Methodist funerals

Methodist beliefs about death

Methodists believe the death and resurrection of Jesus give both hope and cause for thanksgiving in the face of death. The published teaching is notably direct: at death life entirely ends, as it did for Jesus, and God then raises us to a life everlasting. Christians receive resurrection bodies rather than earthly ones.

Two further emphases shape the tone of a Methodist funeral. Salvation is open to everyone, not to a chosen few, and no one is beyond the reach of God’s love. And assurance rests not on our own feelings but on the promises of a faithful God. Together these make the service hopeful.

Methodist funeral ceremonies

The funeral liturgy comes from the Methodist Worship Book, and it provides more than most families expect: prayers in the home or hospital straight after a death, an office of commendation for those who cannot attend, a vigil the evening before, funeral services, and a separate service for the burial of ashes.

A minister conducts the funeral. Lay pastoral visitors may lead the prayers at home or in hospital. Methodism has always given lay people a major part in the life of the Church.

Methodist funerals are warm and participatory, and the singing is the heart of them. Here's what to expect:

• The Methodist Worship Book: The authorised service book of the Methodist Church in Britain, published in 1999, containing the funeral and related services.
• Singing the Faith: The Methodist Church’s current authorised hymn book.
• A Vigil: The printed rite for the evening before the funeral, held in a home, a church or a chapel of rest.
• Office of Commendation: The rite for those unable to attend the funeral, written with deaths abroad in mind.
• The Ministry of the Word: The section of the service containing the psalm, gospel, further reading and sermon.
• Commendation: The section in which the person who has died is commended to God. The service may end here.
• Committal: The concluding section at crematorium or graveside, with separate texts for cremation, burial and committal to the elements.
• Service of Thanksgiving: A church service following the committal, the same day or later. The printed Methodist alternative to a single combined funeral.
• The Connexion: The Methodist term for the whole Church, of which local churches are part rather than being independent.
• Local preacher: A trained lay preacher. Lay people lead many Methodist services and take a major part in church life.

The cost of a Methodist funeral in the UK depends on the funeral director, the church, and the cemetery or crematorium you choose. Just over half of Methodist funerals are cremations. Because few Methodist churches have their own burial ground, a burial usually means a municipal or private cemetery, or a natural burial site, each with its own fees. Where you choose a committal followed by a separate service of thanksgiving, there are two occasions to plan for. Your local Dignity funeral director can talk you through everything that is included, and the costs.

At Dignity, we’re here to support people of all religions and none. We can arrange Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Quaker, Orthodox, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and Sikh funerals. Call your local funeral director today to talk about your needs.