Funerals have been held in some form for over thousands of years. And although they may be performed differently, they can be found in just about every culture. Today funerals are typically held for burials but more and more people are holding them in coordination with cremations as well. In either case, there is typically a common order of service to these events. Directors of funeral homes in Moorpark, CA. explain more about the timeline and order of a funeral service. 

Who Guides the Service? 

Although families can choose a non-religious funeral service, funerals are typically religious in nature. Because of this it is typically to see a leader from the church acting as the officiant. It is the officiant’s job to act as the guide and keep the service moving from one event to the next. 

This officiant will also often start the service with a welcome/ introduction as well as close the service with closing remarks. 

The Order of Service 

After the officiant start the service and says the welcome, there are many pieces to the service that will follow. While every service can be unique and may include additional things, or omit others, the standard order of service is as follows: 

• Welcome/ Introduction – Given by the officiant and welcomes guest 
  
• Scripture Reading- This could be done by the officiant or family member 
  
• Prayer- Recited by religious leader 
  
• Music Selection- This could be a hymn being sung by a choir or the guests, or some of the song choice. 
  
• Reading of the Obituary- This could be done by a family member 
  
• Eulogy- Delivered by a close friend of family member 
  
• Music Selection- Could be played over a system or played live 
  
• Remarks- Given by a family member 
  
• Poem Reading- Recited by family member 
  
• Final Words- Given by family member 
  
• Closing – Given by the officiant 
  
• Final Viewing and Procession to Cemetery 

Do You Need a Memorial Program? 

A memorial program is a pamphlet that is given to guests and lists the order of service inside. It can be a very nice addition to your service because it offers guests a keepsake of the event as well as let’s them follow along so that know what is coming next. 

The program also includes the names of who is delivering each part so that guests know who is speaking and in what relation they were to the deceased. For example, the program may look something like: 

• Remarks – Sarah Smith (sister) 
  
• Poem Reading- John Hammond (Cousin) 
  
• Final Words- Russell Jones (Brother) 

When making arrangements for your loved one’s services, the funeral director will help you with the order of service and many can also help with creating the memorial program for the guests. 

If you would like more information about funerals or other services from funeral homes in Moorpark, CA. feel free to reach out to us any time. We are more than happy to have one of our funeral directors sit down with you one-on-one to answer any questions you may have and to discuss your needs.