My First Funeral

I had my first funeral as Director of Worship on Monday this week. With the memorial service on Monday evening and funeral Tuesday morning, I was sooooo nervous. What if I didn't pick the right songs? What if my guitar playing was something that they didn't care for? What if I forgot about a part of the service? So many thoughts running through my head the days before. I was quite relieved when I got there and everything went smoothly. I had the assistance of two excellent singers (one song I got to "sit in" on) and the family seemed very pleased with the whole thing. In the mean time, I was able to assemble all my funeral music and then some, so next time, I wont be so nervous.

One thing I did notice was the feeling of being in a sacred space. I was, through my position at the church, invited into this place of remembering and mourning. I watched as the family cried and smiled and told stories about her. I have a lot to learn about the way people are, and this was one of those learning experiences. The faith people have in themselves, each other, and God is truely inspiring.