Building on the success of Weddings with Today's Families in 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 day's often complex families in their time of bereavement. Part 1 covers family issues that arise in preparation for the funeral. Part 2 focuses on the day of the service. Part 3 deals with special circumstances and includes information on funerals for victims of suicide, gays and lesbians, children and younger people; ecumenical and interfaith funerals; and funerals in which some attendees are physically or mentally challenged. Part 4 contains a selection of biblical passages and sermons. Part 5 shares ideas about cremation vs. burial, and preparing a "death and dying" resource booklet for church members.
