Books - Funeral Planning
The Rituals Resource Book: Alternative Weddings, Funerals, Holidays and Other Rites of Passage (Paperback)
by Susan Mumm (Author)
"The rituals of a society are a major way in which the values of that culture are subtly but powerfully reinforced..."
Susan Mumm helps us to see the important role that rituals can play in our lives. The Rituals Resource book will leave no doubt in the reader's mind that if we want to "change the world", we must start by changing the rituals we practice in our own living rooms and communities. This practical guide, filled with valuable how to's and sample rituals gives readers the information they need to create rites of passage and holiday celebrations which truly touch the soul. 3rd. Edition
When facing a death, a family can be overwhelmed by the many difficult decisions that must be made. This warm and sensitive work-book guides a family or individual through the decisions, helping them choose and adapt the practices that are most meaningful to them. It includes specific suggestions and examples, both classic and contemporary, from a variety of Christian traditions.
To Comfort and to Honor: A Guide to Personalizing Rituals for the Passing of a Loved One (Paperback)
by Jeanne Daly McIntee
by Sarah York (Author)
This book is a treasure for religious leaders and ordinary people who face the challenges of grief and mourning. Without offering pat answers, religious dogma or platitudes of any kind, the author, a Unitarian-Universalist minister who has served congregations for 18 years, provides heartfelt stories and wise words to guide the reader through the many kinds of issues that surface when a loved one has died. She speaks eloquently of the need to give authentic expression to grief and offers practical guidelines for planning a memorial service that involves the mourners and suits the unique context and person whose life is being remembered. Her chapter on the difficulty of making decisions in the face of death equips the reader to help others make hard choices when they feel most overwhelmed and vulnerable. Her discussion of "family ties and family lies" is refreshingly realistic, yet compassionate. York also reminds readers to acknowledge the need for rituals for the first year and beyond, rather than submitting to our culture's pressure to quickly return to life as usual. She provides a broad spectrum of resources, including poetry, suggestions for ritual and wisdom from various religious traditions. This valuable guide will prove particularly helpful for those who do not identify with any one religious tradition, yet are looking for a spiritually vital way of coping with their grief.
by Dougy Center for Grieving Children (Author) "There is no easy way and no perfect time to break the news about a death to a child..."
This book addresses the best practices for funeral and memorial services with children and teens. Learn how to include children in these rituals and creative ways to involve them in the process. You will find suggestions from children and teens about what was helpful and unhelpful about the funeral or memorial service they attended.
Coming to Rest: A Guide to Caring for Our Own Dead, an Alternative to the Commercial Funeral (Paperback)
by Julie Wiskind (Author), Richard Spiegel (Author)
Many people may not realize that there are alternatives to immediately calling a funeral director when a loved one dies. In fact, if certain legalities are observed, most people can avoid the cost and impersonal involvement of the commercial funeral industry altogether and care for a deceased loved one with the kind of love and private ritual that not only extends and individualizes the care giving before death, but can also honor family history or follow a family's religious tradition. Authors Julie Wiskind and Richard Spiegal have written a moving and useful book for people who want to be involved in caring for their own dead with the kind of personal attention they devoted to their loved ones before they died. Funerals can be completely do-it-yourself events, allowing people to wash and care for the body in the comforting and familiar surroundings of home. Accepting death as a natural part of living and "normalizing" the ritual of caring for the body and arranging privately organized ceremonies is becoming more the norm among aging baby boomers in much the same way that natural birthing swept this generation at an earlier age. Coming to Rest clarifies the necessary legal paperwork, spells out many of the statutory requirements in different locations--only nine states in the U.S. require the involvement of a professional funeral director after a death--and offers a helpful and informative discussion on this sensitive subject. This book will surprise some, but it will also reassure and help guide many more to a comfortable, personalized end to the life of a loved one. --Mark A. Hetts
In Memoriam: A Guide to Modern Funeral and Memorial Services (2nd Edition) (Paperback)
by Edward Searl (Author)
"Our culture has many taboos about dying and death..."
by Ann Keeler Evans (Author)
"This book gives you a template of a service that will be worthy of the person you loved, that will help to comfort you. It's about a good goodbye that is worthy of the person you loved, that will help heal the aching hearts and empty spaces." - Julie M (Berkeley, CA)
Simply Essential Funeral Planning Kit (Paperback)
by Don S. Cochrane (Author) "Every day we are faced with problems to solved, an endless variety of things to learn, and a list of seemingly endless task..." (more)
Dealing with the death of a friend or family member is one of the most difficult things we face in life. The last thing you want to confront at such a time is the problem of funeral arrangements. Let the Simply Essential Funeral Planning Kit do the work for you. Using this step-by-step kit, you will be well informed of your options and there will be no surprises. This kit discusses the emotional elements of having to arrange such an event, then takes you through the process of making the decisions that are right for you.
Saying Goodbye Your Way: Planning or Buying a Funeral or Cremation for Yourself or Someone You Love (Paperback)
by John F. Llewellyn
Funerary arrangements are detailed in this sensitive yet realistic guide to making the important, difficult decisions necessary when a loved one dies, or when preparing for one’s own departure. The logistics of planning memorial services and other ceremonies are discussed, and frank explanations are provided regarding cremation and interment. Special emphasis is placed on helping individuals understand the options available and become informed consumers, even while making what are often difficult, highly emotional choices. Prearrangement options for individuals planning for the future are discussed in detail, including where to buy caskets and monuments and whom to notify when death occurs.
by Kathleen Sublette & Martin Flagg (Author)
Last Wishes : A Funeral Planning Manual and Survivors Guide (Spiral-bound)
by Malcolm James (Author), Victoria Lynn (Author)
This book recommends the reasons for pre-planning your own funeral and will help your customers every step of the way with the funeral services, caskets, cemetery, cremation and/or burial choices. The various types of funeral services are explained in plain, straight-forward terms that everyone can understand. The rights of a consumer when dealing with the funeral industry are clarified. There is a section for frequently asked questions about those confusing legal documents are answered. Throughout the manual there are many lists to help make choices including flowers, hymns and Bible readings. In the back of the book there is a complete set of forms that are to be completed and a listing of business professional and consumer groups.
When Death Occurs: A Practical Consumer's Guide to Burial, Cremation, Body Donation, Funerals, and Memorials (Paperback)
by John M. Reigle
For everyone who faces the death of a loved one, this practical guide presents options for funerals, memorials, burial, cremation and body donation including ways to make them more meaningful, memorable and valuable. Whether in the midst of grief or pre-planning for a loved one or yourself, this useful guide helps people: examine their significant choices, strip away misconceptions, create opportunities for comparing prices, and plan strategies to avoid costly mistakes.
by Abdullah Fatteh (Author), Naaz Fatteh (Author) "Every death presents a challenge..."
A compendium of facts, guidelines, opinions, customs, regulations, traditions, cost analysis, checklists, legal form and advice for how to prepare a funeral—including your own, this book can help in several ways. Tips on buying coffins direct from the manufacturers or via email (the price is at least half and funeral homes are forbidden from charging a handling fee), how to negotiate for family plots at a discount and other cost-saving measures are explained in full detail. The book also includes legal forms and general guidelines for anatomical gifts, living will, instructions for burial or cremation, uniform donor cards and a state-by-state listing of memorial societies. At Journey’s End will help anyone find the answers they need during a time of crisis or a time of preparation.
by Geoffrey C Carnell (Author)
An invaluable reference that will help you make necessary decisions in a most painful time.
Few things are as difficult to face as the death of a loved one. Sadness, shock, and a profound sense of loss leave bereaved family and friends ill-equipped to deal with the many preparations for a fitting funeral or memorial service. But such preparations are necessary, not only as a tribute to the deceased, but also to help survivors express their grief and celebrate the life that was lived.
Funeral director Geoffrey C. Carnell knows that arranging a funeral or memorial service and finalizing details for a burial or cremation are painful and confusing tasks for many. Now, Carnell has called upon his considerable experience to create a frank yet compassionate reference book for families and friends to use when arranging a funeral. The Complete Guide to Funeral Planning covers every aspect of the funeral preparation, burial, cremation, and much more.
No one likes to think about funeral arrangements while the business of living occupies our minds. But, as Carnell's experiences suggest, funeral preparations are much easier when the bereaved have at least considered what they and the deceased may want for an appropriate last rite. The Complete Guide to Funeral Planning gives readers a glimpse at the questions that must be answered eventually, and such foresight may ease the pain of loss a little when the time for difficult decisions is at hand.
Geoffrey C. Carnell, professional engineer and licensed funeral director, is currently president of Carnell's Funeral Home Ltd., which has been in his family since 1902. Carnell is an active volunteer in his profession, serving as president of both the Provincial and National Funeral Service Associations and continues as a board member of each along with the Funeral Profession Coalition Council of Canada.
Planning The Catholic Funeral (Paperback)
by Terence P. Curley (Author)
"The death of a loved one leaves many decisions for those who remain, especially the family of the deceased..."
by Scott D. Emmert (Author)
Through this comprehensive exploration of the death industry, author and funeral director Scott Emmert demystifies the workings of the funeral industry as he guides readers step-by-step through the process of saying goodbye to a loved one. As a licensed funeral director, Emmert writes from personal experience and expertise. From choosing a funeral home to financing the cost of services, "The Consumer's Practical Guide to Funerals, Burial & Cremation" is an invaluable resource for families, churches, and individuals, providing professional advice and recommendations for wise planning "before" a death occurs.
by Jane Wynne Willson
"We know that throughout history, and indeed pre-history, ceremonies have been used to mark important events in people's lives, and a formal occasion can be..."
Although I am a Christian minister, I am called upon more and more to officiate at funerals for the unchurched. For me, this book has been pretty much a roadmap for how to conduct services which are meaningful to families or loved ones who have little or no experience with a church, or who simply do not believe. It has been a great help to me in organizing ceremonies and in finding readings to use in these circumstances. It has also helped members of my congregation gain greater understanding of ways they can "be present" for hurting people whose beliefs are outside their realm of experience.
A Humanist Funeral Service (Paperback)
by Corliss Lamont (Author)
"It is usually desirable to have fifteen or twenty minutes of introductory music while people are gathering for the funeral service at the house, apartment
Contemporary Handbook/Weddings/Funerals (Paperback)
by Aubrey Malphurs (Author), Keith Willhite (Editor
Jan Armstrong Creator Magazine : "Only one thought came to mind in reading this book: How could I do ministry without it? The scope of the volume is enormous, but the content, style, and material is invaluable for anyone in Pastoral Ministry. The wedding materials include everything from wedding service types to Father of the Bride thank you card styles. The funeral materials include materials for every difficult service, such as suicides or children, to an appendix of the best little stories and anecdotes available in one place. This book is a must for the pastor's resource library. It will be a resource you return to again and again."
by Thomas C. Nelson (Author)
Although this is a sentisive subject which none of us wish to approach we all have to face it sometimes and this book helps to ease the way. It's easy to read format and practical approach helps you to understand how the funeral industry works and what they have to offer as well as the rules and regulations that govern this industry. It gives you practical suggestions on how to approach choosing the right funeral arrangements for your needs as well as your pocket book and is very frank about the industry you are dealing with. It talks about the disposal of the remains, the different options that you have in purchasing the proper containers (urns, or coffins) for the remains of your loved one and covers, in a general way, the various costs of these items. It also discusses the alternate ways of planning a funeral as well as various organizations that you may contact for help. The back of the book consists of a series of check lists which you can use to help you in the planning and arranging of the funeral, whether it be a pre-planned funeral or an immediate one. I felt this book was well worth having in my library.
by Gregory W. Young (Author)
Families of the deceased face not only the grief that accompanies their loss but the prospect of arranging the funeral. Unfortunately, dishonest practices exist, and some funeral directors may take advantage of grief-stricken relatives. Young, who aims to provide "a helpful consumer's guide to arranging a funeral while at the same time avoiding unnecessary charges," discussses working with the funeral director, working out a contract, avoiding ripoffs, and planning a prearranged funeral. Also provided are answers to frequently asked questions, a resource bibliography, and Federal Trade Commission Regulation Rules. Young, a former director of a funeral home chain, sensitively and clearly offers practical guidelines and presents an overview of the funeral service industry. Recommended for public library collections.
by Geoffrey C. Carnell (Author)
Adapted from a series of articles written for a respected seniors magazine, this reference book covers every aspect of the funeral preparations, burial, cremation, and much more. No one likes to think about funeral arrangements while the business of living occupies our minds. But, as Carnells experience suggests, funeral preparations are much easier when the bereaved have at least considered what they and the deceased may want for an appropriate last rite. This book gives readers a glimpse at the questions that must be answered eventually, and such foresight may ease the pain a little when the time for difficult decisions is at hand.
Catholic Etiquette for Funerals (Paperback)
by Kay Lunn Isca
"Some Catholic traditions, customs, and etiquette associated with death have been drawn from the society around us and are thus shared by the majority of..."
by Karen Moderow (Author)
The Parting is a guide for planning a meaningful, creative, and unique funeral service for a loved one. This inspirational and organizational tool for family, friends, pastor and counselors offers both ideas and step-by-set instructions on a range of topics including: Funeral Etiquette (who does what), Biographical Questions and Forms, Service Checklists, Creative Eulogies/Rituals and Symbols and Music Resources.
A Funeral Manual: Perry H. Biddle, Jr (Leather Bound)
by Perry H., Jr. Biddle
"The Christian funeral service is a service of worship under the direction of the minister..."
Building Memories: Planning a Meaningful Funeral (Paperback)
by Doug W. Manning (Author)
Many people have never planned a funeral nor given a great deal of thought as to the decisions that must be made, until the time is upon them. In this easy-to-use planner, Doug walks a family step-by-step through the decision and planning process. It covers all the options available to a family in making the funeral a personal and significant experience.
by Judy Smith Ross (Author), Beverley Smith (Illustrator)
by Melissa Abraham (2007)
When We Remember focuses on the critical first week following a death - an intense, emotional crisis period when guidance can make a profound and positive difference to the grief journey. This unique, generous and highly-acclaimed resource draws on many decades of experiences, particularly in understanding the power of music and prose in the rituals of our lives. Starting at a basic level, families are taken step-by-step through the first few days when a loved one dies. Gentle suggestions begin traditionally, moving through to more creative and personal inspiration for creating a meaningful tribute. When We Remember highlights the vital emotional role of a memorial event, and the long-term benefits of knowing what to do at the time.
by R. Brian Burkhardt (2008)
Discover How To Lower The Cost Of Any Funeral Guaranteed Thinking about a funeral and discussing it now is a current act of compassion, which will serve you or your loved ones later, when time is compressed, and when there may be greater financial and emotional burdens. These pages will put you on the path to solving the painful problem of the funeral. In the pages of Rest in Peace, R. Brian Burkhardt walks with you through the heartbreaking situation of the funeral and reveals the solutions you desperately need.
by Sue Bailey and Carmen Flowers (2009)
Full of humorous and poignant funeral stories and first-person accounts, Grave Expectations - Planning "The End" Like There's No Tomorrow, like the perennially popular wedding planners that line the shelves of every bookstore, is the ultimate handbook, packed with creative suggestions for realizing one's final wishes. This is a book that gives people permission to memorialize their lives on their own terms and in their own ways. This is a lively book about preparing for death; it's not a book to be afraid of. Who knew arranging a funeral could be fun?
