funeral home that takes care of the arrangements. 2. A private grave-side gathering for immediate family only. If any of those present would like to say a word or sing a song or whatever, then that is fine with me, if it makes them feel better.

There is a song with some words that express my feelings towards big "to do's" about funerals. It goes something like this;

When time has come for my parting, And this life's work is through;
Don't spend your money for flowers, When just a rose will do!

[JesusFreak877]

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[RVincent]

When I die, my spirtual body will be in a better place (Ecc. 12:7 1 Cor. 15:44 2 Cor. 5:8).

Therefore, they can take my flesh body and prop it up in the backyard for all I care. I won't be needing it.

[twistedsketch]

Find a good church, and you won't have this problem :)

[BarbB]

I agree with twistedsketch. It's taken me 3 years but I have 2 churches (I'm a snowbird). I love them both - one a Church of God and another Christian & Missionary Alliance. I don't think they could be more different. I chose them for the teaching I receive1

Anyway, it's VERY expensive to have your funeral at the funeral home - like $500 and up, $500 for flowers, more for music, etc. Churches are free and the pastor gets an honorarium. I would be cremated, except that I now don't believe in it! :D

[BarbB]

When I die, my spirtual body will be in a better place (Ecc. 12:7 1 Cor. 15:44 2 Cor. 5:8).

Therefore, they can take my flesh body and prop it up in the backyard for all I care. I won't be needing it.

You are too funny, RV! What if we propped you up with a corn sheaf in the front yard to scare trick or treaters away? :P

[New_Wineskin]

I desire to be cremated and no funeral .

[JesusFreak877]

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[StevenL]

You've been baptized into the Body of Christ. No need to go looking for a "good church." :) Find some like-minded believers who want to seek and worship God, study the Word, be filled with the Holy Spirit, live a holy life, and have a blast in Jesus.

As for the funeral thing, I'd just let them put my carcass (good riddance) in the cheapest box they can find and put me in the ground. I don't even want anybody lolling around staring at my body. I don't want any "reverends" around telling people what a good man I was, how I treated my cat well, and loved music. I'll be gone so none of this will matter to me at all. If my wife just has to look at my dead tent, that's ok, but I don't want anyone else ogling it. I always wondered who told preachers they were supposed to "officiate" at funerals anyway. I hear them say, "Well, I have to go "preach" a funeral today." What the heck does that mean? :D Ok. So I'm cynical about funerals. Silly business if you ask me.

[JesusFreak877]

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[StevenL]

You have a great weekend too 877. The Lord bless and keep ya!

[Celticflower]

I plan to be cremated. I would like a simple memorial service where those who wish to can share their favorite memory of me. We did this at me Grandpa's viewing and got to laughing so much that one of my aunts stopped to apologize to the funeral director because there was another funeral in the room across the hall. She was afraid we might have offended someone. The funeral director said he wished more viewing/visitations where like ours instead of the endless crying and wailing like from the other room.

Celtie

[The Lord is my banner]

A funeral, to my mind, has nothing much to do with the person in the coffin.
They have already departed for their final destination, and can neither benefit from nor disapprove of the proceedings.

So, in a sense, it doesn't matter from the deceased's point of view, so those of you who don't want any ceremony are not wrong.

Do spare a thought, though, for the people who love you.
The funeral is usually a very important part of the grieving process for those who are left behind.
It is also a precious opportunity for the love and grace of God to be spoken of and shared, not least toward unbelievers who may be present.

With this in mind I think it would be a pity if we don't allow our friends and families the opportunity of experiencing a true Christian funeral.

I haven't given any real thought to my own plans yet, but probably should do so.
I would hope that God would somehow reach unbelievers attending my funeral.

Blessings, Susana