Christians live in light of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a central doctrine of our faith and shapes our attitudes and responses to the event of death. We claim the promise of resurrection, the promise of glad reunion with God and with those whom we love.

Still, we know that “death brings loss, sorrow, and grief to all. In the face of death Christians affirm with tears and joy, the hope of the gospel. Christians do not bear bereavement in isolation but are sustained by the power of the Spirit and the community of faith” (Book of Order, W-4.10001).

This resource is intended to aid active church members in decision making at the time of death, or to assist in planning for the eventuality of one’s own death. We make such plans knowing that the plans themselves bear witness to our faith. Funerals or memorial services are only for active church members.

In the face of human finitude and death, I invite you to hear once again the Apostle Paul’s assurance that “neither death, nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will ever be able to separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 8:39).