A Thoughtful Pastor's Funeral

Thanks to Charles Cowling, who sent me this post from the Life in the Ministry blog about an honorable funeral.

Clearly, Pastor Tim of Life in the Ministry listened to the family and honored the decedent's religious beliefs. He spent time planning and writing a personal service that reflected the decedent's legacy left behind, giving meaning to the family.

To read the full post visit:

Life in Ministry: Doing a Funeral

Pastor Tim knows the importance of a funeral to a family.

A thoughtful, meaningful farewell... it sounds as though the family was pleased.

All my best, Pam

The Funeral That Went Bad

Every once in a while I am shocked by an admission. I experienced this shock with a recent blog that focused on a pastor's perception of "The Funeral That Went Bad."

This blog message reinforced what I have been saying since my sister's funeral in 2004. Many clergy do not involve the family in the planning of a funeral and oftentimes they decide what is allowed in the funeral service. It's not about the family - it's about the pastor.

To read the entire blog, including the comments, visit this link written by a Methodist pastor.

The Funeral That Went Bad

Not a day goes by that I don't think about my sister's funeral, what was allowed and what was disallowed. The pastor moved on immediately without a single care. However, my family was hurt, feeling we didn't honor my sister's life or her final wishes. The pastor never met with us in person. Instead, we were awarded a brief phone call with the pastor. He said he wouldn't conduct the graveside service either and that was our problem. My uncle conducted the graveside committal service. I discovered then and there that anyone can pray and it still counts.

It's 2010 and churches wonder why their membership is declining? I have many questions for the clergy. Are you listening to your congregation? Are you listening to those who are grieving? Are you answering the needs of the family in the funeral service? I have heard from so many people who have left the church after a funeral.

I have worked with pastors, priests, rabbis, and a variety of officiants over the last five years. Even if we've had differing opinions, the clergy I have worked with have listened and defaulted to what the family needs. Whether the family wants a song, a poem, or an open casket, together we have answered the family's need.

The funeral should belong to the family.

With a heavy heart and a thoughtful mind, Pam.

Still alive in coffin

No kidding - this story makes your mouth drop.

From the European Correspondent for Times Online:

Polish beekeeper Josef Guzy found still alive in coffin

"The undertaker saved my life..." You just don't hear that very often.

All my best, Pam

The Power of a Funeral

This is a wonderful tribute to "Joni" written by Roy Exum of the Chattanoogan.

He shares incredible insight reminding us of the importance of funerals and what we can learn by attending services.

To read the article visit this link:

Roy Exum: She Was 'That' Joni

Thanks to writer Roy Exum for sharing his personal reflection of Joni. She sounds like a wonderful woman of strength.

All my best, Pam

Tribute to Jasper Giardina

If you want to read a wonderful story about a man who made a difference in his community, you must read the article about Jasper Giardina. To me it's so much more than an article, it's more like a tribute which was written by Kevin Killeen of KMOX Radio in St. Louis.

To read the story, click on the link below:

Funeral plans set for Jasper Giardina, lover of old radios

Thinking of all of those incredible, personal life stories in every town in the world...

All my best, Pam

Join The Funeral Lady Newsletter for 2010

As the snow delivers a beautiful holiday on the East Coast, it's a time to reflect over the last year.

Our free newsletter has grown by leaps and bounds this year sharing links to a wealth of funeral news each week. Thank you to all of the readers who have written to me with their stories this year. And, thanks to everyone who has encouraged me to continue with this project as it helps to provide information to consumers, celebrants and funeral professionals.

Funeral service is being covered by the mainstream media from the city to the countryside. There are powerful life stories being shared to remember those we love and it's important to share those poignant news stories with each other.

Here's to a wonderful, productive 2010 as we spread the news of meaningful funeral service!

To join the free newsletter link to: The Funeral Lady Newsletter

Happy holidays, Pam

Three Days With Gene - Written by Scott Newport

I love this photo of Penni Newport with her son, Evan Newport.

As we've been following their story, Evan's homecoming was held days ago. In a moving, emotional tribute Evan's father, Scott Newport, shared his reflections on the funeral services. It is a profound lesson to us all that a funeral service is so very important to the family.

To read Scott's powerful words about his son's homecoming visit:

Three Days with Gene: Homecoming for Evan Newport, 7, Written by His Father Scott Newport

Our thoughts are with Evan's family and friends, Pam

Pink Glove Dance - Breast Cancer Awareness Video

If you want to smile and make a difference, watch this video: Pink Glove Dance.

As I understand it, Emily Somers created, directed and choreographed the Pink Glove Dance in Portland for her Medline glove division as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. So many employees, doctors and patients participated, it is moving.

When the video reaches 1 million hits, Medline will be making a huge contribution to the hospital as well as offering free mammograms for the community.

Making a difference:

Pink Glove Dance

Have a great day, Pam