St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
“Series on Death and Dying: #7”
Coordinated and Led by Rev. Deacon George Snyder
Sunday, October 26, 2003
The session began with George noting that this would be the final week of the series on Death and Dying and that the topic of discussion would be selecting funeral hymns, preludes, and postludes. The planning booklet contains a list of recommended hymns, which are also listed here for reference. From “The Hymnal 1982”: A Mighty Fortress Is My God (688); Abide With Me (662); All Things Bright And Beautiful (405); Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, The Strife Is O’er (208); Alleluia, Sing To Jesus (460); Amazing Grace (671); Be Thou My Vision (488); Blest Are The Pure In Heart (656); Come Down, Oh Love Divine (516); Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind (652); Eternal Father, Strong To Save (608); Fairest Lord Jesus (383); For All The Saints Who From Their Labors Rest (287); God Of Grace And God Of Glory (594); God Moves In A Mysterious Way (677); Holy, Holy, Holy (362); How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place (517); I Am The Bread Of Life (335); I Want To Walk As A Child Of The Light (490); Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (425); Lord Of All Hopefulness, Lod Of All Joy (482); Love Divine, All Love Excelling (657); Morning Has Broken (8); My Faith Looks Up To Thee (691); Now Thank We All Our God (396); Now The Day Is Over (42); O Bless The Lord (411); O Jesus I Have Promised (655); O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee (659); Praise My Soul, The King Of Heaven (410); Praise To The Lord, The Almighty (390); Rock Of Ages (685); Savior, Agin To Thy Dear Name (345); The King Of Love My Shepherd Is (645); We Walk By Faith (209); What Wondrous Live Is This (439); Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones (618). From “Lift Every Voice And Sing”: God Be With You Till We Meet Again (234); I Come To The Garden Alone (69); I Need Thee Every Hour (192); Just A Closer Walk With Thee (72); Nearer My God To Thee (54); O Lord My God, When I In Awesome Wonder (60); On A Hill Far Away – The Old Rugged Cross (38); Precious Lord, Take My Hand (106); Softly And Tenderly (101); Soon And Very Soon, We Are Going To See The King (14); Spirit Of God, The Living God Fall Fresh On Me (115); The Lord Is My Shepherd (104); There’s A Sweet, Sweet Spirit In This Place (120); What A Friend We Have In Jesus (109); When Peace Like A Rive Attendeth My Way (188). And Also, From “Wonder, Love, And Praise”: Eagle’s Wings (810); You Dwell In The Shelter Of The Lord (810).
Mike then explained how it was important that the hymn support the theme of the liturgy since music is an integral part of the service. Other songs desired by the family (which can include contemporary, non-Christian type of songs) can also be sung as preludes or postludes, or by a soloist. The audience at a funeral service is typically not the same as a Sunday service. Thus, when selecting hymns, that should also be taken into consideration. Once again, by pre-planning for this occasion, you can take more time to really think about what may be appropriate. As noted on page 507 of our Prayer Book, “The liturgy of the dead is an Easter liturgy… Here again, the hope and joy of eternal life as well as the sorrow of those left behind are both touched upon.
George noted that some of the details of the service might change slightly depending upon who the priest is. He then thanked everyone for coming. The attendees were also very appreciative for all the work put into the sessions by George, the usefulness of the materials, and for the excellent planning booklet. The group then retired to the Sanctuary where Kathy Stahlman graciously played a number of the hymns listed above. One last question arose, related to the filing of the planning documents in the church office. It was noted that St. Mark’s would work on obtaining a secure, locking-type file for any parishioners wishing to keep them on file in the office, since some of the materials in the booklet is of a confidential nature.
