Sample memorial service
In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, memorial services are written in consultation with the family of the deceased. Below you'll find an order of service for a typical Unitarian Universalist memorial service as I would lead it. I am available to lead memorial services for members and friends of First Unitarian in New Bedford, and for religious liberals in the greater New Bedford area who have no formal religious affiliation. -- Rev. Dan Harper
Prelude
Ingathering words
Hymn
[possible hymns include: #101 "Abide with me," #336 "All my memories of love," #27 "I am that great and fiery force," #96 "I cannot think of them as dead," #412 "Let hope and sorrow now unite," #411 "Part in peace," all from Singing the Living Tradition. Also useful is "Turn, Turn, Turn" by Pete Seeger, in How Can I Keep from Singing.]
Readings
[For more traditional services, one reading could be the 23rd Psalm -- contemporary services may draw on a wide range of readings by humanist, pagan, and Christian authors.]
Prayer
[For more traditional services, this may end with the Lord's Prayer -- for contemporary services, this may be called Meditation or may be simply a time of silence.]
Musical interlude
Reflection by the minister
[The story of the deceased's life, based on conversations with family members.]
Remembrances by family members
[These may be previously written remembrances read by one to three family members, or the minister may ask those present if they would like to share memories, or this whole section may be omitte entirely.]
Closing hymn
[Optional -- see above.]
Benediction / Closing words
Postlude