Funeral Planning
Music for the Service
Prelude Music
The prelude music helps to prepare mourners for the service to follow. Music with special meaning to the deceased or family members may be selected; consider preludes on favorite hymn tunes. The St. Stephen Martyr Lutheran church Worship Director is available to provide guidance in musical selection.
Hymns
Procession into the church A hymn of comfort, baptismal remembrance, or resurrection hope is appropriate.
Hymn following the sermon
A hymn that carries forth the images of the readings and sermon or is reflective of the life of faith of the deceased is appropriate.
Recession out of the church
A final hymn may be sung as the coffin is carried from the church, usually one of resurrection hope. It is appropriate for the recession to simply be accompanied by an instrumental musical selection.
Fees
Soloists - it is appropriate for special music to be provided by soloists or other instrumentalists. Fees will be determined by the musician and paid directly to the musician.
Organist ($150 paid directly to the organist.)
Sound & Video (If utilized $50, paid directly to the technician.)
Pastor Honorarium (suggested $200 - $300 paid directly to the Pastor)
Suggested Hymns for Christian Funerals
Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW), Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) and With One Voice (WOV).
Solo Favorites
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Psalm settings, especially of Psalm 23, 121, 42:1-7; 46:1-7, 143
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Shepherd Me, O God; Marty Haugen (Ps 23)
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Day by day
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On Eagle’s Wings; Michael Joncas
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Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace
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Lord’s Prayer
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Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling