How to Write a Resolution for a Funeral

Until you are asked to write a resolution for a funeral, you may be unfamiliar with the the term completely. Writing a funeral resolution is a personal and in depth process, yet because it is an official document in many cases it needs to follow a specific format. Use these steps to write a legitimate and heartfelt funeral resolution for a friend/family member and deliver it to the best of your ability.

Instructions

1. 

   CLARIFY WITH THE FAMILY! Before writing a funeral resolution, it is a good idea to check with the family what exactly they are expecting of you. In some cases a family member may call it a Resolution, yet actually mean a eulogy or an expression of condolences to family friends. If it is an actual funeral resolution, it is important that you follow a specific format. When dealing with any family member realize how overwhelmed he/she must be feeling and be patient and loving.

2. 

   TALK TO THE CHURCH OFFICIALS! Once you clarify that it is, indeed, a funeral resolution you need to be writing contact the church and see if there is any specifics they wish you to include. If you are not familiar with the deceased' s habits at church, ask about his/her attendance, volunteer efforts or any personal stories the pastor may know of.

3. 

   CREATE A ROUGH DRAFT! This will probably be the most emotional part of your journey in writing the funeral resolution. During this part get out a notebook, pull up a computer document, or just get a pen and a scratch piece of paper. Start writing the positive things about the individual, great experiences you have had together, things other people knew him/her for and appreciated him/her for. His major goals and enjoyments in life, comments he/she made to you about heaven, life and dying. Be prepared for a cathartic moment while reliving all these memories. You may choose to do this step while alone and when you have a lot of time.

4. 

   FOLLOW THE FORMAT! Once you have have brainstormed ideas, it is now time to plug them into the regimented format. Do so with honesty and feeling. Trust your instincts. Choose the memories which you feel most people will be able to relate to and leave out memories inappropriate to family members (memories of partying in Vegas, etc.)

5. 

   WRITE THE TITLE OF THE RESOLUTION! The title will be formatted at the top center of the page and include the name of the deceased. Examples include "Resolution of Respect for __Jane Doe___" or "Resolution in loving memory of ___Jane Does___."

6. 

   WRITE THE FUNERAL RESOLUTION INTRODUCTION! The introduction has two requirements. 1) an acknowledgement that the deceased was close to God and 2) that the deceased has in fact passed away from this world. Introductions often include bible passages or poems. Examples include: "God, in his infinite wisdom has seen fit to move from out midst our beloved Name of Deceased by means of death on Date of Death."

7. 

   WRITE THE "WHEREAS STATEMENTS"! The "whereas statements" justify reasons for the funeral resolution all together. Each statement will start with the word "whereas" and can include some of the great attributes you wrote about this person in the rough draft. This section includes his/her relationship with the Lord, his/her church, family and community. It can also include a bible verse. There are no limit to how many "whereas" statements you include, but try to keep it to less than 2 pages worth. Do not feel compelled to do too many if you are uncomfortable speaking. Examples include: "Whereas the deceased was a devoted father and husband and will be missed dearly." "Whereas the deceased gave willingly to his community through consistent monetary gifts to the Girls and Boys Club and by volunteering as a hockey coach."

8. 

   WRITE THE RESOLUTIONS! The specific resolutions are the action to be taken by the congregation to "resolve the individual's death." This will be one of the most specific statements in the entire funeral resolution an should include who, what, where, and when information. There only needs to be one to two resolutions. Common examples include: "Therefore be it resolved, that we embrace the family to show our support and love to the family because in the death of our beloved,___Jane Doe_____, we have a bond that will connect us for the rest of our lives. We cannot replace ____Jane____, but we will show you her love for you."

9. 

   WRITE THE OFFICIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT! The official acknowledgement is your concluding statement. It can be as simple as "respectfully submitted" or can include another poem, personal story or Bible verse.

10. 

    TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND RELAX! There is a reason why you were asked to write and deliver a resolution for the funeral. It is not because you are the best speaker or author, but because you have a personal relationship or connection with the deceased or family of the deceased. Make it as simple or as complex as you are able to do. The best way to write a Resolution is to make it a celebration about the life of the individual.

Tips & Warnings

• Take care of your own grief and needs during the process of writing/delivering the Funeral Resolution. You are not alone in the mass of emotions you are feeling.

• Feel honored that you were asked for this task. Know, that there is no way you can fail as long as it is heartfelt and well planned. Ask for help from family friends.

Resources

• Grave Matters: A Journey Through the Modern Funeral Industry to a Natural Way of Burial
• Free Funeral Poems/Samples
• Funeral Poems And Reflections - Volume I: A Contemporary Collection of Memorial and Funeral Poetry