Types of funeral services and Ceremonies

Acolyte

An altar attendant (may be male or female)

Altar

An elevated place or structure on which sacrifices are offered or at which religious sites are performed; the table from which Holy Communion is served and prayers are offered

Benediction

A ritual blessing offered at the conclusion of a service

Book of Common Prayer

A ritual blessing offered at the conclusion of a service

Chancel

The area around the altar of the church, usually enclosing the clergy and other officials

Crucifer

One who carries the processional cross in an ecclesiastical procession

Ecclesiastical

Referring to the church or clergy

Ecumenical

An epithet applied to council regarded as representing the whole Christendom

Epistle Side

The right side of the church (as the congregation faces the altar), from which readings and prayers are often proclaimed

Eucharist-Centered Worship

See also Liturgical Worship; the prescribed order or form of worship used by some churches in which the Eucharist or Holy Communion is the central element

Extreme Unction

In the episcopal faith, the use of oul, holy water, or hands to bless those who are in danger if losing life

Gospel Side

The left side of the church (as the congregation faces the altar), from which sermons are preached

Liturgical Worship

See also Eucharist-Centered Worship; the prescribed order or form of worship used by some churches in which the Eucharist or Holy Communion is the central element

Narthex

See also vestibule; the entryway to the church proper

Nave

The main body of the church where seating is provided

Non-liturgical worship

See also Scripture -centerd worship; a form or order of worship having the Scriptures as the central element, with the actual order of worship determined by the local congregation or clergy

Pall

A symbolic cloth covering placed on the casket representing both the righteousness of Christ bestowed at one’s baptism and the equality of all men before god

Parochial

Belonging to a parish; restricted to a parish; limited in range of scope

Protestant

Any Western Christian who is not an adherent to the Roman Catholic church

Rubrics

Printed or stated directions regarding church practices and procedures as approved by religious leadership

Sanctuary

Liturgically, the part of the church containing the altar (or, if there are several altars, the high altar); commonly, a holy or sacred place devoted to the worship of any deity; historically, a place of refuge

Scripture-Centered Worship

See also non-liturgical worship; a form or order of worship determined by the local congregation or clergy

Transepts

The wings of the main part of the church, which may serve as small chapels for baptisms, weddings, and even small funeral services

Vestibule

See also narthex; the entryway to the church proper

Vestments

Ritual garments of the clergy

Amish

A conservative family-based group of Christians who bring away from Mennonite community in 1720; sect noted for their strong family and community tired and separation from secular pursuits

Ecumenical

A epithet applied to council regarded as representing the whole of Christendom

Jacob Amman

Anabaptist minister who broke away from the swiss brethren movement in 1693 over matters pertaining to excommunication; main writer and namesake for the Amish communities

Menno Simons

Ordained Roman Catholic priest (1515