St. Augustine’s believes that anyone who desires a Christian burial should be extended one, regardless of whether that person was a parishioner of St. Augustine’s. We encourage all persons to make a will, and to discuss with a priest their wishes for their funeral, including readings and music selections, which can be kept on file in the parish office as a gift to their loved ones who survive them.

When a person is near death, the priest should be notified, in order that the ministry of the Church may be provided. The death of a loved one should be reported as soon as possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with, the priest. At the meeting with the Priest-in-charge, or his designee, the time and place of the funeral, the form of the service, and the choice of music and readings can all be discussed. For the funeral of a person who was not member of St. Augustine’s there is a charge of €200 for the use of the building. There is no charge for the services of the priest, though we welcome a donation to the church. We can also arrange for the services of one of our organists – fees to be agreed directly with him or her.

In the Episcopal Church, the burial service is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we also 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.” (Romans 8:38-39) 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, Lazarus. 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.

To discuss preparations for a funeral, please call the parish office or contact the Rector, Fr. Christopher Easthill, at revchris@staugustines.de.

“May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace, and rise in glory. Amen.”