This is the liturgy we used during Starbucks funeral. It was very meaningful. Copy/paste it somewhere because you'll never know when you might need it!!
0 God, you created all that is, and you love all that you have made:
we come to you this day in grief and with thanksgiving. We grieve the death of our beloved Starbuck, who has been our companion on the way, and we thank you for the gift of his presence among us as an effective sign of the richness of your creation and of the generosity of your love; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Most merciful God, comfort us in our grief. Surround us with your love, that we may not be overwhelmed by our loss, but have confidence in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
One or more of the following or other appropriate passages from Holy Scripture may be read. A reading from non-biblical Christian literature may follow the biblical Reading(s).
Genesis 1:1-3; 19-25(26-31) (God creates all living creatures)
Genesis 2:18-20a(20b-25) (Adam names the animals)
After the Reading(s), the Officiant or other person appointed may give a brief homily. After or in place of the homily, those who are in attendance may be invited to speak words of remembrance or consolation.
The following form of the Prayers of the People may be used, or other appropriate prayers may be said.
In peace, let us pray to God.
0 God our Maker, from the beginning you have permitted us, the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, to name our brother and sister creatures of earth, sea, and sky: We commend Starbuck to the arms of your everlasting love. Amen.
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
Minister and People
0 God of compassion, have mercy upon us; forgive us for our mistreatment and neglect of the creatures with whom we share this garden earth, for what we have done to harm them, and for what we have left undone to help them; we are truly sorry and fully repent, and we ask you to fill us with your Spirit, that we may care for one another, and for all your creatures, according to your will and in the fullness of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Most merciful God, we return to you Starbuck, a creature of your own making and your gift into our lives. We praise you for his beauty and strength, for his grace and power; we thank you for his faithful companionship in our joys and sorrows; and we bless you for the time during which you entrusted him into our care. Receive now Starbuck back into the arms of your everlasting love, 0 Giver of life, through whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ all that is lost to death is restored to life, and in whose Name we pray. Amen.
The Officiant concludes with one of the following:
The grace of our Savior Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen. [2 Corinthians 13:14]
_______________________
And with that: I lay to rest my sweet Starbuck
No comments:
Post a Comment