Readings

Religious Readings

Every faith tradition has passages from its sacred literature that have served to comfort and inspire those facing difficult times or the end of life on earth. We suggest you speak to a member of the clergy from your church, or ask us to contact a someone who may be able to advise you on your behalf.

Spiritual & Lay Readings

Some families find comfort in sharing a reading with those in attendance whose message reflects their personal beliefs, or that of the deceased. There are many collections of spiritual readings available at bookstores and online. Here are some examples you may wish to consider:

Click for Sample Readings

Music

Remember, the only rule about music for a Memorial Service is that it should provide a loving and positive remembrance of the deceased. Using lively music can add wonderful moments to the service if they reflect the individual you are remembering.  Look into various types of music: classical, religious or inspirational, patriotic or military, and popular.

A Beautiful Mind  (Jim Brickman)  
Because You Loved Me  Celine Dion
Dance with My Father (male)  Luther Vandross
For Such a Time As This  Wayne Watson
Hero  Mariah Carey
How Do I Live Without You  Leann Rimes or Trisha Yearwood
I Hope You Dance  LeeAnn Womack
I'll Remember  Madonna
I Will Always Love You  Whitney Houston
I Will Remember You  Sarah McLachlan
It Was Your Song  Garth Brooks
My Heart Will Go On  Celine Dion
Remember When  Alan Jackson
Some Sweet Day  Mariah Carey & Boys 2 Men
Somewhere Over the Rainbow  Isreal Kamakawiwo'ole
Stand By Me  Ben E. King
Thank You  Ray Boltz
Thank You  Dido
The Dance  Garth Brooks
The Golden City  Phil Baggaley & Ian Blythe
There You'll Be  Faith Hill (Pearl Harbor Soundtrack)
These Are The Days  Natalie Merchant
To Where You Are  Josh Groban
What a Wonderful World  Louis Armstrong
When I Look to the Sky  Train
When You Believe  Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston
Wind Beneath My Wings  Bette Midler
You're Still Here  Faith Hill
Blessed  Martina McBride
Piece Of My Heart (goosebumps)  Keri Noble
Answered Prayers (goosebumps) Keri Noble
Angel (gulp) Sarah McLachlan
I will remember you  Sarah McLachlan 
Exile  Enya
In My Life  the Beatles
Imagine  John Lennon (the Beatles)
Tapestry  Carole King
You've Got a Friend  James Taylor
Celebrate  Kool and the Gang
Bridge Over Troubled Water  Simon and Garfunkel
Songbird  Fleetwood Mack
You've Gotta Have Friends  Bette Midler
I Will Remember You  Sarah McClachlan
Old Friends  Simon and Garfunkel
Here Comes the Sun  George Harrison (the Beatles)
Tears in Heaven  Eric Clapton
Time of Your Life (R.E.M.)
Sunshine of my Life  Stevie Wonder
You Lift Me Up  Josh Grobin
Wasted Time  The Eagles
Let it Be  the Beatles
Times Like These  Jack Johnson
Keep Me In Your Heart  Warren Zevon
Will I See You In Heaven  The Jayhawks
Sky Blue & Black  Jackson Browne
Yellow  Coldplay

You may find the following resources helpful: http://www.patmcnees.com/work21.htm

Eulogies

A eulogy is a very personal piece of writing that acknowledges the life of a person who has passed away. They often include positive memories and loving details that the writer as well as the audience will remember.

Eulogies are often read at Celebrations of Remembrance, or at more traditional funeral services. They are optional, and need not present a burden to anyone who is grieving who would prefer not to have this responsibility.

Download a form that will help you write a euology.

There are also services who can assist you if you feel it is appropriate. For example,

http://www.lovingeulogies.com

http://www.words2touch.com/eulogy.html

http://www.eulogyhelpdesk.com  

Shared Memories

Supply small cards and pens near the Guest Book, with a note asking those entering the Service to write a fond memory or loving description of the deceased. At an appropriate time in the Service, ask the officiant to invite those who wish to stand and read their cards aloud.

A Good-Bye Letter

Writing a good-bye letter to the deceased can be comforting and healing as well. Sometimes, the writer will choose to share that letter, or parts of it, at the funeral or memorial service.

Photo Collages  

After a loved one dies, many people find that putting together photo collages of the deceased’s live is very healing. This is especially true when the loved one experienced a long, degenerative illness. Sharing highlights from that person’s life before they became ill is a wonderful way to remember them, and often brings back happy memories.

The easiest way is simply attaching the photos randomly to poster board or foam core. They can also be organized chronologically, or by stages and phases. When time allows, some people request that other family members and close friends bring a photo to the service to add to the collage. Many will choose to leave these photos. Eventually, you can put all of these photos into a special keepsake album.

Slide Shows  

If time allows, or if someone in the family is familiar with the process, a selection of the best photos from the deceased’s life can be turned into a video tribute or a slide show. Set to music, such as Israel Kamakawiwo’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow or Sarah McLachlan’s Ordinary Miracle, a well-done tribute such as this can recall the loved one’s spirit in a way that is joyful and healing.

Memorabilia  

A tasteful display of items relevant to the deceased’s life can make a visitation or memorial service even more personal. We will be happy to set up a covered table for you where you can put your loved one’s graduation pictures, diplomas, service commendations and medals, framed wedding picture or album, and sports trophies or works of art—anything that represents a milestone, talent, achievement or special event in your loved one’s life.

Small Gifts  

When time allows, some families will choose a small gift to give to each person as they leave the funeral or memorial service. For example, a small perennial plant such as a forget-me-not, or votive candle would be appropriate.