Building on the success of
Weddings with Today's Families n Mind: A Handbook for Pastors, McFarlane's new book for pastors focuses on the subject of funerals: how to conduct a meaningful funeral or memorial service and how to be a truly sensitive caregiver to today's often complex families in their time of bereavement.
Part I covers family issues that arise in preparation for the funeral.
Part II focuses on the day of the service.
Part III deals with special circumstances, including; funerals for suicide victims, gays and lesbians, children and younger people; ecumenical and interfaith funerals; and funerals in which some attendees are physically or mentally challenged.
Part IV contains a selection of biblical passages and sermons.
Part V shares ideas about cremation vs. burial, planting a memorial garden on your church property, and preparing a "death and dying" resource booklet for church members.
