The United Methodist Service of Death and Resurrection and Service of Committal focus on the proclamation of the Christian hope in the resurrection of the dead and in Christ’s resurrection as pledge for that hope.
Within these services United Methodists also acknowledge death, support family and friends in their grief, remember the deceased, and pledge to continue to be a source of strength and comfort to all who mourn.
By contrast, “celebration of life” services, largely the product of the American funeral home industry, focus primarily on the deceased. They have their place, particularly for those who were not part of any Christian congregation. But they do not do what a service of Christian burial does.
This content was produced by Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications.
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Within these services United Methodists also acknowledge death, support family and friends in their grief, remember the deceased, and pledge to continue to be a source of strength and comfort to all who mourn.
By contrast, “celebration of life” services, largely the product of the American funeral home industry, focus primarily on the deceased. They have their place, particularly for those who were not part of any Christian congregation. But they do not do what a service of Christian burial does.
A United Methodist funeral remembers and honors those who died. But the life it celebrates more than any other is the life of the Risen Lord and our hope in eternal life because of his resurrection.
This content was produced by Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications.
