Funeral & Memorial Services
Funeral service, procession and memorial guidance.
RE-ASSIGNMENT OR TRANSFER OF BRETHREN TO LIFE BEYOND
PARTONE
FUNERAL SERVICE:
It is not the practice in Brotherhood of the Cross and Star to take the corpse into the Bethel or house of worship, but before the burial, a full service should be conducted in the deceased residence. All member should endeavour to attend and participate fully to give the deceased the last honour.
The following order should be observed during the burial service.
1. Introit (Oh man of God the Father calls)
2. Psalm 1 (To be recited by all)
3. Prayer by the conductor
4. Hymn
5. Prayer by a member
6. Reading of the first bible lesson
7. Hymn
8. Prayer by a member
9. Reading of the second bible lesson
10. Anthem by choir (s)
11. Golden text/sermon
12. Prayer by a member
13. Silent prayer (All standing)
14. Anthem by choir(s)
15. Prayer by a member
16. Closing hymn
17. Psalm 23, The Lord’s prayer (to be recited by all)
18. Doxology (Come Holy Spirit of God…)
19. Benediction
20. Doxology (Hear our prayers oh Lord)
21. Freewill offering for the bereaved family
22. Short testimonies of the deceased by members of the family, Bethel etc.
23. Announcements
24. Procession to the cemetery. Note: That the deceased compound or premises is not a bethel or place of worship, as such the deceased body can be wherever the funeral service is conducted for the departed soul. No funeral service is conducted in the bethel.
PARTTWO:
ATTHE CEMETRY/GRAVE SITE
During the procession with the corpse to the cemetery, there should be continuous singing of spiritual choruses. All members should give the deceased the last honour by taking its remains to the cemetery for interment.
The following order should be observed.
1. Hymn
2. Prayer by officiating priest
3. Hymn
4. Prayer by a member
5. Silent prayer
6. Closing hymn
7. Psalm 23, Lord’s prayer (To be recited by all)
8. Doxology (Come Holy spirit of God…)
9. Benediction.
10. Doxology (Hear our prayers…)
11. Corpse lowered to the grave
12. Interment: (Reading of dust to dust by the conductor) “For as much as it has please the Almighty God for His great mercy to take unto Himself the soul of our beloved Brother/Sister hem departed, we therefore commit His/Her body to the ground Earth to Earth”, Ash to Ash, Dust to Dust being sure and hopeful of resurrection to eternal life through Our Lord Jesus Christ Amen”.
13. Continuous singing of spiritual chorus until the grave is completely filled.
14. Prayer by 4 members (2 sisters & 2 brothers)
15. Spiritual choruses back home
16. Prayer for the deceased family
17. Love Feast/Closing.
PART THREE MEMORIAL BLESSING SERVICE: SECTION ONE
Brotherhood of the Cross and Star does not hold memorial service knowing very well that the departed soul is going on transfer to another realm in the Father’s vine yard. We only bless the bereaved family of the departed soul. This is done after the first part on Sunday Morning Service The following order should be observed: –
1. The bereaved family kneels down before the altar.
2. Anthem by choir(s)
3. Prayer by 4 members (2 Sisters and 2 Brothers) NOTE: All prayers should be entirely for the safety of the family.
4. Reading of the following Bible Lessons: –
(a) Revelation 14:3
(b) Hebrews 4: 10- 12 st (c) 1 Thessalonians 4 : 13-18
5. Abrief advice to the family by the officiating priest
6. Spiritual chorus: Hallelujah joy… ( as contained in S.S.O.) page 45
7. The family and the relations dance and get back to their seats. Everybody join in dancing and praising the Father.
8. Announcement. Closing.
SECTION TWO PROCESSION TO THE DECEASED RESIDENCE
AFTER SERVICE:
1. The bereaved family is escorted home by members. The following order is observed:
2. Hymn
3. Prayer by officiating priest
4. Psalm one (To be recited by all)
5. Text and brief advice by the officiating priest
6. Prayer by a member
7. Silent Prayer
8. Anthem by choir(s)
9. Closing hymn
10. Psalm 23, Lord’s Prayer (To be recited by all)
11. Doxology (Come Holy Spirit of God)
12. Benediction
13. Doxology (Hear our prayers Oh Lord…)
14. Spiritual chorus:
15. Freewill offering donations to the bereaved family
16. Love feast
17. Closing