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Document No 30

6/2005          Page last updated: 6 August, 2005

An Order of Service for the

‘Respectful Disposal of Human Remains'

We meet together to entrust these earthly remains to the eternal.
We recognise the variety of human faith traditions that may have supported the individuals from whom these remains come.
May all humanity be strengthened by the beliefs that sustained them.
May they rest in the eternal presence of the Divine.

Poem

Hope is a dark elusive child curled in the womb, cradled in our arms.
It can be lost, disappear, blown on the wind like a dandelion clock.
Its going, its ebbing away leaves us grieving, empty, hopeless.
But even as a gossamer powder puff disintegrates, the seeds are carried to cling to distant crevices,
As it recedes to grow again.
May all find peace.
May hope grow within and around us.
And may steadfast love, never leave us hopeless.

Reflection

We recognise the depth of sorrow and sadness that occurred at the time of the death of the people to whom these remains belonged.

Our prayer is that healing love would surround, support and uphold all those who were affected by their death.

May our gathering here today bring about a fitting conclusion to their time of uncertainty.

Commendation

We acknowledge the mystery of what it means to be completely human.

We hold to a hope that beyond death there is a fullness of life and it is to that we commend these human remains.

Blessing

On our hearts and lives, the blessing of God.
On our lives and our believing, the blessing of God.
At our end and our new beginnings,
the arms of God to welcome us and bring us home.

Amen

The Chaplaincy at UHA

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