An Open Bar Funeral

Off-topic
1

I have done a lot of weird funerals during my ministry, but today’s was unique. It had an open bar. The bar was serving throughout the service.

This was at the request of the deceased (he made the request before he was deceased). I met this guy back in April at another funeral I did. He had just been diagnosed with advanced cancer. We got together several times after that to contemplate life, death, heaven, cancer and some of the other mysteries of life and mysteries of the church. He asked me if I would preach for his funeral. I told him I would be honored. He asked if I minded having an open bar at his funeral. I told him I didn’t have a problem with that either.

I thought it went well. I’m sure I will catch hell as soon as it makes it back to the church powers that be. But it was worth it.

2

I don’t understand why the church powers that be would chastise you for honoring the wishes of the deceased. Then again, I wouldn’t be at all surprised, either. Someone is going to have to be mad about it. That means someone has to be blamed. It might as well be you.

3

You think just like a Bishop. Ever thought about changing careers?

4

They served alchohol at my father in law’s funeral; of course, it was a Mass. A lot more at the Elks after the graveside.

Seriously, will you do my funeral if you outlive me?

5

If Jethro won’t have you, let me know. I’d go mail-order-diploma if that’s what it took to ensure you have an open bar at your funeral.

6

I’d be honored. But don’t be in a big hurry. I need a few years to learn how to pronounce your last name.

7

at some wakes, there’s a keg everyday. Late, when some people have had just enough, they sit up the deceased and put a beer in his hand.

In other cases, the widow goes to the deceased’s gin mill and drinks are on the deceased.

i’ve heard it’s more common in specific ethnic groups.

8

Was the open bar service in the church or at a funeral parlor somewhere?

It’s common to have open bar at the recption but it’s a cool choice to have it for the service itself. They should have gotten cocktail waitresses on roller skates so no one would have to get up from their pews.

9

It was in the deceased’s favorite bar. I should probably add that it was a biker bar. He was Harley guy. I , for once in my life, was overdressed.

10

Even cooler. Was the deceased present?

11

Like, an open casket bar?

12

Now I have to go and adjust my will again, sigh.

But thanx.

13

Sounds like a neat idea to celebrate. I think i might just get myself an oversized coffin, fill in the extra space around my corpse with ice and beers and as people come to pay their respects they can grab a beer on me.

14

and if you’re on ice, you can skip the cost of embalming!!

15

His ashes were present. And I guess you could say he was present in spirit (or spirits, in this case).

16

Ah, I was hoping for an open casket. In all seriousness though it’s great that he hose to celebrate his life in a way that works for him and represents HIS life. Instead of sticking with tradition.

17

That’s a radical idea! I’d want to have something like that at my funeral as well. :slight_smile:

18

Reminds me of an episode of Six Feet Under, where a devoted motorcylist dies, and his motorcycle brothers and sisters give a funeral for him.

I recommend the whole series, I got it thru Netflix.

19

So which would your church frown on more, an open bar at a funeral, or a funeral at a bar? :slight_smile:

20

I’ll second that recommendation, it is a brilliant series.