One of our greatest joys as Christians is the ability to gather together as one body, to pray to God, and to share the gifts of the sacraments and rites together. We as a community wish to celebrate the milestones in one another’s lives and faith journeys together. We also want to be present for one another and anyone who is going through a time of grief or illness. 

Funerals (Burial of the Dead) 

The Gospel tells us that in death life is transformed, not ended. Because of this belief the Episcopal Church views the Burial Office as an Easter Service, a celebration of new and resurrected life. And yet, Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus. Therefore the Book of Common Prayer notes the following, 

The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all 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.

We are willing to speak to any family facing a moment of grief about what we can offer in terms of funeral services. Over the years, we have worked with and developed good working relationships with all the local funeral homes. Members at Emmanuel and members of the local community may be buried in our columbarium. For more information see the columbarium page on our website. 

Many people have found the following Funeral Planning form to be useful, and Emmanuel encourages parishioners to complete it and file a copy in the church office long before any need arises. 

Burial Planning Form 

The Burial of the Dead: Rite I 

The Burial of the Dead: Rite II 

Ministration to the Sick and at the Time of Death (Unction)  

 If you or someone you love falls ill, or is nearing the time of death, we are willing and able to support you in that time. The pastoral number to directly reach Father Nathan is 443-752-0573. He can provide pastoral support, unction (praying for and anointing the sick with oil), or prayers at the time of death. We do not want anyone to have to feel alone or uncared. 

Reconciliation of the Penitent (Confession) 

The policy of the Episcopal Church when it comes to individual confession is best described as all may, some should, but no one must. We are forgiven for our sins during the Eucharistic celebration and we can always ask God to forgive us at any time. Nevertheless, there are times when guilt takes hold of us and the rite of individual confession can be helpful. Some people make it there practice to regularly confess as part of their spiritual practice, particularly during the season of Lent. It can be healing to unburden our hearts, to hear that God forgives us, and to receive guidance and counsel from a Priest. 

Confessions are strictly private, and the Priest will normally “forget” what is said and will not discuss it with you afterwards unless you choose to bring it up again. The privacy and confidence of confession are protected by both law and the policies of the Episcopal Church. However, the clergy of this church will take appropriate action and will not keep private threats to harm others or the abuse of children.