Christian Burial
At the Time of Death
Call St. Andrew’s church to report a death to the Priest, who makes preliminary arrangements and contacts the Parish Administrator. The Parish Administrator, in turn, handles many of the specific arrangements which will need to be made in the following days. After Church hours, Father Spencer’s cell phone number is 305-586-1086. The Priest is happy to come to the home or hospital to talk and pray with those who are bereaved. If death is not sudden and unexpected, we hope that the family will have been in touch with the priest prior to death.
About Grief
All funerals are services in thankful memory for the life of the deceased. The Book of Common Prayer states that the body (casket or ashes) will be present for this thanksgiving. St. Andrew’s clergy and those who have accomplished serious academic work on the reality of grief agree that this not only provides a way to honor the dead, but also begins the process of accepting the reality of death and a swifter movement toward the healing of grief. Nonetheless, please know that a Memorial Service, the Burial Office without casket or ashes, is also acceptable.
Undertakers
Following a long-standing custom in Miami, parishes often recommend undertakers familiar with the specifics of burial in a given setting. The clergy and staff of St. Andrew’s recommend Stanfill Funeral Homes, 10545 S Dixie Highway, telephone number 305-667-2518.
Flowers
If floral decorations are desired, St. Andrew’s asks that they be limited to three bouquets on the altar; generally white or mixed garden colors. These may be ordered by the Church and billed to the family, or they may be ordered by the family from florist suggested by the Parish Administrator.
The Pall
The Book of Common Prayer prescribes that the coffin be covered with a pall (a handsome embroidered cloth provided by the parish) during the funeral service. It is also acceptable to have the coffin covered with the American flag. This use of the pall or flag symbolized a great truth at the heart of the church’s ministry: that we are equal in God’s sight. Over the years, a pall or flag has covered the remains of the celebrated and the unknown, each of whom is loved by God.
Music
Music makes a vast contribution to the richness and meaning of the service. The Parish Organist is available to play for every funeral and is available to make any other music arrangements. If desired, a soloist, a choir of four voices, and/or instrumentalists are available. Requests for an organist other than the Parish Organist can be approved by the Rector and the Parish Organist. In such cases, there will be a “bench fee”. Hymns are strongly encouraged in the design of the service for the beauty and joy they bring. Easter hymns and other bright and triumphant hymns are most appropriate for the burial office. The following are offered simply as suggestions. Please know that family hymns, children’s hymns and service hymns are also appropriate.
180 He is Risen
482 Lord of all Hopefulness
199 Come, Ye Faithful
516 Come Down, O Love Divine
208 The Strife if O’er, the Battle Done
541 Come Labor On
287 For All the Saints
550 Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult
356 May Choirs of Angels Lead You
618 Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
358 Christ the Victorious
645 The King of Love
383 Fairest Lord Jesus
657 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
390 Praise the Lord
662 Abide With Me
410 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
671 Amazing Grace
439 What Wondrous Love
680 O God, Our Help in Ages Past
460 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
688 A Mighty Fortress is Our God
473 Lift High the Cross
691 My Faith Looks Up to Thee
Scripture
The Burial Office generally includes three lessons, one from the Old Testament, one from the Epistles, and one from the Gospels. Other non-scriptural readings which relate to the Divine may be used, but only after consultation with and permission from the officiating clergy. One or two Psalms may be used after one or more of the lessons. They may be said by the whole congregation in unison or read by the officiating clergy. Scriptural suggestions are
Old Testament Lessons
Job 19:21-27a
Isaiah 25:6-9; 61:1-3
Lamentations 3:22-26, 31-33
Wisdom 3:1-5, 9
Psalms
23, 42, 46, 90, 106, 116, 121, 130, 139
Epistles
Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39
I Corinthians 15:20-26, 35-38, 42-44, 53-58
II Corinthians 4:16-5:9
Thessalonians 4:13-18
I John 3:1-2
Revelation 7:9-17
Revelation 21:2-7
Gospel Readings
John 5:24-27
John 6:37-40
John 10:11-16
John 11:21-27
John 14:1-6
remote participation
It may be that some family and loved ones are able to be physically present at the funeral. This may be due to age, illness, or distance. It is fitting for these participants still have a role in the service. Scriptures and or prayers can be read remotely in multiple various locations as they are projected into the sanctuary in real-time. Multicontinental funerals are common at St. Andrew’s. They illustrate our common humanity where the living are connected to the dead through Jesus Christ. Livestreaming of the service via YouTube and FaceBook is also appropriate.
Homily
Following the reading of the Gospel lesson, a homily (a brief sermon) is preached at the discretion of the officiant and in consultation with the family. The homily in Christian tradition grows both out of the lessons chosen for the service and the life of the deceased. In the Service, we come together before God with our grief, our questions, our hopes and our most valued feelings as Christians. Thus, to bring together the life of the deceased with the hope of the church, it is especially important for family members and friends to share with the officiating clergy those aspects of the life for which we are giving thanks. This allows the officiating clergy to weave into the service a strong sense of the person being remembered.
Eulogies
Eulogies are discouraged at St. Andrew’s, in the sense of statements in the course of the liturgy that simply list life achievement of the deceased are, consciously or unconsciously, out of concert with the Christian theme of the Resurrection. Nonetheless, brief reflections about the deceased as a Christian pilgrim are occasionally appropriate. The clergy ask that a written text or outline be submitted a day in advance of the service and authored in such a way as to blend favorably with the powerful themes of the Book of Common Prayer service: Love, Hope, and Resurrection.
Assisting Clergy
Episcopal clergy and clergy from other denominations are welcome to assist in the conduct of funerals at St. Andrew’s at the invitation of St. Andrew's clergy. The St. Andrew's officiating clergy will extend the proper invitation and make the visiting clergy welcome and comfortable. Only St. Andrew's clergy or an Episcopal Bishop may officiate.
Reception
Arrangements may be made with the Parish Administrator to provide a modest reception immediately following the service in the Parish Hall.
Interment at St. Andrew’s
Interment at St. Andrew’s is available in a beautiful Columbarium in the Chapel. Limited space is available to Communicants in Good Standing of St. Andrew’s Church. Please see the office for an application and pricing.
FEES AND HONORARIA
Church Rental………………………….….Free for Members and Nonmembers
Organist……………………………….…….…$300 (optional service)
Bench Fee for Guest Organist….…$300 (optional service)
Soloist:…………………………………….…….$200 (optional service)
Hand Bell Choir…………………………..…$250 (optional service)
Livestreaming……………………………..… $400 (optional service)
Hall Rental for reception………………..$1,000 (Free for Pledging Members)
Kitchen in addition to the hall……….$400 (optional service)
Priest…………………………………………….… At your discretion (usually $300-$500)