This may seem like a strange article to write as we anticipate the celebration of the resurrection, but it grows out of my pastoral experiences, not just of the recent weeks, but throughout my ministry. Too often I do not have the opportunity to talk to persons about their death and their wishes for burial until it is too late. When I am contacted by the family, if their loved one has not done pre-planning, the survivors are at a loss to know what his/her desires may be. Or, if the arrangements have been made with a funeral home, thought has not been given as to the funeral or memorial service. Too often the family is so overcome with their grief that they cannot think about hymns or scriptures, poems or readings, that they would like to have included in the service.
