well i have to be a priest for a funeral in a school play i really dont know what to say
do i say we are gatherd here today plz help me
just make sure its not hugly long( tonnes of paragraphs)
2007-12-03 06:21:42 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A priest of other officiating minister at a funeral is there to do several things.
Reaffirm the feelings of the congregation
Comfort the family and friends
Offer hope to the living through God
Invite the unchurched
Reaffirming the feelings of the congregation is to recognize in words that everyone is probably sad and missing the deceased.
Just a few words is all that is needed, like these:
"Family, friends, and visitors, we are all here today for one of life's sad occasions. We are here to pay our final respects to --------------, to mourn our loss, and grieve together."
Next, the priest or minister is there to comfort the family and friends of the one who has died. Many times, the family chooses someone to speak who actually knew the deceased, so in your play, you may be grieving yourself.
Comfort is given by reassuring the family that judgement is given by a loving and fair God, and is based solely upon the life of the person who has "gone on home". Also, even if the person had made mistakes, it is what is in their heart that God reviews. The speaker may, if he has personal knowledge, share some of the things that the deceased did during life that showed their level of faith. Perhaps something like this will do:
"We know that God has called -------------- home into eternal rest, based upon the life s/he led. I remember watching ----------------- serve in the church by ------------------ faithfully every Sunday. Remembering ---------------- right now sharpens our grief, and hurts. But our God has given us the power to remember because by remembering, we are comforted in time. So for today, remember and let the tears flow. But for tomorrow, remember and let your joy in remembering flow."
Offering hope is also a good thing. This adds to the comfort. This might work:
"Every person has an appointment with God. We do not know the hour or the day of that appointment, and we cannot cancel it or get out of it, but it will come. There is no need to fear this time if we live our life the way God has asked us to."
This leads right into the invitation part. Here is an invitation:
"If you are not currently in the church, it is never too late to find out what God is all about. Join us after the service where we can show you all you need to know."
2007-12-03 06:59:24 · answer #1 · answered by Barry F 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just remember maybe a few of the children or adults attending have probably lost love ones, so if you do try to put a little bit of comedy into it don't use toilet humor or make it disrespectful. Remember break a leg and have some fun
2007-12-03 06:41:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Psalm 23 is pretty standard reading at a funeral - check out an online Bible for full transcript.
2007-12-03 06:28:48 · answer #3 · answered by stoopid munkee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to make up your on lines? Cool!
On this occasion, we have gathered in remeberance of a freind and nieghbor that has let us here and gone to another place. For those that know him/her well, we know where he is and how he is doing. for those that are just here, maybe there can be some words of encouragement for you also.
its kinda hard if I don't know the background and what the "theme" is.
God Bless
2007-12-03 06:32:18 · answer #4 · answered by xgarmstrong 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you, I would want to get a sense of it by interviewing a priest. I'm sure he would offer you some good words to use.
Peace
2007-12-03 06:25:44 · answer #5 · answered by docjp 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to all;
Then recite:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the
paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death; I will fear no evil: for thou
art with me; thy rod and thy staff they
comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the
presence of mine enemies: thou anointest
my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all
the days of my life; and I will dwell in the
house of the Lord for ever.
psalm 23 - bible - psalm of david
Then do "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust" and sprinkle some ash over the grave.
2007-12-03 06:27:26 · answer #6 · answered by Holly Carmichael 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it's a play why aren't they giving you lines?
2007-12-03 06:24:31 · answer #7 · answered by MiaOMya 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you ask for money when no one is looking........
2007-12-03 06:25:09 · answer #8 · answered by jesussaves 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
just ham-it-up.
2007-12-03 06:24:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋