Liturgy On The Occasion Of A Death

The following liturgy may be used in times of family gathering at the occasion of a death, especially when a pastor is not able to be present. Gathering Leader:Dear friends, we gather to mourn the death of [Name] who has gone home to be with the Lord. Let us not mourn as those who have no hope; let us remember the word of the Lord: "Death is swallowed up in victory. /O Death, where is your sting?/O Hades, where is your victory?" (1 Cor. 15:54-55). Let us pray. Lord, God of life and death, we give you thanks for the life of [Name], and for the joy we have had in knowing him/her. Receive him/her into your kingdom. Grant him/her rest and peace in you. Be present, O Lord, to those who remain. Grant us consolation and hope, and may we live for that day when we will be united with our loved ones and with you forever. Amen. Scripture Reading Reader:A reading from the Gospel of John: "Then Jesus said to them plainly, Lazarus is dead. ' So when Jesus came, he found that he had alread…