FUNERAL DIRECTING & COUNSELING

UNIFORM ANATOMICAL GIFT ACT (1973)

By 1973, the Gift Act was enacted in some form in all fifty states. In general, it authorizes an individual to donate all or any part of his or her body, and it specifies who can give consent to donation in the absence of a prior decision by the decedent.

SHIPPING - FOREIGN COUNTRY

Call the country's embassy or consulate for specific directions, regulations and fees. Comply with the prescribed regulations of the receiving country and any other country the remains must pass through. Do not ignore the regulations regardless if they may appear to be unnecessary or outmoded. ◦ Failure to comply may result in refusal to permit entry. Many countries still require the use of a zinc lining and an all wood outer shipping box. Documents may be required to be translated into their native language. Determine what is required and start procuring items as quickly as possible. Allow up to 10-14 working days and many telephone calls to secure the required items.

DOMESTIC SHIPPING - IMPROVEMENTS

Casualties from the Gulf War were back on American soil 48 hours after being killed in action. Transporting human remains via airlines can best be divided into two periods of time. Pre 9/11: funeral homes were free to send any funeral associate to the airport. Post 9/11: only authorized personnel can bring human remains to the airport.

INDIRECT LEARNING

Comes from cultural environment. This includes attitudes, manner of dress and ways of thinking, praying, talking etc.

DIRECT LEARNING

Comes from parents and formal education.

ORTHODOX - COMMITTAL SERVICES

Cremation is considered objectionable in the Orthodox Church. Earth burial or entombment are the alternatives. The Priest will lead the procession to the burial site upon arriving at the cemetery. Readings and prayers by the Priest and Cantor along with a closing prayer will be held at the committal service.

AMERICAN FUNERAL RITE- ETHNIC CONCENTRATIONS & ECONOMICS

Ethnic concentrations and economic levels in different sections of cities affect funeral rites. Ex: Black Harlem vs rural New York City. Regions may affect merchandise selections. Ex: Wood producing areas vs steel mills.

EGALITARIAN FAMILIES

Families in which all members of the family units have a voice in governing matters and decision-making.

PATRIARCHAL FAMILIES

Families in which the male is the dominant governing force. In many families, it is the oldest male who makes many of the decisions concerning the family.

URBANIZATION

Families moving from rural to urban areas, there has been a loss of identity of the individual.

FUNERALS OFFER SUPPORT & COMFORT

Final disposition for the body of the deceased. Religious ritual. Social support. A celebration of life. Acceptable environment to express feelings.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Generally defined as inducing the public to have a positive feeling about a particular business. One needs to effectively increase the credibility of the firm in the eyes of the public and position yourself in the community as a leader in the field. An effective public relations program is essential to introduce your name and facilities to the consumer public due to the high mobility of much of today's society.

ICON

Holy pictures, usually of Christ, the Mother of God and the Saints, found covering the walls, iconostasis, and special shrines around the church.

SANCTUARY

Liturgically, the part of the church containing the altar (or, if there are several altars, the high altar). Commonly, the term is used to refer to a holy or sacred place devoted to the worship of any deity. Historically, a place of refuge.

MORES

MUST BEHAVIORS

ORGAN DONATION

Many states have adopted statutes that require drivers' licenses to serve as donor cards, when signed by the holder. The laws passed since 1985 fall into two groups: -those that require hospitals to request anatomical gifts -those that require them to inform families of the option of donation

MENNO SIMONS, (1492)

Menno Simons was a firm believer in the "Meidung" -the shunning or avoidance of excommunicated members who broke the rules; a form of ostracism among the Old Order Amish.

NON-LITURGICAL PROTESTANT FUNERAL RITE

Most protestant churches are classified as non-liturgical in architecture and worship style. The form or order is up to the pastor. i.e. Baptist, Methodist, Church of Christ, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Church of God and Nazarene. Notification of clergy is not required, sometimes it is done. No time or day restrictions on the removal. The cause or manner of death may effect the removal, but religious factors will not. Embalming is accepted the choice is up to the family. No clothing requirements. Do not use rubics, candles or pall. No gospel or epistle sides. Clergy will dress in own clothing. No acolytes or crucifers. Visitation & open casket will more likely take place in the sanctuary rather than in the vestibule. Variance on casket open/closed during service, re-open at conclusion of service. Clergy will lead the procession. Recessional may not take place.

WHY DO WE HAVE FUNERALS?

-Commemorates the life of a person through ceremony or ritual. -Affirms the reality of death. -Offers healing value to friends and family. -Reaffirms religious beliefs.

SOCIOLOGY - RESPONSE TO DEATH

1. The funeral rite itself can be called a social function. The goal is that it is honoring of a life lived and expressing sadness at the loss - is constant in all funeral services. 2. The funeral rite is a cultural universal, because of the response to death can be found in every culture and subculture. Every society has developed a method of burying their dead; a system of announcing the death; people caring for their dead (embalming & restorative art skills); method of disposition. 3. Understanding how a society buries its dead, the director examines & understand the social structure of the society. 4. Funeral rites reflect both modern (present or recent) & contemporary (of the same time) tendencies. i.e. Modern (chapel within the funeral facility); Contemporary (immediate disposition & cremation).

MATRIARCHAL FAMILIES

A family in which the female is the decision maker. It is also the oldest female of the family who rules.

NON-LITURGICAL (SCRIPTURE CENTERED) 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 & clergy.

ADAPTIVE FUNERAL RITE

A funeral rite altered to fit the families needs or the trends of the time.

AMERICAN FUNERAL RITE -GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

A major area that affects the American funeral rite is geographic location. The area of the country as well as the area within a metropolitan area often has an affect on the type or rite selected. Southern states have strong customs of traditional funerals while in the West, memorial services and cremation have become the contemporary choice.

CANTOR

A person who accompanies the priest in chanting hymns pertaining to the liturgical service.

PRIMITIVE FUNERAL RITE

A rite that can be identified with a pre-literate (before the written word) society. Some American Indian tribes will utilize the traditional funeral rite to a point after which the funeral director is dismissed. The tribe then assumes the responsibility of the disposition of the remains in ancient ceremonies. Ceremonies may be secret and only viewed by the tribal members.

ICONOSTASIS

A solid screen, covered with icons, at the front of the church, dividing the sanctuary form the body of the building.

INTANGIBLE REQUEST

A special poem or an open casket at the graveside.

TAPER

A wax candle lit in the narthex of the Orthodox Church, signifying prayers and petitions being offered up to God.

FIRST CALL INFORMATION

Name of deceased Location of deceased Name and relationship of caller Phone number of caller Next of kin if not the caller Name of attending physician Age (Birth date) of deceased Permission to embalm? IF DEATH OCCURRED AT HOSPITAL Has a release been signed? Autopsy? Permission to embalm? Location of deceased; room or morgue? Anything else? Doctor

LITURGICAL (EUCHARIST CENTERED)

One that has a prescribed order of worship or a prescribed form of worship which will be more or less consistent throughout the country or world. A second way liturgical can be defined is based on the architecture of the worship place; it was built in the shape of a cross. Gospel lectern (minister delivers sermons) & Epistle lectern (readings & prayers). The center aisle and crucifix are the focal point. Acolytes & Crucifers, Rubics & Pall are used. Clergy dress in vestments. Process into and out of the sanctuary. Processional & Recessional.

CRUCIFER

One who carried the processional cross in ecclesiastical processions.

ETHOCENTRISM

One's culture is superior to others.

ALEHAW HASHALOM

Phrase used after the name of departed female meaning, "Peace be upon her"

ALAR HASHALOM

Phrase used after the name of departed male meaning, "Peace be upon him"

COMMUNITY CARE EXAMPLES

Practicing excellence in performing professional duties. Brochures and literature Public presentations Tours of the funeral home Open houses Newsletters Seminars

F. HOME ANSWERING SERVICES

Pros Convenience Relieves staff needs Allows time away from office Relief from night calls More flexibility for a small firm Cost Cons Untrained personnel Impersonal Lack ability to answer questions concerning immediate needs of family Risk of unprofessional comments Liability Represent the funeral home

FUNERALS

Reaffirm the reality of the death. Acknowledge the importance of a life. Bring families and friends together in support. Encourage expressions of feelings. Fulfill religious rites. Provide structure and activity during a time of grief.

ROUTINE REFERRAL ACT

Requires hospitals to contact the local organ procurement organization (OPO) about each death that occurs in the hospital. -If the person is eligible, the OPO must offer the family the opportunity to donate.

VESTMENTS

Ritual garments of the clergy.

CUSTOMS

SOCIAL BEHAVIORS

LITURGICAL (EUCHARIST CENTERED) WORSHIP

The prescribed order or form of worship used by some churches, with the Eucharist or Holy Communion as the central element.

ORTHODOX - FUNERAL SERVICE

The proper name given to the Orthodox church service conducted for the dead.

TRISAGION- ORTHODOX FUNERAL RITES

The rites begin with the Trisagion or three short blessings or services which are usually held in the funeral home the evening before the service, the next day prior to the service and again at the cemetery following the service. Determine what equipment is necessary. Normally candles are at each end of the casket, a cross behind the casket and an icon at the foot end of the casket.

SOCIOLOGY

The science that deals with the various social groups which we encounter in our world today.

NEO-LOCALISM

The tendency for people to move and relocate from the area where they were born.

TRADITIONAL FUNERAL RITE

The traditional funeral follows a well defined ritual or ceremony which is based on either religious beliefs or the social customs of the family involved.

TRANSFER/REMOVAL OF REMAINS

The transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home. VEHICLES USED: Hearse (Funeral Coach) Van Station wagon Conversion vehicle

TRANSEPTS

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

ORTHODOXY

The word "Orthodoxy" has a double meaning of right belief and right worship.

NON-LITURGICAL (SCRIPTURE CENTERED)

The worship format of the non-liturgical Protestant churches is determined by the local congregation and their clergy.

SHIPPING - UN-EMBALMED

When the body is packed in dry ice or ice packs, the remains must be placed into a Ziegler case to insure that fluids are contained. ◦ A Ziegler case is a hermetically sealed zinc metal liner with a one piece top that is attached with screws. The case may be placed inside a casket or other container. Both the sending and receiving funeral homes could be held liable for clean up costs in the event of leakage that creates a biohazard incident.

RUBRICS

directions to be followed for that service listed immediately prior to the service. Stated directions regarding church practices and procedures as approved by the church.

AMISH- NOTIFICATION OF CLERGY

•In most cases, death will occur in a hospital or deceased's residence. •Few deaths will occur in a nursing home due to strong family commitments. •In most cases, the family will advise the funeral director of the appropriate time to notify the clergy.

AMISH BODIES...INCLUDE

•The Mennonite Church •Conservative Amish •Old Order Amish •Old Order Mennonite •Reformed Mennonite •Hutterian Brethren •Krimmer Brueder Gemeinde

AMISH CUSTOMS

•There are no Amish undertakers and funeral parlors are taboo. •Embalming is acceptable if desired. •After embalming, decedent is dressed in white underwear and stockings and placed in a casket of the family's choosing. •Some areas use the "coffin" style casket made by an Amish carpenter. •Male -dressed in long gown, top resembles a shirt with a pleat instead of buttons. •Alternative would be white shirt, white trousers and a white vest. •Female -dressed in long white gown and white cape. •Sons may dress their father and daughters may dress their mother.

SHIPPING DOCUMENTS & INSPECTIONS

All countries require legalization or authentication of the documents by having the seal of the government agency impressed on them. All certified copies, burial and/or transit permit, non-contagious disease letter, and embalmer's non-contraband affidavit must have a "dry, raised or impressed" seal. ◦ A rubber stamp may not be acceptable. If cause of death is pending, the coroner or medical examiner must issue a letter stating the cause of death is not due to a contagious disease. Ask if any documents may be faxed to the embassy or consulate to expedite matters. Many countries require an inspection and/or sealing of the casket by a representative of the consulate or embassy. Containers may be sealed by cords or ribbons tied around the casket and sealed with wax impressed with the seal of the embassy. Do not send flowers -this constitutes a quarantine situation and may result in returning the body to the country of origin. If the body needs to be sent to another where the consulate is located, another funeral home will be required to be involved.

APOSTILLE

An Apostille is a document that verifies or certifies a notary seal or governmental agency seal and accompanying signature. The Apostilleis obtained by the agency of each individual state that issues notary or governmental agency seals. This may be a secretary of state or a county registrar. The shipping funeral director will need to contact their state authority to determine the agency responsible for issuing the Apostille. Some countries may require the Apostille of the U.S. Dept. of State in Washington, DC. The Red Book and Blue Book of funeral service are good sources to find contact and shipping information relating to the shipment of bodies to other countries. Always call the embassy or consulate first.

ACOLYTE

An alter attendant

ALTAR

An elevated place or structure on which sacrifices are offered or at which religious rites are performed.

PROTESTANT

Any Western Christian who is not an adherent of the Roman Catholic Faith. i.e. Baptist, Methodist, Church of Christ, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Church of God and Nazarene.

HUMANISTIC FUNERAL RITE

Any type of funeral rite that is held devoid of any religious connotation. No reference to religious thinking.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Any type of rites where the body of the deceased is not present.

FUNERAL

Any type of rites where the body of the deceased is present.

DOMESTIC SHIPPING - HUMAN REMAINS

Defined as the returning of human remains to a place of origin for final ceremonies and disposition. The average funeral director will receive 1-5 case calls each year that are shipped to his/her funeral home for final disposition. The mobility of today's society is one of the reasons for the increase in domestic shipping. Domestic shipping was also influenced by the development of embalming and the Civil War. The death of President Lincoln in 1865 was another factor that is considered to have had an impact on domestic shipping. After the Civil War, domestic shipping became a new avenue of service offered by American funeral directors. Rail companies developed guidelines with respect to shipping human remains. ◦ The body was required to be embalmed ◦ Caskets were placed in a wooden shipping crate The military during WWII attributed to the advance in modern domestic shipping. Domestic shipping was greatly improved upon due to aviation advances. The WWII era was the first time that three forms (i.e. air, rail, sea) of shipping were used to return remains to their place of origin. After the Korean War, transporting remains via airlines became much more efficient and expeditious.

LITURGICAL PROTESTANT FUNERAL RITE

Director communicates with clergy to determine the notification of death of a congregation member. No restrictions to the removal of remains. No church mandates the method or extent that the remains should be prepared prior to disposition. Choice of clothing is determined by family. The service may be held in either the church or funeral home. If funeral is held at church, know the layout of the sanctuary. Rubics & Pall are practiced.

IMMEDIATE DISPOSITION

Disposition of the body of a deceased without any form of funeral rite a that time.

TANGIBLE REQUEST

EX. A favorite toy is to be buried with their child.

SYNOD

Each Orthodox Church is headed by a Council of Bishops

SYNODS

Each synod elects their leader and those leaders serve limited terms under constitutional authority. •Each synod owns their own property and buildings and are self-governing in their local affairs. •The Evangelical Lutheran Church is the largest body. The Missouri Synod is the second largest. Both account for 90% of the Lutherans in North America. Differences in the Synods •Primary differences are mainly in observable rites and ceremonies. •Doctrines are similar. •Funeral service rites may vary among the Lutheran churches within a community - especially if more than one synod is present.

FIRST CALL SALUTATION/CONCLUSION

How do you like to be addressed? Mr. Jones, Dr. Edwards, Mary Smith Be careful on how you address the callers. Use formality. Don't be overly friendly. Be respectful and mindful of who they are. Good morning? Good afternoon? NEVER!! Concluding the call .......... Carefully summarize; don't go through a litany of review questions. Display an attitude of confidence. Convey assurance. Inform the caller of items to bring to the arrangement conference. Clothing Photo, if available and necessary Military records, if any Social Security Number Cemetery deed, papers Life insurance policy(ies) Give the approximate time of arrival. Avoid saying "thank you". Discuss alternative methods of closing the phone conversation. Example: We will take good care of your mother (or father, etc.). Please feel free to call at any time should you have any other questions. We'll be there as soon as driving time permits.

SHIPPING - NON-CASKETED REMAINS

Human remains that are not casketed can be shipped in a shipping "combo unit". ◦ A combo is a wood bottom container with a cardboard top and usually a padded interior. Plastic undergarments should be used. At minimum, the body should have a hospital gown on. Wrap the body in a sheet, not plastic. Clothing should be sent in a plastic garment bag. Anchor the body to the bottom of the combo unit using nylon straps provided. Include all flight information and the transit permit in the shipping envelope that is attached to head end of the unit. ◦ Clearly mark the name of the deceased and the receiving funeral home on the unit. Combo or shipping containers need to be discarded after use and may be rejected by the airlines if the funeral home attempts to reuse the unit.

FOLKWAYS

INFORMAL PRACTICES

SHIPPING OF HUMAN REMAINS

In most states, either a licensed funeral director or licensed trainee are allowed to deliver or receive human remains from an airport. Two forms of ID must be produced: ◦ A picture ID and their state license or registration All airlines require the body to be embalmed. ◦ If religious convictions do not allow embalming, most airlines will permit an unembalmed body to be packed in dry ice or with ice packs.

CULTURE

Is a system of abstract patterns of an for both living and dying which are learned directly or indirectly. A culture is a unique and distinctive way of life.

JACOB AMMAN (1656)

Jacob Amman, a Mennonite preacher born in 1656, rose to become a respected leader. Amman was a firm believer in enforcing the Meidung and those that believed in the ban joined his group and became known as the Amish. •The others stayed within the larger Mennonite fold.

LUTHERAN FUNERAL RITES

Since Lutheran churches are liturgical in their worship style, the location of the funeral will play a role in the type of service held. •Flowers may be permitted in the church. If in the church, acolytes, a cross, candles, a pall and perhaps incense are part of the funeral service. •Rubrics will be found in the hymnal and other special readings will be followed. •Use of the pall dictates a closed casket during the service -often results in viewing in the vestibule prior to the service. •Processional order: ▫ Crucifer or Crossbearer ▫ Pastor ▫ Pallbearers ▫ Casket ▫ Family •Casket may be positioned parallel or at right angles to the altar. •Communion may be offered if requested by family. •At conclusion the recessional would return the funeral party to their vehicles. •Cremation is discouraged although used in some cases. •If the funeral is in the funeral home or some place other than the Lutheran church, the funeral would more closely resemble a non- liturgical protestant service. •The committal service usually includes a prayer, scripture readings, and committal of the body. •Flower petals or earth may be used for the sign of the cross upon the casket.

MODIFIED EXTENDED NUCLEAR FAMILY

Single parent families find it a difficult task to survive alone. The modified extended nuclear family system serves to provide nuclear families security, protection and help. These families can be developed through related (kinship) nuclear families or by social friendships such as church groups for interacting support. Whenever there is a death, it is the interaction that results in friends and relatives coming to the family's aid with food, assistance and emotional support during the funeral period.

FUNERAL RITE

Sociologists use this term as an all inclusive term to describe either a funeral or a memorial service.

MARTIN LUTHER (1483-1546)

The Lutheran Church began in 1517 as a protest by one man, Martin Luther, a Roman Catholic Priest, who refused to abide by certain demands of the Pope and the Catholic Church. This action also marked the Protestant movement. •There are over nine million Lutherans belonging to different "synods" or branches of the Lutheran Church.

MENNONITE (AMISH) FUNERAL RITE

The Mennonites area denomination of evangelical Protestant Christians who settled in the US in 1683. The Amish are descendants of the 16th century Swiss Anabaptists. •Many of the latter came to be known as Mennonites because of the strong leadership of Menno Simons, an ordained Catholic priest who was born in the Netherlands in 1492. •In this sense, the Amish are a branch of the Mennonites and the two groups have much in common. There are several bodies of the Amish. •The groups are different in name only for the most part. •They embrace the separation of Church and State, refuse to take oaths, take up arms against others and protest slavery. The Amish settled in Pennsylvania in 1683, spread to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. •Except for the Old Order Amish, many of the groups began to adjust to the practices of the new environments in the West.

AMISH POPULATIONS - OLD ORDER

The Old Order Amish are devout believers in humility, brotherly love, group discussion and consensus. • Today there are settlements in no fewer than 20 states. • Of the more than 100,000 Old Order Amish, approx. 75% live in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana. • They also have communities in Canada, Central America and South America. • Paradoxically, there are no Amish in Europe, their original homeland.

CHANCEL

The place about the altar of the church, usually enclosing the clergy and other officials.

ORTHODOX FUNERAL RITE

The Orthodox Church is a family of independent, flexible, auto-cephalus (self-governing) Churches. Examples are Greek, Russian, Eastern or Catholic Orthodox Churches. Each Orthodox Church is headed by a Council of Bishops called a synod. The word "Orthodoxy" has a double meaning of right belief and right worship. The churches claim that they teach the true belief about God and glorify Him with right worship. 4-5 million members belong to approximately fifteen Orthodox groups in the U.S. Within the U.S. approximately 1.5 million are Greek Orthodox. No last rites are administered. It is not necessary to contact the priest unless requested. There are no restrictions involving the removal. There are no restrictions as to the preparation of the body. Embalming will usually be chosen. The deceased is usually dressed in their own clothing or clothing specifically selected by the family. The European custom is to shroud the body.

SHIPPING -CASKETED REMAINS

The body should be lowered to the bottom of the casket. Cover the face and hands to prevent the interior material from cosmetics. Take measures to prevent the body from shifting within the casket during transport. The casket may be locked but do not seal the casket if it is a protective unit. Airlines will require either an air tray or a wooden shipping box for casketed remains. Place all flight information on the shipping envelope that is attached to the head of the air tray or container. The body transit permit (burial/removal permit) should be secured inside the shipping envelope.

NARTHEX (VESTIBULE)

The entry way to the church proper.

CULTURAL UNIVERSALS

The establishment of rules and regulation for orderly living (government), the establishment of family (marriage) and a response to the death of another member of the culture (funeral rites).

EXTENDED (JOINT) FAMILY

The extended family systems contains the father and mother, all of their unmarried children and the married sons' wives and children. The married daughters would belong to the extended family of their husband or to another family system. After marriage, they are no longer a member of the parents' household. Today, while not rare, true extended families are not found in large numbers in the United States. They are found in greater numbers in the Deep South, Appalachian region, some Indian tribes and Amish communities. They are considered patriarchal in governing style. They are generally farm based and self sufficient. There is a strong religious faith in most extended families. They are very conservative in thought, dress and actions. There is little mobility involved in terms of vacations or relocating. Death does not threaten the unit to any great extent since they all contribute to the overall well-being of the unit.

RECEIVING REMAINS FROM ABROAD

The family will need to contact the U.S. Embassy in the country where death occurred. The U.S. government will not provide funds to return a U.S. citizen home. Decisions by the family will need to be made quickly for embalming is not uniformly available in many countries. Wait until you have the remains in your possession before discussing viewing with the family. Allow additional time for scheduling arrangements or other unexpected delays. The family should select the least expensive services available in the foreign country. Check with the airline regarding credit of air fare paid towards the return air freight costs. Many foreign countries do not issue death certificates or one with a cause of death. The US Embassy will issue a"Consular Report of a Death Overseas" that is accepted by insurance companies and other businesses. The US Embassy representative must be assured that the body is properly encased and prepared for shipment back to the U.S. The requirements of the country where death occurred must also be met at all times.

NAVE

The main body of the church where the seating is provided.

FIRST CALL

The notification of death is referred to as the "first call". 98% of the initial contacts are made by telephone. Tone of voice Should be professional, not overly sad, forlorn or cheerful. Questions and pronunciation slightly slower Diction Clear and crisp - no eating,drinking, gum or smoking Volume Not too loud or soft Phone image Be sincere, sensitive, consider it to be "face to face"; place the caller in a receptive mode. Don't display an impersonal plastic persona.

SOLEA

The open area before the altar in an Orthodox Church

ORTHODOX - FUNERAL SERVICE

There are always exceptions. Generally the family and pallbearers will be in attendance of the Trisagion at the funeral home before the service. The service is very short -five or ten minutes -then move on to the church. The Priest greets the family and casket at the back of the church. The Priest blesses the casket with holy water and leads the procession down the aisle of the church. The Cantor will accompany the Priest. Casket is led foot first and placed in the Solea with the foot end near the altar. The casket is usually left open during the service. There will be a liturgical order of service from a book called the Parastasor Great Panachida. A eulogy may conclude the service. The casket is then turned parallel to the Iconostasis. The Priest then anoints the body with olive oil and earth or sand. An icon is placed at the foot end of the casket. Note page 56 in the TFSC text. As those seated on the right side pass by, they stop to kiss the Icon which is known as the "Ceremony of the Last Kissing". The Icon is then moved to the head end for those seated on the left side. The friends exit and the family then has an opportunity for a final viewing. Funerals may not be held on Holy Days and Sundays.

LUTHERAN - REMOVAL OF REMAINS

There are no restrictions or requirements imposed by church officials when a member of the Lutheran Church dies.

TRISAGION

Three short services or blessings, conducted at the funeral home the evening before the funeral service, on the day of the funeral service before leaving the funeral home for the church and at the cemetery, following the funeral service.

NUCLEAR FAMILIES

Today's nuclear families are highly mobile. Moves to other cities for better jobs or to live more comfortably is not uncommon.

ORGAN DONOR REQUESTS

Twenty-six states and the District of Columbia have required request laws. Eighteen others require that hospitals inform families about organ donation. Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee do not require hospitals to approach the families. -They are required to notify an OPO.

LUTHERAN - NOTIFICATION OF DEATH

Unless requested by a local pastor, it is not necessary to notify the pastor at the time a death occurs. •Family's relationship to church may dictate notifying the pastor. •Every case will vary.

AMISH FUNERAL SERVICE

VISITATION FOR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS - May be held for one or two days prior to the service. Visitation and the funeral service may take place at the residence, especially in those groups who worship in homes rather than in a church. •Funeral will most often take place in the church or the decedent's home if no church exists. •Service may be conducted in German if congregation is largely from a German background. •Among more conservative groups, you may see men seated on one side and the women and children on the other. •Following the procession to the cemetery by either auto or horse drawn equipment, the coffin may be placed in a traditional outer enclosure or a wooden rough box for burial. •After committal services, friends and family will return to the church or residence for a meal.

NUCLEAR FAMILY

While the extended family is large, the nuclear family is one of the smallest possible family units. Family consists of the mother, father and their unmarried children. The governing factor is not clearly defined and may be patriarchal, matriarchal or egalitarian. Both parents may work and contribute to the financial needs of the family. The nuclear family is more liberal in thought, dress and actions. They are more mobile. Because they are much smaller, death can result in a greater impact due to loss of income, etc. Because the number of children in a nuclear family is less and they are more child oriented, the death of a child would be more greatly felt. A nuclear family is often a blended family. Blended families are defined as one male, one female, their children from previous marriages as well as their own. The blended family often poses more challenges to the funeral director. One example would be the attempt by the surviving spouse to make decisions which may be contrary to the children or other relative of the deceased spouse. Another is determining which customs and traditions are to be followed.