Funeral Photograph and Activity Pack

The aim of this resource is to help pupils explore the elements of a

Christian funeral in a more creative and discussion based way.

The pack contains 8 images that can be either downloaded and printed

off or used in an electronic format. To accompany the images there is a

table of ideas and discussion questions. The combination of the images

and the activity ideas are designed as a tool for pupils, individually or in

groups, to engage at a deeper level with Christian funerals.

A good lesson will always delve deeper into the issues being explored.

At the same time, however, there needs to be an acknowledgement that

none of us know all the answers. It is therefore important for the pupils,

when engaging with these activities, to realise that in many cases there

are no right or wrong answers.

Bible references are included within the activity ideas. Wherever possible

using the biblical script adds vibrancy and depth to the lesson as well

as giving authenticity to the work you are doing.

This subject is obviously a very delicate one and should be dealt with

sensitively. If any of your pupils have had to deal with the issue of grief

you may want to refer to the RE:quest teacher training videos ‘How to

support young people dealing with grief…’ and ‘How to support children

dealing with grief…’

We hope you enjoy using this pack and please do contact us and share

with us the great work you are doing. We want to help celebrate the

success stories.

Image Discussion Points Funeral director

• What things do you think need to be arranged before a funeral can take place?

• A funeral director, also known as an undertaker, is a professional involved in the business of funeral rites.

• The role of the funeral director is to make arrangements on the family’s behalf, to discuss any personal requests and to offer help and advice.

• One of the first decisions is where the service will take place. This could be in a Church, at the Crematorium or at the Cemetery; also the style of service required, any hymns to be sung, music to be played and readings to be given. The minister conducting the service will normally meet with the family to help discuss these aspects of the service.

• There are several other things to consider such as press notices, orders of service and catering requirements, whether at home or at a venue. Of course consideration must be given to the type of coffin required, whether traditional, personalised, coloured or eco-friendly and flowers or donations are another important aspect of funeral arrangements.

Chapel of Rest

• The chapel of rest is a viewing room that allows families to privately pay their respects to the deceased.

• It is entirely up to the family if they wish to view the body or not, at the time of arrangement the funeral director will discuss this to help them make the right decision.

• Why do you think some people want to visit the chapel whereas others don’t?

Image Discussion Points

The Flowers

• Flowers are often seen at funerals and also placed on graves.

• In fact flowers have played an important role in burial traditions from ancient times because of their soothing qualities. Floral and herb essences were also once used to anoint the bodies of the deceased.

• Nowadays people may decide not to accept flowers but instead ask for donations to a charity. Why do you think this is the case?

• Do you know of any charities that people have supported in this way?

Bible Reading

• At a Christian funeral passages from the Bible will usually be read.

• Among the most common funeral passages are:

• John 6.35-40, John 11.17-27, John 14.1-6 Romans 8.31-end

• Read these passages and then discuss why you think Christians would read them at a funeral. What message do they give?

• Are there any other passages or poems that you think would be good to read?

Eulogy

• At a funeral a eulogy is often given either by the priest or by a member of the deceased family or friends.

• A eulogy is a speech or piece of writing that praises someone highly, typically someone who has just died.

• The eulogy is seen as a celebration of the person’s life and achievements.

• What would you want to be remembered for at your funeral?

Image Discussion Points

The Grave

• There is archeological evidence to suggest that people have buried their dead for over 100,000 years.

• Traditionally in many Christian cemeteries the bodies are buried east to west. There are many theories about why this is the case.

• Find out some of those theories for yourself and decide which you think is most likely.

Crematorium

• There is one point of view that traditionally objects to cremation. This view point would tend to follow a literal translation of the Bible passage:

• ‘It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever.’ Such a belief argues that if a body is cremated then it cannot be raised to life again.

• What could the arguments be against such a view?

• Other people decide that once they have died they want to be cremated and often want their ashes spreading in a place that is special for them.

Inscriptions

• The inscription on gravestones as well as telling us something about the person who is buried there can sometimes give us a useful glance back into history.

• The inscription on this grave reads: • 14260485 Private L J Stone. The Manchester

Regiment. 15th November 1945 Age 22. • We do not know for sure but what do you

think may have happened to this man that he died so young – think of the date?