*Concerning the Service*

*The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as 
possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in 
consultation with, the Minister of the Congregation.*

*Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church.  The service 
should be held at a time when the congregation has opportunity to be 
present.*

*The coffin is to be closed before the service, and it remains closed 
thereafter.  It is appropriate that it be covered with a pall or other 
suitable covering.*

*If necessary, or if desired, all or part of the service of Committal 
may be said in the church.  If preferred, the Committal service may take 
place before the service in the church.  It may also be used prior to 
cremation.*

*A priest normally presides at the service.  It is appropriate that the 
bishop, when present, preside at the Eucharist and pronounce the 
Commendation.*

*It is desirable that the Lesson from the Old Testament, and the 
Epistle, be read by lay persons.*

*When the services of a priest cannot be obtained, a deacon or lay 
reader may preside at the service.*

*At the burial of a child, the passages from Lamentations, 1 John, and 
John 6, together with Psalm 23, are recommended.*

*It is customary that the celebrant meet the body and go before it into 
the church or towards the grave.*

*The anthems at the beginning of the service are sung or said as the 
body is borne into the church, or during the entrance of the ministers, 
or by the celebrant standing in the accustomed place.*