How will this work?
The basic plan is simple:
- Whenever Metro Social Services identifies a burial date, they will share the information including the names of the deceased with Call The Name.
- Upon receipt, we will reach out to presiding clergy list to recruit two clergy persons to be present at the burial to offer a short ritual. The goal is to rotate among our recruited clergy to that most folks are only being asked to serve once or twice a year.
Are their limits to what can be offered?
One of the concerns that Metro government had with the program is the fact that we often don’t know the religious affiliation of the deceased and we want to be sensitive to being inclusive of all traditions — including no tradition at all. This is about the ministry of presence, being present with someone as they are laid to rest on behalf of any and all who loved them.
So, we are asking clergy participants to use the following formula in presiding at these burials:
Introduction:
We gather today to remember the life of ________________
our neighbor and resident of our city.
We come today to call out his/her/their name,
remembering him/her/their on behalf of all
who knew and loved him/her/them.
This body we commit to the ground,
earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
May this be a place of quiet rest,
free from pain and turmoil,
and may __________ be surrounded by love and light.
In the calling of his name,
we who are here carry his/her/their presence
throughout our days
until our own name is called.
Prayers
Benediction:
We lift up today all who mourn the loss of
_____________________,
and wish for them comfort and peace.
May God’s perpetual life be found in this place,
And may ______________’s name never be forgotten
How do I sign up?
Please click the link below to sign up to be a part of Call the Name.
https://forms.gle/F5qZjHbkb4n3iKne7
To receive notifications by text message, please visit https://www.remind.com/join/callname and register.