Families are moving away from having funerals. I have had several acquaintances who have recently not had a funeral and movie stars like Doris Day are accelerating the trend which I remember starting with Johnny Carson.
While families may want to save money and increase the inheritance, in some instances, friends still need to gather to support each other when a special person dies. Funerals help all people process their grief.
Both Bishop Eaton and Bishop Briner have suggested congregations not have remote or virtual Holy Communion services. I suggest First Lutheran abide by this advice and not have Holy Communion services
The poncho-like vestment worn at most worship services is to be worn by the presiding minister at Holy Communion. Since there was no sacrament, the vestment was not worn.
Church signs with message boards like the one at First Lutheran Church in Edinburg can create some interesting situations. Sometimes the sign does not communicate what is intended. Following 9/11 at