Funeral Eulogy

Eulogy for a Mother

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things we can possibly go through. And grieving is nothing but a normal reaction to this. But we have to take care of some important matters like funeral arrangements. And we have to prepare for the eulogy speech, probably the most important and last favor we can give to our lost loved ones. You could use this as a guide in creating a eulogy for your beloved mother.

Start off with a personal situation you and your mother shared together. Maybe you have one special memory of her that stayed in your mind or a recent activity you did together. Share something about that experience; tell people what makes you remember that moment and what made it very significant to you and what impact it has on your life now. You can also describe how you felt and how you remember her during those moments.

Then you could talk about your mother’s character, how other people saw her compared to who she actually was. Share what kind of a person she was, as a mother to you and as a friend. Tell the people how she was at her best, how you saw her when you were still with her. You could also share every sacrifice she made and all the help she gave you to get you where you are today. Share all the good things you can remember that she did for you and other people. Try also to remember all her achievements and passions. Try to share all her favorite things and her mannerisms. 

You can end your speech by sharing things that make you thankful for having had a mother like her. You could also share your last moments with her; what you talked about and what she asked you to do. Share the things that you would like to continue on her behalf, and thank all the people who together with your family shared your grief and have offered a helping hand to help you get through this sad moment.

Writing a eulogy could help you ease your pain if not get over the grief you’re feeling. Losing somebody is never easy; and it is only harder when losing our mother. Sharing what you feel and being able to let people know who your beloved mother really was will be one of the best last gifts you can give her. 

http://www.eulogyspeech.net

Universal Life Church

Funeral Eulogy

How to write a funeral for a grandfather:

The essence of writing a eulogy for grandfather is to keep his memories alive and to make his legacy memorable, especially for those who know him well. A grandfather is someone who stands as the pillar of wisdom and strength in any family. For those who grew up with their grandfather, writing a eulogy for him may be something emotionally challenging.

The best way that you can start a eulogy for grandfather is to recall the memories you shared with him. Think about the special moments you had together or simply the everyday recollections that you have with your grandfather. Relate these with your audience and share with them the wisdom and lessons that your grandfather imparted to you. Make a picture of your grandfather as you know him. Express your love when delivering your funeral speech for him.

To help you, here is a short sample eulogy for grandfather:

"It was my grandfather who would always go with me to Sunday school. When I was a young kid, he wouldn’t read me tales about prince and princesses but he would read to me the stories of Noah and other heroes of the Bible. It was my grandfather who kept me strong when my dad died when I was eleven. Then on, he became my second father and loved me dearly everyday of my life. Today, as I stand before his funeral, I am not miserable or sad. I am happy that I have (his name) for a grandfather. Who I am and what you see today was a product of his love and hard work. He is a man of practical wisdom. Once, I remember him say to me …" (start relating memories and experiences with your grandfather here).

You can end your eulogy with one of your grandfather's favorite bible verse or a personal poem you made for him. 

http://www.eulogyspeech.net

Universal Life Church

Secular Gay Wedding Ceremony

Wedding Ceremonies
Secular Ceremonies Couples can choose to have a secular ceremony if they feel their faiths would conflict, if they have no particular faith or if they particularly want an agnostic or atheistic ceremony. One good thing about a secular ceremony is that you don't have to fit in with any regulations -“ most ceremonies are based around asking for a god's blessing, adapting church ceremonies to fit in with a couple's wishes. Secular ceremonies are solely about the couple's commitment to each other.

There are several types of secularist ceremonies. Humanist celebrants offer wedding ceremonies that concentrate on the power of the human spirit and do not invoke or refer to any type of religion, god or deity. Humanist celebrants in America are certified by a division of the American Humanist Association and will generally talk with couples to help them decide what they want their ceremony to be like.

Atheist ceremonies take a stand against religion, acknowledging that the couple come together for their shared love and do not ask the authority of any god to bless their union. Couples may have friends read passages of favorite texts to demonstrate the couple's feelings for each other.

Gay wedding vows for secular gay ceremonies can take any form a couple wishes, although it is generally a good idea to look at existing vows for inspiration. A couple may wish to include a favorite love poem or inspirational writing in their vows, as well as a list of promises to their spouse. 

Gay Wedding Ceremony

********************

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Funeral Ceremonies - Irish Wake

The Traditional Irish Wake
Universal Life Church
The term “wake” is interesting. Usually, when we “wake,” it’s morning, and we’re ready to start the day, but used in this context, it means to keep a vigil over the dead the night before the burial. It’s synonymous with the term “viewing” used in the modern funeral parlor industry. The wake is that period of time from death until the body is transported to the church for the funeral rites.

In the not-too-distant past, (and even today among some true die-hards, no pun intended) the Irish wake was generally held in the family home. The elder women of the neighborhood would arrive to wash, dress, and lay out the body. The body would be washed and dressed in a shroud or the best outfit. The deceased’s rosary was placed in the hands and a crucifix was placed at the head or on the breast. The body was laid on the bed, board, or table and a candle was lit.

People would come from near and far, and even though there were few telephones (Imagine that, if you can!) the “Irish telegraph,” was extremely efficient, and the news traveled very fast over long distances. This, of course, was in a time before television kept people at home. Before the TV took over, the Irish were extremely social, and visited each other often, just a short visit with not even a cup of tea taken, but with all the necessary news spread.

When the people come into the house they kneel by the body and say a prayer. Close relatives kiss the cheek of the deceased. Then the visitors greet the family and offer some comforting words. This part of the wake is very solemn and respectful.

The women, and sometimes some of the men, keen at the wake. Keening is a form of wailing that is interspersed with endearments, usually in Gaelic, addressed to the deceased. Keening is most intense if the wake is for a child. Keening is not like any other kind of crying. It is very difficult for me to describe. It’s loud and goes on for a long time. When one keener loses volume, another takes up the cant.

In the past, there was always snuff and tobacco, tea, food, and spirits (of the drinking kind), offered to all who attended the wake. Few people “take snuff” anymore, and tobacco, even the fragrant kind used in pipes, is falling out of favor, but they were definitely an important feature at wakes, as important as the tea, food, and spirits. The eldest boy in the house or the son of a close neighbor was given the honor of cutting the tobacco and filling the pipes.

The mourners move on to another part of the house to congregate, eat, drink, and talk. Even the most sorrowful mourner is inspired to raise a glass and remember the happiest of times in the life of the person who has passed. The company stays until late in the night with the recitation of the Rosary as the signal that the evening is over.

After the funeral, all the friends and relations drop by the house and partake of the vast quantities of food and drink that have appeared, as if by magic, into the house. Often, the family will arrive home and find that the house has been cleaned from top to bottom and every surface of the kitchen and beyond is weighed down with the best of food and drink. This is where the “Irish wake” stereotype comes from. The people gathered remember the life of the deceased, and the taller the story the better. A stranger would think there was a real hoolie going on, and in a sense there is: it’s a way to celebrate the life departed. There may be tears, but there’s plenty of laughter as well, as all the funny stories, happy times, and triumphs of the dead are shared and recorded in the memories of the living.

The tradition of the Irish wake is changing. Most people aren’t waked from home. A funeral parlor takes care of the arrangements. But still, the formula remains. People come from near and far to share the sorrow of those who are left behind, to celebrate the life of the departed, and faith in the life ahead.

http://www.bellaonline.com

********************

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Pagan Ceremonies

Pagan Ceremonies
Wedding Ceremonies

  Pagan wedding ceremonies, often called 'handfastings,' are a good option for couples who wish to celebrate the spirituality of their union without getting involved in the minutia of religious debate. Paganism is a religion that celebrates the holiness of nature. Worshipers do not follow a formal doctrine, and although committed Pagans gather to worship together the religion for many is more about an attitude to spirituality and the world.

A gay Pagan ceremony is fairly easy to organize. Couples can choose to track down a Pagan celebrant or instruct their own celebrant on how to conduct the ceremony. The celebrant will invoke the blessing of the God and Goddess, which are acknowledged to come in thousands of forms. The couple light a candle to honor the gods and signify the beginning of their new life. The couple may further invoke the blessings of the spirits by saying 'blessed be'. The celebrant will then conduct the handfasting ritual, asking the couple to join hands and wrapping the joined hands in a strip of red cloth. Gay couples may choose to have a rainbow hand fasting, using gay accessories of strips of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple cloth to represent the chakras and their sexuality. The couple then exchange vows, asking the sky and earth to bestow the union with their elements.

Couples who are interested in traditional paganism may choose to include a broom, to sweep away past hurts, and a chalice of wine, to represent their combined spirits. Pagan gay wedding ceremonies are particularly suited to the range of gay accessories available at the moment. Jewelry pieces that use color or flowing, circular designs will further invoke the elements of nature to bless the union of the gay couple.

Gay Wedding Ceremony

********************

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Gay Jewish Ceremony

1. Gay Jewish Ceremony Same-sex marriage is not supported in orthodox Judaism, but like most religions there are Rabbis that are willing to support a couple's union despite sexual orientation or interfaith issues.

American Rabbi Miriam Jerris advocates Secular Humanist Judaism and has adapted the Jewish wedding ceremony for gay couples. The different belief systems of Secular Humanist Judaism means that although religious traditions are incorporated into the gay wedding ceremony, the focus is on the human aspects of their union rather than on any particular religion.

Rabbi Jerris says that couples should select parts of the Jewish gay wedding ceremony that reflect the backgrounds of the couple, and incorporating rituals or symbols from their respective cultural or religious upbringings. In a typical Jewish-Christian gay wedding ceremony, for example, couples use a chuppah, or wedding canopy, and the ceremony involves the drinking of wine, a unity candle, readings, and a breaking of the glass. The significance, symbolism, and origins of these traditions is explained by the Rabbi to the gathered guests.

For Jewish couples, Rabbi Patricia Karlin-Neumann, also American, has adapted a traditional ceremony that acknowledges the different relationship of the gay couple while staying close to the religious traditions of a Jewish wedding.

Couples should talk to their local temple or contact gay-friendly Jewish groups for information on a Rabbi to conduct a gay Jewish wedding ceremony.

Gay Wedding Ceremony

********************

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Funeral Eulogy

On behalf of _______'s family I would like to thank you all for attending this service of respect and dedication for their beloved, _______. This ceremony of love and respect for their beloved _______. 

Death in a number of ways unites us all, and _______'s death for a time demands that each one of us put aside our toil, our cares and pleasures to unite ourselves with everyone here, mourners all who share in the common bond of love and friendship for _______. 

With our last thoughts and respect for _______, I think it is fitting that we should reflect on _______'s time with us and the influence he had in your lives. 

_______ was born the ____ child of __ children to parent's  _______ on _______, in _____ Hospital. He was educated at ______ elementary school and then at ______ High School. _______ enjoyed the friendship of many school mates and his love for sport such as _____ and  particularly, ______. 

Life was never dull with _______ around, his family recalls their times with laughter with love for _______. This was very special as _______ was known always to be the life and soul of any gatherings of family and friends. Above all _______ was a loving, caring family man. _______ recalls him busy ______ just when food was on the table and how much he enjoyed being outside in the garden. At Christmas, when he cut the traditional roast, often eating more than he was cutting. 

_______'s mother, Jean remembers the time when _______ decided to fly his kite off the family house rooftop, along with himself!!! 

_______'s father, _____ recalls the time that _______ loved riding his little trike and how he once rode it …………….

I would like to read a poem that is written by _______'s father of his love for his son. 

The joy of his birth filled our hearts with joy. We named him _______, his smile, his cheeky face, unfolded like satin lace. My heart is heavy now, the sorrow the grief will grow. I lost my son, his smile and cheek. God only takes the best, my love, my memories will never cease. 

I am happy I was chosen, to be your Dad, I will never let you go, my son _______.

_______'s friends will always remember him as a fun loving guy, who loved _________ and his always forever-willing ways. 

This tragic end to someone so full of life is sad, because we grieve most for the passing of the young. This very grief is a token that death cannot take from us, the most precious of treasures namely LOVE. It is the tear of love that flows the fullest. The pain of love that aches the deepest. The thoughts of love that move most actively. The intense feeling of loves that grieves for one so young. That nature it 'self is teaching us to keep hold of something, something that is truly worth keeping. For of all the memories, the memory of the young moves us more deeply than any other memories. 

You may like to take a few moments before we say farewell to _______, please think of him as you remember him, the loving person he truly was, and also his influence he made on your life, whilst we listen to one of his favorite song's. 

To _______'s parents, ________, his wife ______ and his children ______ and _______  and all the close family we offer our deepest sympathy and thank you most sincerely, for your love and support at such a tragic time of their lives. 

Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen.

Universal Life Church

http://funeralsfunerals.com

********************

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Funeral Poem #7

Funeral Prayer #7 
On Death
Kahlil Gibran

You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honor.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

Universal Life Church 

********************

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Pagan Handfasting Ceremony

Handfasting Ritual with Six Cords

Know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life you have formed ties between each other. As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real, the ideals which give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage. 

With full awareness, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent to be handfasted before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to your creative higher powers.

The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth.

Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?

Yes, We Seek to Enter.

In times past it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East. Communication of the heart, mind, and body Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South. Warmth of hearth and home The heat of the heart's passion The light created by both To lighten the darkest of times.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West. The deep commitments of the lake The swift excitement of the river The refreshing cleansing of the rain The all encompassing passion of the sea.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North Firm foundation on which to build Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives A stable home to which you may always return.

Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes those things which will help you build a happy and successful union. Yet they are only tools. Tools which you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union.

I bid you look into each others eyes.

[Groom's Name], Will you cause her pain?
I May (What was actually said was an emphatic yes)
Is that you intent?
No

[Bride's Name], Will you cause him pain?
I may
Is that you intent?
No

*To Both*
Will you share each other's pain and seek to ease it?
Yes

And so the binding is made. Join your hands
*First cord is draped across the bride and grooms hands*

[Bride's Name], Will you share his laughter?
Yes

[Groom's Name], Will you share her laughter?
Yes

*To Both*
Will both of you look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?
Yes

And so the binding is made.
*Second chord is draped across the couples hands*

[Bride's Name], Will you burden him?
I may
Is that you intent?
No

[Groom's Name], Will you burden her?
I may
Is that your intent?
No

*To Both*
Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?
Yes

And so the binding is made.
*Drape third chord across the couples hands*

[Bride's Name], will you share his dreams?
Yes

[Groom's Name], will you share her dreams?
Yes

*To Both*
Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes?
Yes

And so the binding is made.
*Drape fourth chord across the couples hands*

[Groom's Name], will you cause her anger?
I may
Is that you intent?
No

[Bride's Name], will you cause him anger?
I may
Is that your intent?
No

*To Both*
Will you take the heat of anger and use it to temper the strength of this union?
We Will

And so the binding is made.
*Drape fifth chord across the couples hands*

[Bride's Name], Will you honor him?
I will

[Groom's Name], Will you honor her?
I wil

l

*To Both*
Will you seek to never give cause to break that honor?
We shall never do so

And so the binding is made.
*Drape sixth chord across the couples hands*

*Tie chords together while saying:*
The knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making of breaking of this union.

*Once chords are tied together they are removed and placed on altar*

http://www.handfasting.info

********************

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

 

Funeral Poem

Funeral Prayer #6 
Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night
Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Funeral Ceremony

Universal Life Church

Elizabeth Anne (Beth) Galloway Sanders      Jan 21 1953 - Mar 3 2005

performed by her step-son Rev. William C. Sanders, Minister ULC.

Friends, I welcome you today to a service of celebration as we reflect upon the life of Beth Galloway Sanders. We remember her as a kind and spiritual friend who loved and lived for jesus christ and for making others smile with faces full of joy. To my father, she was a loving wife and shared with him her beautiful spirit, kindness, and deepest love. others knew her as a loving family member and friend always ready and willing to show her love for us all. often for no other reason but to see us smile, and because quite simply thats just the way she liked it.

 Beth shared her heart and love with each of us in her own unique way. We all new beth in different ways but we all new her as a kind, giving and special person. We will all take with us our memories of Beth as it is her way of living on in our lives.

in Rev. 22 , the Lord speaks to us " I am the alpha and the Omega" "The beginning and the end". As we are born into a life with christ and he is there to accept us at the beginning, so to is christ there to accept us at the end of our lives and to lead us on to an eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. we have lost a dear friend, wife, and family member who will be truly missed, but let us remain joyful and find comfort in knowing that she has left us safely in the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ whom she loved so much, and through whom she became the loving Beth that we all knew.

Let us pray : Lord we give unto you our hearts and pray for your healing grace in our lives.we pray for the spirit of our loved one whom has passed on to your care. we thank you for the gift of having your faithful servant in our lives, as we ask for strength and comfort for the things which we do not understand. this we pray...Amen

Rev. William C. Sanders "Pastor Will" San Antonio, TX

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Funeral Ceremony - Suicide

This funeral ceremony was for young suicide.  It was co-celebrated by an ULC Minister and a Catholic Priest. The parents of the boy are long divorced and estranged.  It was very painful.  But everyone said that they were comforted by the service. FUNERAL SERVICE FOR JEREMY November 13, 2007     Opening   (ULC officiant)     To everything there is a season. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to reap; A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; A time for every purpose under Heaven.    Ecclesiates 3:1-8     We gather here today to say goodbye to Jeremy, our beloved and loving Son, Grandson, Brother, Cousin, Nephew and Friend. We come together to share our grief, love and compassion. With heavy hearts we understand that Jeremy had a disease, an addiction that took him from us. We seek his forgiveness for our failures and to forgive him for his weaknesses so we can focus on a path to celebration. A celebration of our Jeremy who touched and charmed everyone who knew him. We will miss Jeremy, who was wonderfully intelligent, loving and always brought his unique perspective to any topic of conversation. The Jeremy that loved to challenge conventional wisdom, and enjoyed reading Philosophy and was interested in ancient Civilizations and cultures. We will always remember Jeremy's quick wit and the gentle caring love he had for his pets, especially Rocky, his boyhood friend, and most recently Roxy. We will all miss our beloved Jeremy and are here to celebrate the boy and man who enriched all our lives.     PRAYER FROM CHURCH    (Father John) ……   Scripture recited by the congregation       The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pasture, He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul, He leads me in the Paths of righteousness for his name sake.   Yea, though I walk through the valley of The shadow of death, I fear no evil, for thou Are with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.   Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies, thou anoints my head with oil, my cup runs over.   Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  23rd Psalm …..   Blessing of the Body       (Father John)   Music by Coldplay, "The Scientist" …..   Eulogy by the father   Where do I begin? I am not a writer. I am a father who has lost one of the most precious gifts god has ever given me. It seems like only a moment ago I was a child myself pushing the boundaries and limits my own parents tried to set for me. A moment has passed and now I stand here in a place I could never have imagined.  Jeremy my son so easy to love and yet at times he made it impossible to like him.  Jeremy was at times brilliant and beautiful, hateful and frustrating, funny and sarcastic.  He was hard on the people who loved him most.  Jeremy and I would say goodbye to each other on the phone when he was little, I would say I love you more than all the stars in the sky, he would say I love you more than all the sand on the beach, I would say all the leaves on the trees, this would continue for a short time until someone would declare a winner, usually (Jeremy).  Today I won't say goodbye because although the years will pass and I will struggle to take each breathe and live each day as if tomorrow may never come, it will only be a moment and I will be with you, my son.  I pray you are at peace and know how truly loved you are.  All the stars in the sky, all the sand on the beach.  It's a tie. Nobody won.   All My Heart         Your Dad …..   Poem read by the sister   When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little but not too long and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared miss me but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take and each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan- a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds, Miss me, but let me go. …..       (ULC officiant)   It is painful and difficult and happy and joyous to let go and it is time.  Godspeed, dear boy, may flights of angels guide thee to thy rest.      …..   (Father John)   Let us all rise, join hands, and recite the Lord's Prayer. …..   (ULC officiate)   We offer the opportunity for those who chose to come forward to say goodbye. …..   Amazing Grace sung by a cousin …..   (Father John)   The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance Upon you And give you peace. Submitted by Rev. Tony Grimwade ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  You can  become an ordained minister, for free,  and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link. This  online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.    Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Funeral Prayer

Funeral Prayer #5 
The Tempest, III, iv We are such stuff as dreams are made on ...
William Shakespeare

Our revels are now ended. These our actors,
As I foretold you, were all spirits and
Are melted into air, into thin air;
And like the baseless fabric of this vision,
The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
Yea all which it inherit, shall dissolve
And like this insubstantial pageant faded,
Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
As dreams are made on, and our little life
Is rounded in a sleep. 

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Funeral Poem

Funeral Poems : God Saw You Getting Tired

God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered,
“Come to Me”

With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay.

A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best

Universal Life Church 

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years as well as starting the Seminary.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral training, wedding ceremony training and free minister training.

Funeral Poem

Universal Life Church
Funeral Prayer #4 Dirge Without Music
By Edna St. Vincent Millay

I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground.
So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind:
Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely. Crowned
With lilies and with laurel they go but I am not resigned.

Lovers and thinkers, into the earth with you.
Be one with the dull, the indiscriminate dust.
A fragment of what you felt, of what you knew,
A formula, a phrase remains, but the best is lost.

The answers quick and keen, the honest look, the laughter, the love,
They are gone. They are gone to feed the roses. Elegant and curled
Is the blossom. Fragrant is the blossom. I know. But I do not approve.
More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world.

Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave
Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned.

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Funeral Poem

Funeral Prayer #3 Crossing the Bar
Alfred Lord Tennyson

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness or farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.


Funeral Prayer #4 Dirge Without Music
By Edna St. Vincent Millay

I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground.
So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind:
Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely. Crowned
With lilies and with laurel they go but I am not resigned.

Lovers and thinkers, into the earth with you.
Be one with the dull, the indiscriminate dust.
A fragment of what you felt, of what you knew,
A formula, a phrase remains, but the best is lost.

The answers quick and keen, the honest look, the laughter, the love,
They are gone. They are gone to feed the roses. Elegant and curled
Is the blossom. Fragrant is the blossom. I know. But I do not approve.
More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world.

Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave
Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned. 

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Funeral Poetry

Universal Life Church

Funeral Prayer #2 From the Ode To Immortality, Stanza IX
William Wordsworth

O joy! that in our embers
Is something that doth live,
That nature yet remembers
What was so fugitive!
The thought of our past years in me doth breed
Perpetual benediction: not indeed
For that which is most worthy to be blest--
Delight and liberty, the simple creed
Of Childhood, whether busy or at rest,
With new-fledged hope still fluttering in his breast:--
Not for these I raise
The song of thanks and praise;
But for those obstinate questionings
Of sense and outward things,
Fallings from us, vanishings;
Blank misgivings of a Creature
Moving about in worlds not realised,
High instincts before which our mortal Nature
Did tremble like a guilty Thing surprised:
But for those first affections,
Those shadowy recollections,
Which, be they what they may,
Are yet the fountain light of all our day,
Are yet a master light of all our seeing;
Uphold us, cherish, and have power to make
Our noisy years seem moments in the being
Of the eternal Silence: truths that wake,
To perish never;
Which neither listlessness, nor mad endeavor,
Nor Man nor Boy,
Nor all that is at enmity with joy,
Can utterly abolish or destroy!
Hence in a season of calm weather
Though inland far we be,
Our Souls have sight of that immortal sea
Which brought us hither,
Can in a moment travel thither,
And see the Children sport upon the shore,
And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore.

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

My First Funeral

Hello Rev Long,. 

My funeral was very unusual for me because it involved a ward/patient of mines.  I have been a licensed minister from a different denomination years ago but, I was never ordained.  Therefore I've never had the opportunity to officiate at any funerals, and had no preparation for any type of funeral services.  However, being an court appointed volunteer legal guardian for adults that have been adjudicated mentally incompetent by Probate Court had experience planning a funeral. Shortly after becoming an ordained ULC Seminary minister, one of my patient health started to deteriorate rapidly. I started to formulate a funeral plan and, select the funeral home and, I reach the part in the funeral planning process where I had to choose the officiating minister.

I left it blank.  I left it blank because it hadn't dawned on me that I was ordained and could now officiate the funeral myself.  However, after I had to get the patient's family involved with visitations and saying their "good-byes" I instantly remembered that I was ordained and, now providing Pastoral Care Services" to this family.  I filled in my name as the minister that would be officiating the funeral services.  I did all those things that you do with the family they try to come to grips with their family member that is either dying or deceased but, in this instance I was also part of the family because I was his guardian.  

We put together a nice small dignified funeral with the limited funds that were available and, the agency that I volunteered through as a volunteer guardian was notified of our plans. This is where I said the miracle of God's hand @ work. Days before the funeral was to take place the funeral director called me and said, he was able to verify my former patient had actually been a US Marine.  This gave us extra money for a proper burial in our state's "National Veterans Cemetery" and, that we now had 2 choices of caskets.  I invited the family to go to the funeral home to choice the casket and finalize the update funeral plans.  I also told the agency about the update in funeral plans and, I said this will be my first funeral as an ordained minister.  The agency had never had a "Volunteer Guardian" Officiate at any of their wards/patients funeral before and, now the funeral was going to our state's cemetery too.  This became a big deal and, now they wanted to get a news reporter involved provided that the family were ok with this.  Suddenly the little dignified gravesite funeral became something else, a real funeral that was now going to have publicity.  Now we are going to have a wake at the funeral home and, then an official Marine Corp graveside services which included a 21 gun salute.  

Fortunately the reporter wasn't available to cover the funeral so we had no press cover but, we had everything else.    I was happy to have been able to provide a message of hope and ask the family to let their reflections of their individual lives with this person, to speak a gift of God. To have been there to provide Pastoral Care Services to them during their loved one last days.  I gave a copy of my message to the agency which I volunteer but, I lost the written copy of the message.  However, I've not lost the message of the circumstance   It was a very powerful message to me and a confirmation of the ministry that I am called to do and, that is Pastoral Care Services to those that do not have a pastor.

Have you realized just how blessed you are right now?

Bishop C. T. Thonor-Kuykendall, ll,DD

Life's Ripples

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ceremonies

Othila Handfasting Ceremony   

Universal Life Church

This ceremony binds the hands of two individuals, for wedded life together. This ceremony can be performed for one year and a day,  at which time, a renewal of vows may be taken, or the couple can remain handfasted as long as they both shall live in love.

Altar and cauldron are decorated with flowers as the couple choose. Rose-oil, salt, and incense are placed on the altar  along with A white silk cord . The rings are also placed on the altar.

Friends and family can be seated just outside of the circle, where they can witness the act. Bridal party, including matron of honor, best man and parents, will be lined up inside of the circle. The broom for jumping is used to close the circle after the circle is cast.

Circle is cast and sangrial prayer is recited.

 Who comes to be joined together in the presence of the god and goddess? What is thou name o man?

Groom: my name is _________

Who comes to be joined together in the presence of the god and goddess? What is thou name o woman?

Bride: my name is _________

Who offers her hand to be joined to this man?

Father of the bride: “ I do, with no regrets”

__________ and __________ we greet you with joy.

Having made clear thy intentions to be joined together, as husband and wife, a joining not to be undertaken lightly, do you both swear today before these witnesses, that this is indeed thy intent and you  do make this commitment without reservation, and of thine own free will?

Couple: “ we do”

In the face of this woman, may you see the face of our gentle   mother  goddess. May you find love and warmth, and rest and peace. May you have balance and harmony through the ebb and flows of the tides of life. May you find the   source of healing,  and soothing waters when storms lay ahead.

In the face of this man, may you see the face of our great father   god,  may you find strength and protection, stability and endurance. May you   be provided for , with warmth and shelter when cold winds blow. May his   spirit give you courage, and desire.

Anointing of foreheads with rose-oil; with this oil your love is sealed, may the fragrance of flowers remind you always of the bloom of your love.

Taking bride’s right hand, the white cord is wrapped around her wrist, and tied with a single knot.

Repeat after me;

By seed and stem, flower and root, by life and love, in the name of the goddess, I, _________ take thee, _______

To my hand, my heart, and my spirit.  to love and respect, from this day forward, as long as we live in love together.

Taking grooms   left hand and tieing the other end of the cord to his left hand with a single knot,

Repeat after me;

By seed and stem, flower and root, by life and love, in the name of the god, I _______ take thee ,______

To my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to love and cherish, from this day forward, as long as we live in love together.

At this time the rings are blessed, place them in the dish of salt, to cleanse, and sprinkle a few drops of holy water to seal, these rings are a symbol of eternity and everlasting love and commitment. Wear them as a public display of your unending love and affection.

Groom; with this ring, I  wed  thee.

Bride;  with this ring, I wed thee.

Consecration of cakes and wine

As the lord and lady, have witnessed this act, so also has the sun, and moon and stars. The elemental guardians, and our friends and family have born witness   to this steadfast love, we are all blessed with this joy today, and close our circle, to begin the feast and merriment with this newest wedded couple. I now pronounce you husband and wife, let us welcome Mr. and Mrs. ________. 

                                                                                                         blessed be

At this time, the broom is at the  opening of the circle.  the couple  jumps  across the threshold as one. Their white cord is removed, and feasting begins.

Another option is for friends and family to form two lines and with their own brooms, sweep in front of themselves,  as the happy couple runs through the line to start the feast.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

You can  become an ordained minister, for free,  and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This  online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies. 
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar