Deaths

Death is a sacred mystery on the horizon of life for each of us. Death does not mean the end of life; rather it means life is changed. God in His merciful love comforts us with the hope of everlasting life with Him in His glorious and eternal kingdom. 

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.”

This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.

Funerals

To bury the dead is one of the Church’s seven corporal works of mercy; therefore at Church of the Incarnation the burial office is available to anyone and accordingly no fees are charged for this service of the Church.

When flowers are desired at the altars the Altar Guild will arrange for those displays with the family of the deceased and the florists we customarily use. That florist will bill the family directly.

If a more elaborate funeral is planned, fees may be assessed by the Church of the Incarnation to cover the cost of soloists, musicians and receptions held at the church. Honoraria may be made to the participating clergy and organists but such gifts are neither required nor prescribed.

Incarnation's Memorial Garden – When cremation is planned, inurnment in Incarnation's beautiful Memorial Garden is available. Further information about nitches may be obtained through the Clergy or Business Office.

Funeral Plans and Burial Instructions – Forms to assist you in the planning of your or your loved one's funeral and/or burial are available through Incarnation's Foundation.