Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church
5615 SW 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
Funeral Planning
I, _________________________________________, request that the following be carried out in the event of my death. I direct my family or other responsible parties to respect the instructions laid out below.
Service Type: (see note below)
- Traditional Funeral (At church. Pastor officiating)
- Memorial Service (At funeral home. Pastor officiating)
- Celebration of Life (At funeral home or other location. Pastor not participating)
I desire:
- Burial with Casket
- Visitation/Funeral Casket and Cremation
- Cremation
If Traditional Funeral:
- Stand-alone, traditional service
- Within the context of Matins or Vespers
- Within the context of Divine Service / Communion
I would also desire:
- “Commendation for the Dying”, if possible, prior to death
- Private “Visitation with the Family” prior to the service
Meal/Refreshments: please communicate number anticipated with the Funeral Committee
- Meal before the service
- Meal after the service
- Refreshments for the family during Visitation
Location of Visitation: ______________________________________________
Location of Funeral: ________________________________________________
Location of Committal: _____________________________________________
Preferred Funeral Home: ____________________________________________
Clergy: ____________________________________________________________
Organist: __________________________________________________________
Other Music: _______________________________________________________
Pall Bearers: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Confirmation Verse / Text for Sermon: _______________________________
Scripture Readings: (See attached suggestions) ____________________________________________________
Hymns: (See attached suggestions) ________________________________________________________________
In selecting hymns/music, please keep in mind that a Lutheran Funeral is about giving glory to God in Jesus Christ for the resurrection of the dead. Think “Easter”.
Notes:
A Traditional Lutheran Funeral is a worship service. As such, the focus of our attention is on Jesus Christ and the gift of life and salvation He has freely given to our loved ones. It is only in Jesus that we can find full comfort. As such, a Traditional Lutheran Funeral looks forward in anticipation to the return of Christ, the physical resurrection of the body and life everlasting on the Last Day for all who believe.
A Celebration of Life is not a worship service. Its focus is on the individual who has died. Christ is an afterthought, and His work of salvation is replaced by the celebration of the individual who has died. Apart from some commentary on the perceived goodness of the individual, it gives no lasting encouragement, looks only backward, and thus has no place in the last rites of the Christian.
Any changes, additions, or deletions will be made in consultation with the Pastor of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Des Moines.
This document will be kept at the church office and the chosen funeral home, together with the Obituary page. It would be wise to keep a personal copy to review with the Pastor of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church from time to time and as the necessity arises.
_________________________________________
Name
_________________________________________
Date
_________________________________________
Pastor
_________________________________________
Date
Suggested Scripture:
Psalmody:
- Psalm 16 (v. 8a) You make known to be the path of life
- Psalm 17:6-15 (v. 15b) When I awake I will be satisfied
- Psalm 23 (v. 4) I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
- Psalm 25:1-5, 15-20 (v. 20a) Guard my soul and deliver me
- Psalm 27 (v. 13) I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
- Psalm 31:7-24 (v. 5a) Into your hands I commit my spirit
- Psalm 34:1-9 (v. 9) Fear the Lord, you his saints
- Psalm 39:4-13 (v. 7) My hope is in you
- Psalm 42 (Ps. 43:3b) Let them bring me to your holy hill
- Psalm 46 (v. 7) The Lord of hosts in with us
- Psalm 63:1-8 (v. 1b) My soul thirsts for you
- Psalm 65:1-8 (v. 4a) Blessed is the one you choose and bring near
- Psalm 71:14-24 (v. 20) From the depths of the earth you bring me up
- Psalm 73:23-28 (v. 24) Afterward you will receive me to glory
- Psalm 84 (v. 4) Blessed are those who dwell in your house
- Psalm 90 (v. 14a) Satisfy us with your steadfast love
- Psalm 102 (v. 28a) The children of your servants will dwell secure
- Psalm 103:1-18 (v. 4) He redeems your life from the pit
- Psalm 116:1-9, 15 (v. 15) Precious in the sight of the Lord
- Psalm 118:1-21 (v. 20 This is the gate of the Lord
- Psalm 121 (v. 2) My help comes from the Lord
- Psalm 122 (v. 1b) Let us go to the house of the Lord
- Psalm 126 (v. 5 Those who sow in tears will reap with joy
- Psalm 130 (v. 1) Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord
- Psalm 139 (v. 18b) When I awake I am still with you
- Psalm 143 (v. 11a) For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life
- Psalm 146 (v. 2a) I will praise the Lord as long as I live
Old Testament Reading:
- 2 Samuel 12:15b-23 King David looks to the resurrection of his son
- 1 Kings 17:17-24 Elijah raises the widow’s son
- 2 Kings 4:18-37 Elisha raises the Shummanite’s son
- Job 5:6-7, 17-26 Job’s friend speaks of God’s wounding and healing
- Job 14:1-17 Job speaks of his mortality
- Job 19: 21-27 Job confesses his faith in the resurrection
- Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 Remember your creator
- Isaiah 25:6-9 The Lord will swallow up death forever
- Isaiah 26:1-4, 19 You dead will love
- Isaiah 35:3-10 Sorrow and sighing will flee away
- Isaiah 40:6-11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd
- Isaiah 40:27-31 He gives strength to the weary
- Isaiah 43:1-3a, 25 Fear not . . . you are mine
- Isaiah 46:3-4 Even to your old age I am he
- Isaiah 49:13-16 I will not forget you
- Isaiah 53:1-12 The man of sorrows
- Isaiah 57:1-2 The righteous find rest
- Isaiah 61:1-3, 10 Comfort all who mourn
- Isaiah 65:17-25 New heavens and a new earth
- Jeremiah 31:15-17 Rachel mourns for her children
- Lamentations 3:22-33 His compassions never fail
- Daniel 12:1-3 Those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake
Epistle
- Romans 5:1-11 Christ died for us
- Romans 5:17-21 Justification brings life for all
- Romans 6:3-10 Baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection
- Romans 8:14-23 We share in Christ’s sufferings and glory
- Romans 8:31-39 Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Chriat
- Romans 14:7-9 Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 In Christ all will be made alive
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 Death is swallowed up in victory
- 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 The one who raised Jesus from the dead will raise us
- 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 Away from the body and at home with the Lord
- Philippians 3:8-11 Knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection
- Philippians 3:20-21 Our citizenship is in heaven
- Colossians 3:1-4 You have been raised with Christ
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 The dead in Christ will rise first
- 2 Timothy 2:8-13 If we died with him, we will also live with him
- 2 Timothy 4:6-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race
- Hebrews 2:14-18 By his death he destroyed death
- Hebrews 4:6-11 The Sabbath rest of God
- Hebrews 11:1-2, 13-16 Aliens and strangers on earth
- Hebrews 12:1-3 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus
- Hebrews 13:12-14, 20-21 The God of peace who raised the Lord Jesus
- James 4:13-17 What is your life?
- 1 Peter 1:3-9 A living hope through the resurrection of Christ
- 1 John 3:1-2 We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is
- Revelation 7:9-17 Standing before the throne in front of the Lamb
- Revelation 14:13 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord
- Revelation 19:4-9 Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding of the Lamb
- Revelation 21:1-7 A new heaven and a new earth
- Revelation 22:1-5 The Lord God will be their light
Holy Gospel
- Matthew 2:13-20 Herod murders the Holy Innocents of Jerusalem
- Matthew 5:1-12 Blessed are you…
- Matthew 11:25-30 Rest for the weary
- Matthew 18:1-5, 10 Unless you turn and become like children
- Matthew 25:31-40 Come, take your inheritance prepared for you
- Matthew 27:45-54, 28:1-6 Jesus’ death and resurrection
- Mark 5:35-43 Jesus raises the daughter of Jairus
- Mark 10:13-16 Little children are brought to Jesus
- Mark 15:33-39, 16:1-6 Jesus’ death and resurrection
- Luke 2:25-32 Lord, let your servant go in peace
- Luke 2:36-38 Anna spoke to all looking forward to the redemption
- Luke 7:11-17 Jesus raises the young man of Nain
- Luke 12:16-21 This night your soul is required of you
- Luke 16:19-31 The angels carried him to Abraham’s side
- Luke 23:33, 39-43 Today you will be with me in paradise
- Luke 23:44-49; 24:1-6a Jesus’ death and resurrection
- John 3:16-18 God so loved the world
- John 4:46-53 Come down before my child dies
- John 5:24-30 He has passed over from death to life
- John 6:27-40 I will raise him up on the last day
- John 6:51-58 Whoever feeds on my flesh has eternal life
- John 10:11-16 I am the Good Shepherd
- John 10:27-30 I give them eternal life
- John 11:17-27 I am the resurrection and the life
- John 11:32-45 Lazarus, come out!
- John 12:23-28 Whoever hates his life in this world will keep it
- John 14:1-6 I am the way, and the truth, and the life
- John 19:16b-18, 25-30 Jesus’ death
Suggested Hymns:
Hymns, as well as all music in the funeral or memorial service, reflects the glory of God in Jesus Christ.
- 438 A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth
- 878 Abide With Me
- 596 All Christians Who Have Been Baptized
- 753 All For Christ I Have Forsaken
- 601 All Who Believe And Are Baptized
- 477 Alleluia, Alleluia Hearts To Heaven
- 633 At The Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
- 467 Awake My Heart With Gladness
- 697 Awake, O Sleeper, Rise From Death
- 676 Behold A Host Arrayed In White
- 725 Children Of The Heavenly Father
- 509 Christ Is Surely Coming
- 458 Christ Jesus Lay In Death’s Strong Bands
- 420 Christ The Life Of All The Living
- 605 Father Welcomes
- 677 For All The Saints
- 742 For Me To Live As Jesus
- 607 From Depths Of Woe I Cry To Thee
- 597 God's own child I gladly say it
- 740 I Am Jesus Little Lamb
- 461 I Know That My Redeemer Lives
- 486 If Christ Had Not Been Raised From Death
- 724 If God Himself Before Me
- 748 I'm But A Stranger Here
- 7:45 In God My Faithful God
- 938 In Peace And Joy I Now Depart
- 755 In The Very Midst Of Life
- 672 Jerusalem The Golden
- 741 Jesus Christ My Sure Defense
- 490 Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won
- 743 Jesus, Priceless Treasure
- 708 Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart
- 484 Make Songs Of Joy
- 747 No Saint On Earth Lives Life To Self Alone
- 880 Now Rest Beneath Night's Shadow
- 552 O Christ, Who Shared Our Mortal Life
- 395 O Morningstar, How Fair And Bright
- 449 O Sacred Head Now Wounded
- 450 O Sacred Head Now Wounded
- 679 O How Blessed Are They
- 675 O What Their Joy
- 598 Once In The Blessed Baptismal Waters
- 671 Sing With All The Saints And Glory
- 508 The Day Is Surely Drawing Near
- 709 The King Of Love My Shepherd Is
- 710 The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want
- 758 The Will Of God Is Always Best
- 762 There Is A Time For Everything
- 482 This Joyful Eastertide
- 516 Wake, Awake, For Night Is Flying
- 760 What God Ordains Is Always Good
- 730 What Is The World To Me
- 764 When Aimless Violence Takes Those We Love
- 763 When Peace, Like A River
- 483 With High Delight Let Us Unite
Advent, Christmas, Epiphany options
- 397 As With Gladness Men Of Old
- 364 Away In A Manger
- 347 Comfort, Comfort Ye My People
- 349 Hark The Glad Sound
- 380 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
- 386 Now Sing We Now Rejoice
- 334 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
- 355 O Savior, Rend The Heavens Wide
- 376 Once In Royal David’s City
- 348 The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns
Christian Obituaries
An obituary may be printed and/or read. If it is read in the funeral service, it may occur before the Invocation or in connection with the sermon. Three options are provided below. They must be adapted according to circumstance and may be expanded to include additional information, such as the church and location of the deceased’s baptism and confirmation. When published, the place of burial may also be included.
- Lutheran Service Book: Agenda, p. 148-149
Example 1
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life immortality to light through the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through his servant's name.
Full name was given life by his/her creator and was born on date, the child of father and mother. On date, he/she received the gift of Holy Baptism and became a child of God. On date, he/she publicly confessed his/her faith and was confirmed. He/she received the precious gift of the Lord's life-giving body and blood. On date, he/she received the gift of a beloved companion in his/her wife/husband, name. He/She/They was/were blessed with the gift of children (a child), name of children (child). God blessed name’s life with special people as he/she served God in his/her vocations at home, church work, and in the community. Finally, on date, God blessed name with a holy death and took him/her home to rest in the arms of Jesus to await the resurrection of the dead
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. We give thanks to God our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord for our brother/sister, name.
Example 2
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life immortality to light through the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through his servant's name.
Full name, son/daughter of name of father and name of mother was born in name of city on date. He/She was baptized with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit on date. He/She confessed his/her baptismal faith in the rite of Confirmation on date and was admitted to the altar to receive the medicine of immortality, Christ’s life-giving body and blood. Name was joined together in holy matrimony to name on date. On date, name, at the age of blank years, fell asleep in Jesus. He/She is survived by blank. He/She is preceded in death by blank. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. We give thanks to God our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord for our brother/sister, name.
Example 3
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life immortality to light through the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through his servant's name.
Full name was born in location on date to parents name of father and name of mother. He/She was reborn as a child of God in the waters of Holy Baptism on date. On datehe/she was confirmed in the Christian faith and was fed the life-giving body and blood of Jesus. He/She was united in holy marriage to name of spouse on date and was blessed with blank years of marriage life together. God also blessed them with the gift of children/a child, name/names of children. On date, God called name home to heaven. He/She is survived by blank. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. We give thanks to God our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord for our brother/sister, name.