Funeral Chaplain

On behalf of the family, I'd like to thank you for coming today to remember and honor ___________'s life.  Your expressions of sympathy have brought comfort, the memories that you have shared have helped us to cry and to laugh.

Following our dismissal, you're invited to travel in funeral procession to ___________ Cemetery where we will have our committal prayers [and military honors].  Following our committal service, the family hopes you will join them at ______________ for a time of light refreshment and continued sharing of memories.

On behalf of the family, I'd like to take a moment to thank you for coming today, and for your expressions of sympathy and comfort during these days.  At times like this, the closeness of friends and family helps us through our grief and to share our memories.

And on behalf of these gathered here, I'd like to offer to you members of the family,our deep and sincere sympathies in your time of loss and sorrow.  While we may not always know what to say to ease your loss, know that share in your sorrow.

As you gather together today as family and friends, may you find comfort in each other's presence and in the words that we share.  As we turn to God's Word, may we find comfort and healing.  Our (Old Testament/New Testament) lesson comes from...

On behalf of the family, I’d like to thank you for your presence today, and for your words of comfort and acts of kindness during these days.  As we remember _______ today, in a few moments we’ll provide you with opportunity to share some brief thoughts about _________—maybe a word or two to describe his/her personality, perhaps a short story about his/her life, or maybe you would share something for which you will remember him/her.  You're welcome to come forward and use the podium, or you might find it more comfortable to stand and share right where you are.