Lutheran

For Lutherans, death is the passing from a physical life on Earth to an eternal life with God. Their beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife and indeed one of the reasons for the Church’s founding: German Martin Luther rejected the Catholic teaching that life with God is achieved by good deeds and faith. The Lutheran Church began to teach that simply following Jesus Christ is the way to eternal life, a new beginning.
 

Before the funeral

• The family will contact a pastor once it is clear that death is imminent, and they will support the dying person and their loved ones, as well as in the planning of the funeral
  
• A viewing may be held beforehand, with any rites beyond those of the Lutheran faith to be carried out at this time
  
• Embalming of the body may be chosen
   

During the service

• At a Lutheran funeral service, the body will normally be in the church with a white pall over the casket, symbolising the equality of all men in the eyes of God
  
• Lutheran funeral hymns, readings and prayers will be carried out and all are welcome to participate in their recital. A eulogy will sometimes be delivered, but not commonly as Lutherans prefer to focus on the life of faith lived by a person, rather than on their deeds
  
• Communion will likely be offered, and all attendees are invited to receive it, not just those who are members of the Lutheran Church. There isn’t, however, an obligation to do so, if you don’t wish to
  
• Similarly, kneeling and standing when the congregation does during a Lutheran funeral doesn’t need to be followed if you’re not of the faith, you may choose to sit quietly for the duration of the service
  
• The service will run for approximately 30 minutes, and it is advised to wear dark, formal clothing, which usually means a jacket and tie for the men
   

After the service

• A reception is commonly held after the funeral, at which mourners will share food and reflect on the loved one’s life. You may wish to bring something to share to eat or drink at the reception, if you wish
  
• At the reception, speeches and eulogies about the life of the deceased may be given, instead of at the church during the funeral
  
• There’s no set mourning period within the Lutheran faith