29^th September 2013

The context of the brief statement, "For those Attending."

1. Many people still contact the Christian Church to conduct Services related to rites of passage. Amid the increasing secularisation of the community, baptism and funerals still provide an opportunity to relate to people at their point of need.
2. With limited knowledge of the Christian faith, sometimes enquirers assume that the church operates a public service, a suitable negotiated event that is based on the desires of the family.
3. Within the context of this significant time for the family that is often overlayed with a full range of expectations and emotions, the church has the privilege of exercising both supportive care and a discreet evangelism.

How to use, "For those Attending"

(a) During the initial meeting with a family or relative.

Reading through the statement at the out-set of negotiations will help to explain Christian belief and provide some direction for content of the service. It may raise the question of what the enquirer really believes about life and death or it may help to clarify how helpful or appropriate a Christian Service may or may not be.

(b) As people enter the church on the day of the funeral a copy of "For those Attending" may be distributed. (See below)

Before the service commences there is usually a quiet moment when people are ready to sit and reflect. This short statement can help to centre people's thoughts in readiness for the Christian funeral and Thanksgiving

Download the resource - click here

E A (Ted) Curnow September 2013