How would you organize your own funeral?

[Frederick]

If you had any say in the matter, (most unlikely!) what hymns etc would you choose?
I would like two - O Lord my God (How great Thou art), and as a second one, Thine be the Glory.

Trouble is, it would never be. At my late aunt's funeral there were just five people present, excluding the vicar etc. so no hymns were sung, and on my side, it'll be even worse! My entire family consists of my wife, her sister, and my daughter, all of whom I love equally. And that is it! The rest of my "family" consist of a sister whom I haven't seen for years, and various nieces, nephews and cousins spread all over the world. If they can't be bothered about me now, the thought of them turning up to "rhow their respects" makes me retch! If you have a close-knit family, cosset it, because you don't know just how lucky you are.

 

[Property Of God]

I'd rather have a few guests who always loved me and grieve after me, instead of a bunch of relatives I barely know, who wouldn't care much if I die,
Plus if I'm dead, I wouldn't know who came to my funeral and who ignored it, I'll be with God in Heavens, hopefully.

Don't think much about it, you're lucky you'll have a wife and a daughter crying themselves to sleep.

 

[stephen]

If you had any say in the matter, (most unlikely!) what hymns etc would you choose?

Most unlikely

I am sure such would apply to most folks. But some are aware of oncoming death, and prepare, hymns, poems, tributes and such like.

I have attended a funeral when such was the case. The man was terminally ill and aware. Prior to his death he put together his funeral. Poems seemed to be the main theme of expression. Broken with a hymn or two, cornet solo, tribute from friends. Etc. I think we all came away feeling gratified, duty done, expressing our love and appreciation of him, in the way he wished to be........

 

[ephesians4_23]

I have a dear friend who passed away a few years ago... he had terminal cancer and was able to prepare his funeral arrangements. He wanted everyone to wear hawaiian shirts and flip flops. He wanted a celebration, he wanted our church band to sing praises- loudly. His funeral was a celebration, my first 'Christian funeral'. Usually at funerals, everyone is sad, overcome with grief because it's the end. This was a great experience for me that it's not the end. I'm only 34, but I've decided that's the kind of memorial I want to leave behind too... 'hey friends and family, you want to see me again after I've died? I'll be in heaven, and this pastor is going to tell you how you can be there too!'
It could be your last chance to have an eternal impact on your friends and family.