Funerals

​The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
​Book of Common Prayer, Page 507

Call your Parish Priest

When there is a death in your family or a family member is near death, call the church.  If it is after office hours, please call the main church number, 770-993-6084, and follow the directions to contact the Priest-on-Call.  St. David's always has a Clergy member on call.  We want to support you and be with you at your time of loss.

Prayers and Readings:
Near death or at the time of death

The Book of Common Prayer provides prayers for the time when a person is near death (p. 462), and at the time of death (p. 462-463).  When possible, the family and friends join together in the Litany (p. 462) led by the parish priest or by a lay person if the priest cannot be present.
 

Funeral or Memorial Service

The priest will meet with the family to plan the service. The prayer book says that
“Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church.  The service should be held at a time when the congregation has an opportunity to be present.”  (BCP, p. 490)
This entails advance planning.
 
​St. David’s has a strong team of caring parishioners who facilitate funerals. Led by the laity of the church, and under the direction and supervision of the Rector, the Guild of St. Joseph of Arimathea assists in every aspect of the Burial Liturgy. From arranging readers, vergers, chalice bearers and ushers, to being with the family prior to the service, this guild works with the clergy to provide a thoughtful, dignified and meaningful service based on the Burial Rite in the Book of Common Prayer.