An Order for a Funeral Service for a Child
(Psalm 103:13)
(Isaiah 66:13 )
(Isaiah 40:11a)
(John 10:11,27-29)
Alternatively, the minister may use this preface, or one of his own devising:
We have come together to worship God; to thank him for his love, and to remember the life of N......., to share our grief over the loss of this child and entrust him into the eternal care of God.
We meet in the knowledge that in Jesus Christ death is not the end and that we can be enabled with his help to face it without fear, or desperation, or guilt.
Psalm 23 is said or sung.
Eternal God our Father, whose love knows no end; please help us, through this service, to know that you are close to us.
As we hear your promises help us to believe them and accept the comfort they offer.
Let our faith be deepened even through our loss so that we may be spared bitterness, doubt or unending sorrow and find your lasting peace. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The following Psalms or Psalm portions are suitable: Psalm 121; Psalm 39:4-8, 12; Psalm 42; Psalm 90:1-6, 10, 12; Psalm 130.
One or more of the following passages is read:
(Mark 10:13-16)
(John 14:1-6, 27)
(2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
(Matthew 18:2-5, 10-14)
An Address may be given.
Prayer of Thanksgiving:
Gracious God, we thank you that nothing can separate us from your love, neither death nor life, nor things present, nor things to come.
We thank you for all that you have done for mankind through Jesus Christ.
By giving him to live and die for us, you have revealed yourself, you have shown the depth of your love.
By raising him from the dead, you have promised that those who trust in him will share his resurrection-life.
Grant us, then, that confidence in you which, even at the time of our distress and bewilderment, clings to your guiding hand and so finds strength and comfort.
We thank you for the love and joy N....... brought with him and produced in us, and for the coming of your Son who brought life and hope into the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer.
Where the Committal is to be in another place, this part of the service may end with a hymn, and an ascription of glory, such as:
(Jude 24-25)
Having expressed our trust in God's loving care, we now commit N.......'s body to the ground/to be cremated, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, [in the certain hope of eternal life, /to await the resurrection of all the dead on the Last Day,] through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Romans 8:38, 39)
(Revelation 7:17)
Loving Father, whose Son is the resurrection and the life, give us comfort in this time of deep sadness. Let us rest in your peace and look for your purpose being fulfilled now and in the future. Remind us day by day that in everything, you work for good with those who love you and are called according to your purpose. Help us now to live our lives within your love and peace until at last we are united with all your children in the happiness of your eternal kingdom: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.