Funeral - What can I expect?

WMSheep

Greetings all. Last weekend my Father`s father passed away at the ripe old age of 94. He was a JW, converted at the door some 40 years ago. The funeral is next week, with a "service" at the Kingdom hall he used to attend (he was an elder), followed by a visit to the crematorium. Now, of the family attending (blood relatives that is), none of us are JW`s (we`re a motley collective of Christians, lapsed Christians, Athiests, Agnostics, and I myself am an unfettered/free Pagan) and I was wondering if any ex JW`s could give me some sort of idea as to the format that the service at the Kingdom hall and then the crematorium might take. Ta WMS

OnTheWayOut

I have no idea about the trip to the crematorium. That sounds very un-JW, but it could be
something arranged by/for the family.

As for a Kingdom Hall talk, it will be a standard outline prepared for the death of any JW.
They usually spend no more than 10 minutes (often less) telling people anything about
the deceased, then the rest of the time is about his beliefs.
They will talk about the original sin, with a need for redemption. They will "prove" that
the dead have no knowledge or activity, they are simply dead unless Jehovah resurrects them.
They will use the Bible several times. The whole thing only takes 35-40 minutes.

OnTheWayOut

This is from http://www.beliefnet.com/story/126/story_12667_2.html

Flowers and food baskets are fine, says J.R. Brown of the Jehovah's Witnesses Office of Public Information. You're also welcome to attend the "memorial talk" at the Kingdom Hall, which ordinarily lasts 30 to 60 minutes. The talk, which is based on scripture, is usually given by an Elder of the church or a friend of the family who is qualified to discuss the Bible. There may be a song or prayer if the family requests it.

Though there's no specific dress code, it's a good idea to dress modestly in black or dark clothes.

There really is no concern about the color of the clothing, but minimize staring by wearing something dressy.

In a Kingdom Hall, there will be a prayer, maybe or maybe not a song. They always stand for a song, virtually
always stand for a prayer. There is no invitation for family or friends to say anything. The rules on that can
vary slightly if it were held at a funeral home instead of a Kingdom Hall.

Often, the casket is closed, but not a rule- and a photo is placed on/near it. Some cremations don't even bother
to have the body present- same with some burials- just the photo, but I have seen both. Expect the body and the
open casket, but don't be surprised if not.

WMSheep

Ta for that. Thinking back 20 years or so, I remember that for my father`s mother it was a straight trip to the crematorium with the service there. I also remember getting the feeling that the service was not for the benefit of the family, but for the benefit of the JW`s present. Us free thinkers were made to feel that we were only there at the sufferance of the main congregation.

OnTheWayOut

Welcome to the forum. Go to the service- show support to fellow family.
Don't go with an "open mind." Understand that this could be an indoctrination
to their strange beliefs. Just learn what your departed family member believed.

You and the family will be able to laugh about it, after the mourning period.
Warn them, also.

OUTLAW

Ever see an Info-mercial on TV..Basicly it`s just a 30-60min.Commercial about a certain product..A JW funeral is the same way..Its not about the person who has passed away..It`s an opportunity for the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society to peddle thier religion..The deceased is mearly a prop for the commercial..I`m sorry..I know that sounds terrible..But..Thats how it is.....My condolences for your loss...OUTLAW

juni

Welcome WMSheep to the forum

I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. You have my sympathy.

I concur with the other answers that you have received.

Peace,

Juni

MeneMene

A copy of the funeral discourse outline ... www.docbob.org/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=20

WMSheep

Ta once again for the comments. I dont intend having ANYTHING that resembles an open mind next week; I know my beliefs and I`m happy with them. As for condolences, thank you but please dont waste your breath; he may have been my Father`s father (NEVER my grandfather), but I can honestly say that I have met him less times than the number of fingers I have. I dont know him and I`ll just be there as my Father`s representative. The last time we met was 13 years ago at my fathers funeral where we exchanged something like 2 dozen words over the course of a 7 hour period (it was OK till he started preaching about what an "Evil World we are in" at the wake which hacked off a lot of folk). As regards dress for the service, of course I`ll a dark suit; I`ll get stared at anyway because of my long hair, beard, tattoos, earring and Blood donors badge. BUT I DONT CARE. As for having a laugh after the mourning period, it`s a horrible thing to say but What mourning period? WMS

WMSheep

Ewww, looking back at that last post, parts of it sound a bit impolite. That was not my intention at all. SORRY!! WMS

Funeral - What can I expect?

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