If you're looking for a planning resource to help you deal with funerals and weddings, this book is worth its weight in gold. Pastors are repeatedly called on to perform these ceremonies in an infinite variety of circumstances, yet there's no "one-size-fits-all" service, so it's a constant challenge to come up with meaningful and appropriate material that witnesses to the Lord's power. In this book an experienced minister shares a wealth of ideas that help you tailor services to individual needs, making these complicated occasions ones of impact and success for your ministry. The Funeral And Wedding Handbook shows you how to ... * Deal with difficult funerals ... suicides, infants, non-Christians, and many more * Effectively comfort the hurting * Plan memorable weddings from premarital counseling to the recessional march * Be prepared for the overlooked details and unexpected events that often arise during funeral and wedding services Robert Blair's book stands alone as a comprehensive resource for both ministers and caregivers. Though systematic, the book is filled with examples from Blair's 40-plus years in the ministry, which makes the book dynamic, credible, and filled with wisdom. Underlying this work is Blair's humble, but all-encompassing devotion to Christ. An essential resource for all involved in funerals and weddings, this book is one of a kind. Mike Inman Chaplain, Hospice of Siouxland Sioux City, Iowa I have found Robert Blair's The Funeral And Wedding Handbook to be very helpful. It is well-written, informative, practical, and contemporary for today's minister. It is a great resource book, both for students preparing for ministry and those who have for many years served the Lord's people during these very important stages in life. Having this book is like having a good friend who's always ready to answer the "how to" and "what to" questions that come up in these situations. I highly recommend it to all ministers. Ron Bontrager Instructor, Sunset International Bible Institute Lubbock, Texas For 28 years, Robert Blair pastored the Church of Christ in Hollywood, California. A graduate of Pepperdine University (B.A., M.A.), Blair now resides in Cleghorn, Iowa. His writings have appeared in Leadership and Leadership Handbooks of Practical Theology.

Within these pages you will find an invaluable blueprint to building creative, exciting, organized, professional-level ceremonies of every kind. Whether you are looking to design a single spectacular dream event, improve your business, or launch a whole new career, this book will be your handy companion, as you move from planning to amazing success!* Unity Rituals * Cultural Etiquette* Ceremonial Diagrams * Business advice* Sample Questionnaires * Contracts* Legal Requirements by State * 100 Ceremony Readings * Preparation instructions for every modern ceremony

Josh Slocum and Lisa Carlson are the two most prominent advocates of consumer rights in dealing with the death industry. Here they combine efforts to inform consumers of their rights and propose long-needed reforms. Slocum is executive director of Funeral Consumers Alliance, a national nonprofit with over 90 local affiliates nationwide. Carlson is executive director of Funeral Ethics Organization, which works with the industry to try to improve ethical standards. In addition to nationwide issues, the book covers state-by-state information needed by anybody who wishes to take charge of funeral arrangements for a loved one, with or without the help of a funeral director. More information about the book and related issues can be found at www.finalrights.org .

This comprehensive handbook provides a solid foundation in helping skills related to successful funeral service practice.

Review: "More than 100 scholars contributed to this carefully researched, well-organized, informative, and multi-disciplinary source on death studies. Volume 1, "The Presence of Death," examines the cultural, historical, and societal frameworks of death, such as the universal fear of death, spirituality and varioius religions, the legal definition of death, suicide, and capital punishment. Volume 2, "The Response to Death," covers such topics as rites and ceremonies, grief and bereavement, and legal matters after death."--"The Top 20 Reference Titles of the Year," American Libraries, May 2004.