The central part of a Christian Funeral is to give comfort and hope to the grieving family and friends of the one called to heaven and who is now in the Hands of our merciful and loving God.
Comfort and hope is given through the beautiful words of the Bible that tell of the Resurrection and Eternal Life with Jesus Christ. Our hope is that we know that we will meet again in heaven.
A funeral or memorial service can remember the life of the deceased and be a celebration of their life, the celebration of the grace of God given to that person. We remember the good times and the bad. We can smile, we can weep. We can worry, we can relax. When we are sad and lonely, it is good for family and friends to surround us and give us support. The Christian funeral is an opportunity to do that.
A funeral can be a simple family affair, or a public event. The ceremonies and customs are very important. We humans must express our grief and show our love. Flowers, messages of condolence, gifts, music, etc. are all important. The wake, the funeral service, the cremation or internment are all done with reverence, respect, and prayer.
Okinawa Lutheran Church welcomes small funerals. We will work with the family and funeral director to make this a special day. A service at home or at a funeral hall is also appropriate.
If there is to be any hope, any comfort, or any peace, the center of the Christian Funeral must be Christ, the cross of Christ, his death, resurrection, and his promise of eternal life.
A donation to the pastor and to the church for the use of the chapel is expected.
Please contact the church for an appointment to talk about a funeral. Church Telephone (098-933-5535) or e-mail (okiluth@gmail.com)。
(The Okinawa Lutheran Church’s Columbarium is reserved for Church Members and their families.)