Celebrating Life
in Death

Author Lezley J Stewart
Publisher St Andrew Press £19.95
Format pbk
ISBN 9780861538669 (2016)

This most practical volume, based on the author’s own experience, guides the reader through the process of conducting a funeral service. The various sections deal with the practicalities of arranging a funeral, including forms to assist in constructing a eulogy; resources for each section of the service (prayers, reflections, thanksgivings, words of committal), as well as an outline for a thanksgiving service and an intriguingly titled ‘Blue Christmas service’. The brief reflections based on bible passages are particularly neat and well-expressed (and would fit well into the limited timeslots allowed by crematoria). With Readers often being called on to conduct funerals today, this would be a most useful addition to a Reader’s library. The accompanying CD ROM contains the texts of all the materials in MS Word format. While following the advice offered in the book will undoubtedly lead to a funeral service which offers comfort and sympathy, I was surprised by the omission of the word ‘resurrection’. Surely this is what makes Christian belief special?

GEOFF BRAMMALL

Funeral Ministry