The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised.

The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love had entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.

May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace,
and may light perpetual shine upon them.

First Steps

Planning a funeral or memorial service to honor, remember, and celebrate loved ones who have passed away can feel overwhelming. St. Andrew's assists families during these difficult times by providing support, comfort, and help in designing a meaningful memorial service or funeral.

If you are searching for more information on end of life care and decisions, please visit the Episcopal Health Ministries page.

Preparing instructions for your funeral relieves one burden from your family at what will be a very difficult time. A Funeral Planning Form to help you with that planning is available. After you have completed this form, please mail a copy to St. Andrew's, Attention: Parish Administrator, or scan and email it to office@standrewsaa.org and we will keep it on file.

The Memorial Garden

The St. Andrew's Memorial Garden is available as a final resting place for the ashes of members of St. Andrew's and their families. The fee for the Memorial Garden is $750 through December 31, 2024.

On January 1, 2025, the price of a space in our Memorial Garden will increase from $750 to $1,000. You can purchase a space at the current price until December 31, 2024. On January 1, 2025, the cost will increase to $1,000.

For more information on reserving a space, please contact our Parish Administrator.

The Memorial Garden is open during the church's office hours and during services.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following information is offered in the hope that it will assist you at this important time in properly honoring the departed, adequately expressing your grief and finding the comfort that faith can give you. Please make your decisions in consultation with the priest of the parish.

About the Service

Where will/should the service be held?
All funerals are properly held in the church. The presence of the "company of saints" and the symbols of the faith are a great source of strength.

How is the coffin or urn presented during the service?
The coffin is covered by a pall during the church service. If the deceased has already been cremated, it is appropriate to have the urn present during the service. An appropriate covering is provided.

Who provides flowers for the service?
The family may purchase altar flowers for the church service, or request that some of the flowers which have come to the funeral home be brought to the church.

Where can I find the order of service?
The liturgies for the Burial of the Dead are found in the Book of Common Prayer, pages 469 (Rite I) and 491 (Rite II).

Which scripture readings are used?
You are invited to choose the scripture readings for the service from the list of Suggested Readings. It is appropriate for persons other than the officiating clergy to read them at the service. When the liturgy is set in the context of Holy Eucharist, the clergy will read the Gospel.

Reception Options

Is there space available for a reception?
Members of the church can provide tea, coffee, and cookies for a reception in the lounge or parish hall after the service, where you can greet your friends in a relaxed atmosphere. A donation to cover the cost would be greatly appreciated. As an alternative, you can arrange to have a reception catered.

Is there space for my family to meet privately before the service?
Typically, family members gather in the lounge before the service so they can be ushered into the church together. The family may choose alternatively to greet those attending the funeral as they arrive.

Fees

The bench fee for the Director of Music is $300. Dr. Deborah Friauff, the Director of Music and Organist, will provide appropriate organ solos as prelude and postlude music, as well as music during communion. Should you wish to have vocal solos, Dr. Friauff can suggest several qualified singers; their fees are set individually.

Memorial Funds and Donations

Should friends make contributions to the St. Andrew's Memorial Fund, they will receive acknowledgements from the church. The Parish Administrator will send you the names and addresses of such persons, should you wish to thank them.