Memorial Service
This PDF is basic pattern that can be followed and adapted to each individual situation for a memorial service; sometimes choosing to include other appropriate scriptures, sometimes expounding the verses more than other times, sometimes sharing more or less about the loved one who has fallen asleep.
Memorial Service
Psalms 37:18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
Prayer
Thanking God for the life of the person who has fallen asleep and for His comfort for their family and friends.
Introduction
Introduce yourself. Welcome people and thank them on behalf of the family for their attendance, support, and expressions of love.
Eulogy
This is a time to remember and honor the life of the person who has fallen asleep. If you believe it is right in that particular situation, you may have some close family member or friend share briefly. Or you may choose to instead simply consult family members about what they would like others to know and remember about their sleeping loved one. Walk with God on this. Remember the service is to bring comfort to people not add to their sorrow, and lovingly direct others to remember that as well.
Scripture Message
Read and briefly expound the scriptures relevant to the hope. Below are some suggested ones. You may decide to include others instead or in addition to these. If you are not doing a graveside internment, you very well may want to include 1Thessaloninans 4:13-21 at this point.
In John 11:25
I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 51-58
“20 ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”
“51 ¶ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
Closing Prayer
Gravesite Internment
Brief reading of scripture and prayer.
I Thessaonians 4:13 – 21
Prayer
Benediction Ephesians 3:20