United Methodist Service of Death and Resurrection

The name itself gives you the theology. The United Methodist Church's official rite is called a Service of Death and Resurrection, because the entire rite is structured around the conviction that death is not the final word.

If you have been asked to help plan one and the terminology alone feels unfamiliar, here is what actually happens and what the family is expected to decide.

The Order of Service

The Service of Death and Resurrection is outlined in The United Methodist Book of Worship and follows a consistent structure, though every pastor adapts it to the family and congregation:

1. Gathering The pastor greets the family at the entrance of the sanctuary. If a casket is present, it is received at the door and may be covered with a white pall — a cloth symbolizing the baptismal garment.

2. Words of Grace and Greeting The pastor speaks the opening words, typically beginning with "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" or a similar scriptural greeting. This is not a eulogy moment — it sets the worship context.

3. Hymn A congregational hymn. Common choices include "Amazing Grace," "It Is Well with My Soul," "How Great Thou Art," or "Hymn of Promise" (UMH #707), which carries particular resonance in Methodist funerals for its imagery of death as a dormant season before resurrection.

4. Opening Prayer A pastoral prayer of thanksgiving for the deceased's life and comfort for the bereaved.

5. Scripture Readings Typically two to four readings. The pastor may suggest readings from the Book of Worship, but families can suggest specific passages. Standard selections include Psalm 23, Romans 8:31-39, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, and John 14:1-6. Lay readers — family members or close friends — may read the Old Testament and Epistle lessons.

6. Witness and Naming This is the sermon or homily. The pastor preaches on the scripture readings, connecting them to the deceased's faith and life. Unlike some other traditions, the UMC allows brief personal reflections here — but these are coordinated in advance with the pastor, limited in number (usually one or two speakers), and capped at three to five minutes each.

7. Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession The pastor leads structured prayers for the deceased, the family, and the gathered community. The congregation typically joins in the Lord's Prayer.

8. Optional Holy Communion Many UMC funerals include communion. The United Methodist Church practices an open table: the invitation is extended to all who love Christ, seek to grow into his likeness, and repent of their sin, regardless of denomination or baptismal status. The pastor will make a clear verbal invitation before the elements are distributed.

9. Commendation The pastor entrusts the deceased to God's care. This is the emotional center of the service for many families.

10. Dismissal with Blessing A benediction. The congregation is dismissed, and the casket or urn is processed out of the sanctuary, often to the hymn "God Be with You Till We Meet Again."

What Families Need to Decide

Before the planning meeting with the pastor, the family should discuss:

• Hymn preferences — Bring two or three options. The pastor and music director will confirm what works with the church's musicians.
• Scripture readings — The pastor will have suggestions, but if a passage was meaningful to the deceased, mention it.
• Who speaks — If someone will offer a personal reflection, confirm this with the pastor. Open-mic tributes are not standard in Methodist funerals. Coordinate in advance.
• Communion — Does the family want the Eucharist included? Not every Methodist funeral includes it, and the decision often depends on the deceased's own relationship with the sacrament.
• Reception — Most Methodist churches offer the fellowship hall for a post-service meal. Church volunteers often organize the food, but the family should confirm logistics with the church office.

How This Differs from a Memorial Service

A Service of Death and Resurrection is held with the body or urn present. A memorial service uses the same liturgical structure but without physical remains — typically scheduled weeks or months later when distant family can gather. Both are services of worship, not celebrations of personality. The structure, prayers, and focus on resurrection remain the same regardless of whether the casket is in the room.

The Protestant Mainline Funeral Guide walks through every section of the Methodist service with a planning worksheet designed for the family's meeting with their pastor.