What happens when someone dies

Hopefully not too morbid a topic but it's part of life. Memento mori and all that. This is what it's like when someone on the Bruderhof passes away.
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About Me
I'm a young mom living in an intentional community called the Bruderhof, and vlogging about what that's like.
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What is the Bruderhof?
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[@katyjudd1061]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart Laura. My mother died with Covid in December and I am deeply comforted by your words.

[@jackienaiditch7965]

I'm so sorry, Katy.

[@georgiaamanatides4207]

I'm sorry for your loss. God be with you.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

So sorry to hear that Katy. I hope you continue to find comfort.

[@jbwhitebirch6620]

So sorry. May her memory be a blessing.

[@user-iz1nm9pl2u]

Indeed, this was a beautiful account of how a community deals with death in a respectful and compassionate way .

[@sr.marycatharineperry6693]

This is very similar to how we do it in the monastery when one of our Sister's die. Everything is very simple.

[@suzanneedmonds1566]

The video was not in the least morbid, for me it was full of community, belonging, care, peace and, love. Throughout the video I was seeing in my mind the different aspects you described and discussed. The core of the Bruderhof as a community was so clear throughout this video; no more so than when you described how the death of Bruderhof members outside of your geographic community were marked, regardless of where they lived there in the world. Again community was evident when you talked about people from outside your specific community participating in a wake plus the digging and filling in of the grave by hand by the community. The picture you painted with your words of the flower covered grave was beautiful.

[@CharCanuck14]

Thank you so much Laura. The simplicity, care and love for departed Bruderhof community members is beautiful.

[@rebekahbridges-tervydis5054]

I really admire the way death and the funeral, the staying with the body, all of it, so peaceful, respectful. I think it’s the way it should be.

[@chxrl5067]

My Nan passed away at the end of 2019 and I'm so greatful we were able to celebrate her life in the way she deserved before Covid really occured. It's so sad to hear of all these people dying alone.

[@lisashibata6356]

What a beautiful tradition. My father's family would always have someone sit with the body throughout the day and night before the funeral. This is no longer done, but your talk reminded me of a lost time.

[@Noone-rt6pw]

It used to be part of the Orthodox too. But I just crossed an article that stated it was practiced more before modern times, as in Charleston, SC. To make sure the deceased was deceased.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

That is so interesting. Thank you.

[@jeanmcbryar2370]

Thank you very much for explaining the Bruderhof’s funerals! It really speaks to my heart and agrees with what I feel is a natural way to say goodbye to a loved one. It’s so wonderful that the whole community is involved and supportive.

[@brendamawdsley9127]

How beautiful. Laura thank you so much. I wish all of us could have such ceremony when we die.

[@NOCTURNALCURVES]

Dying, death and mourning belongs in the hands of the people who behold it. Not the funeral industry. Regardless of a specific form of faith, we need to bring death back into our communities in order to process and to heal properly. Covid has made this particularly challenging, but you sharing these ideas with the world is really important. Thank you.

[@rlopsyd2213]

it’s so crazy these people seem SO much more accepting than the every-day christian. she seems like she has such genuinely good intentions

[@D.N..]

The passing of someone is always a sad and difficult time for a family but your community gives tremendous support to those most in need.

[@Brindarcey]

In Spain, at least in my family, a vigil is still held for at least 24 hours following the individuals death. Here family members will stay with the person and sleep beside them.

[@suzannepeck5610]

Laura: congratulations on reaching 21,000 subscribers!! Each one of us is so rich for your wisdom, and your joy, and your boys, and your unique own self, which we all enjoy immensely!!

[@mollycole1581]

Laura, this is a beautiful video. I would love to learn more about what it's like to be pregnant/give birth on the Bruderhof, since I am an aspiring midwife! Specifically I was wondering whether you have birth centres and midwives in your communities, and whether antenatal care and births (when uncomplicated) happen within the community?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Great suggestion!

[@swampophelia2098]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof yes that would be a great video to watch please

[@elizabethwittig3930]

So lovelyto hear how it happens in your community. 23rd March is my dad's funeral and it will just be me, my brother, his wife and 2children. We were allowed 20 people but I couldn't pick and choose who could and could not come. We will get together and remember him when all this is over. I need to tell people but that makes it real if I sit in my kitchen I can pretend he is still in the hospital and I can phone him when I want to. Having a sad day today.

[@katyjudd1061]

I am so sorry for your loss, and hope the people you share this sad news with will be able to bring you comfort.

[@diddl03]

I am sorry for your loss. Feel hugged💛

[@stefaniedecoster2772]

Hi Elizabeth, my heartfelt condolances for your loss and a warm virtual hug for support. I think I know how you feel right now, how unreal and strange it all is. My mum passed away nearly a year ago and it gave me and my siblings great comfort to arrange her funeral. Are there possibilities to live stream the funeral? We were able to do this, and that way family and friends from outside the country and those who couldn't risk coming to the funeral in person could still follow the final farewell. Please let the grieving process happen as it comes, in your own time and in your own way. With love from the Netherlands, Stefanie

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

So sorry to hear this Elizabeth. I hope you find comfort. Life is sometimes hard to bear.

[@elizabethwittig3930]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof people have been so kind but it is lonely living alone after looking after him so long

[@roywilmhoff]

I spent the 15 years before COVID, 2004-2019 serving the church in north-central Saskatchewan. Our mission team focused on Indigenous people. One of our duties was to serve as the pastoral team for one of the reserves. The process that you describe is identical in almost every detail from beginning to end, from wake to final committal for the people from that reserve. It is extraordinarily moving to actually experience.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks for sharing, Roy

[@ruthlaurie-hopper3489]

The worst of covid is the loneliness of the death in an environment where loved ones are not there. Your description of a burial is beautiful. Death in itself is not awful. I lost 4 people in 2017 not covid but I felt joy at their passing from suffering and know they were going on to somewhere better peaceful home. My mother was one of the 4. She suffered in her life and while it was sad we also laughed because she was a character and I felt secure she was leaving hardship and pain of this world, she was going home. My mum didn't embrace organised religion because she had endured horrible experiences in a Catholic school but she was spiritual and gave that gift to me in belief of a strong faith in a spiritual world. I felt happy she was moving on and that I would see her again in that beautiful place. Death is as natural as birth and nothing to fear. God bless x

[@eleanor4759]

Your videos bring me so much peace. Connection is our highest order in this life, I believe! ❤️

[@vickijones3660]

Thanks. Not morbid at all. Thoughtful and loving.

[@JM.5387]

Many similarities to traditional Jewish funerals, including the mourners participating in filling the grave. I agree, it's a deeply moving ritual.

[@mailill]

Thank you for telling about your traditions when somebody dies. I think they are beautiful!

[@MissJackyInDaBuildin]

I am not a religious Person, but this community is beautiful. Thank you Laura

[@swampophelia2098]

Laura markets it’s well but those who have left tell a very different story

[@joycejudd5109]

well done Laura, and thank you. Your description of how funerals are done in your community reminds me of the days of my childhood, in the more rural areas. We have gotten so detached from the reality. We no longer handle the wakes in our homes...and all those other pieces that made simple burials so precious.

[@susanne5803]

My kid is cognitively disabled and where he works they have a beautiful tradition of applauding someone who died for their life. It's a simple gesture, easy to understand and adds respect and a moment of gratitude to a life lived under very difficult circumstances and not conforming to the measure of "success" general society expects. I think it's very thoughtful and beautiful. Thank you very much!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you for sharing that. That is beautiful.

[@safehaven2763]

Thank you Laura! And that was not morbid at all...its beautiful that you all show that level of love and respect for each other, just beautiful. I know there are ups and downs for you guys, just being human makes that so. But the loving support you have for your neighbor is perfect. Its pleasing God that's for certain! Prayers as well to all those who passed during this pandemic especially those who couldn't have loved ones nearby and prayers as well to their families. Many blessings to you all.

[@hekate1971]

I like it that you not only look into your own community but also look outside. You can tell by the topics you discuss and the things you read about for example. That way you and your community are a true part of society...even though you have your own community. Hope you and your family and friends are safe.

[@elofamily7241]

Beautiful, Laura. I appreciated this very much - truly living out memento mori, indeed.

[@tinamvin5359]

I teared up towards the end. What a beautiful way to show someone you’ve loved them.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you so much!

[@jannier9766]

So beautiful. This was not morbid at all. Thank you for sharing. We lost a few dear friends due to Covid. I am on a few prayer chains and found it comforting that I could have purpose and do something in such a time as this, when things felt so overwhelming.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

thank you for sharing. Wishing you comfort and peace.

[@mariaomura697]

Laura is a lovely young girl, I’m sure that your community is very proud of her. 🌺🌺🎂

[@sarahgoldberg6614]

I was struck with how many similarities there were between Bruderhof and Jewish funeral cusoms - with staying with the body until burial (though in Judaism that's a much shorter amount of time) the plain coffin, and burial being an integral part of the funeral observances.

[@debf2487]

You are thoughtful and experienced beyond your years. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.

[@AnneloesF]

That was not morbid at all, but very loving. Thank you for sharing.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks for listening

[@lucisue53]

Laura, thank you for sharing this beautiful message. I felt your respect and kindness toward others. Some of what you described sounds like how we were able to say goodbye to my mother and grandparents years ago, especially the graveside service. My sister, who died recently, had a service much impacted by COVID risk. Because of the virus, I had to view the funeral online and was not able to attend her graveside service. It is an odd thing to bury a sister without a traditional final service of love. All those rites designed to bring comfort simply didn't happen, or at least happened in an unusual way. In many ways, I think she was shortchanged. I'll think about it for the rest of my life.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

I am so sorry to hear about you losing your sister. That is so very sad that you weren't able to be at her graveside. I hope you find comfort.

[@lucisue53]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thank you.

[@ruthlaurie-hopper3489]

I love bruderhof for their absolute humanity. Laura this is beautiful.

[@yellowclivia]

I found that incredibly moving, Laura. Thank you.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

So glad!

[@tb9k_]

I liked that other video too where you had the lady on who helps out when people die. I think about it often. Really nice that she does that and brave too I imagine, at least at first. Death sucks but God will beat it.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks! Love what you said about God beating death. Right on!

[@midimitrova471]

Thank you, Laura, I lost a very dear friend a week ago. She is young and died unexpectedly, it is immensely difficult for me to cope with the loss. Listening to you helps a lot. You are like a well of wisdom and light, helping me find inner balance and focus.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Thank you you for sharing. My prayers are with you as you mourn, remember and miss you friend. Wishing you peace, Laura

[@midimitrova471]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof 💖💖💖

[@mailill]

I am sorry to hear about the situation in the US. In Norway, only 632 people have died from Covid-related causes out of a population of 5,4 million people, (which is less than normally die from the flu each year). The median age of those who have died from (or in some cases probably with) Covid is 84 years, most of those people had other severe underlying health issues, and about 60 percent of the deaths happened in nursing homes. Norway has NOT had as severe restrictions and lockdown as many other countries and people are with few exceptions only obliged to wear masks in situations where they are not able to keep a distance. I am not writing this to brag about Norway, but I think it is important to know what can actually help to prevent deaths, and think maybe the situation I Norway can say something about what works. I believe that an important reason for the few deaths in my country, is that Norway has a good health care system for everyone (singular payer system), and also a welfare system that makes it possible for everyone to stay at home when they are ill, and to have basic housing and food on the table even if they are out of work, and most people don't live very crowded. Due to our welfare and health system (I guess it will be seen as a socialist system by most Americans), Norway also has less obesity than the US which might also contribute somewhat to fewer deaths. Also, many Norwegians are used take vitamin D supplements in the winter to not get depleted, knowing that vitamin D is extremely crucial for the immune system, and that you don't get it from the sun during the winter. The immigrants are not as used to do this, and an unproportional part of the people who get very sick or die from Covid are from the immigrant population. Especially people with darker skin tones will need more vitamin D than they get in the short summers. Also keeping distance in public spaces and hand wash and reducing social contacts are part of the strategy, .

[@yesterdaydream]

Those are some lovely traditions and I admire how community participation is involved. Thank you for your insight! Also very interested in what your mortician friend has to share.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you so much!

[@kayc.6984]

Thank you Laura for this video. I just lost my Dad to Covid and the inhumane way he was buried in haunts me. I wish he'd had all the love your community members get for their departure.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I wish you comfort.

[@charmainex4314]

Absolutely beautiful traditions for such a sad time. Thank you so much for this video Laura! I am counting down the days until my first five day visit to the Darvell community in England on the 22nd June, by then England will have listed all restrictions on travel, social distancing etc and I cannot wait to go and stay and learn more about your beautiful community. Love to you, Chris, Branson and Xander 💕

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

So great!

[@hidinginsight1879]

Very nicely presented, very respectful and straightforward. Thank you!!

[@peggycorbett2679]

Thank you Laura for sharing your thoughts and informing us of your traditions. God bless you my sister.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Same to you!

[@pamelabr1111]

Thank you for sharing this. What lovely traditions.

[@joannestanley8478]

Your funeral service is soo beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@cathycalrow2729]

Thank you so much. Your funerals are truly beautiful.

[@timothystiles2697]

Thank you for sharing, Laura - beautiful video.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you so much!

[@felicitycunliffe6407]

Laura, thank you for this, it wasn’t morbid at all, quite the opposite actually. The tradition of staying with the person until the burial is what my family like to do too. Because of circumstances when my Mum died we had to use a chapel of rest and I felt so guilty leaving her there alone at night times (there was someone with her most of the day but we weren’t allowed to stay into the evening). Your funerals sound much more loving and family orientated than ours. You certainly make community life (and death) sound very inviting. Thank you

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you for sharing about your family

[@suzannepeck5610]

Laura, thank you. This is so comforting.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

So glad!

[@MrsBolagan]

Thank you for this. Bless your heart.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

You are so welcome

[@simondavey7787]

I found this video to be quite beautiful. Laura, God has really challenged me and thrown a few curveballs at me this last few months. After a lot of prayers, I'm excited to say that I will be visiting the Darvell Community on April 9th. God has used you to inspire a year of challenge and change in me. I thank you for that.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Wonderful!

[@safehaven2763]

That is very exciting!! I'm so glad for you and bless your wonderful journey!

[@patfros5902]

Thank you Laura!🙏🏽

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

You are so welcome!

[@3lli0]

My great uncle died this morning and then this video is recommended. *edit* not from covid

[@mollycole1581]

I'm sorry for your loss, I am praying for you and your family.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

So sorry to hear this. 🙏

[@llamamem]

Thank you sharing this. I have always been very curious about funeral practices, despite many people considering it morbid. I have also been following Caitlin Doughty (@askamortician) for years, and she has sparked my interest on death positivity (which is not “yeiii death!” but rather “death is a part of the life cycle and we should plan for it and make space for it”). Cannot recommend her channel enough to anyone even remotely interested in death and death-care. She very much advocates for the type of death care you describe. She has also been denouncing lately how the government has pretty much abandoned the families of COVID-19 victims, offering no financial or logistical support for the storage, cremation or burial of remains, leaving funeral business overwhelmed in an event of mass death, and families in economic and psychological distress. I think the biggest tragedy of this pandemic is people dying alone, but families not being able to properly say goodbye or even honor the life and last wishes of their relatives comes close second.

[@AnneloesF]

Eme, I thought about Caitlin Doughty as well while I was listening to Laura, and second your recommendation!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

That's a very interesting channel. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@lynnsereta6958]

Your thoughtful information is appreciated. Each person should receive the respect and acknowledgement of their life, especially noted, is that they are supported in their service of love at their end of our earthly life.

[@1951kvk]

In my Mom's family, the person who died was waked at home with family coming from long distances. Someone was always up and praying with the coffin in the parlor and others were serving food and beverages to those who arrived. The following day the mass and burial were held. Attending my grandpa's funeral at 4 was a very good experience for me. It left me with no fear of death and good examples of how to mourn.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

That sounds very much like what happens here.

[@builtontherockhomestead9390]

Friend's SIL was put to rest last Saturday. She was 40 years old. Spent 9 weeks in the hospital.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

So so sorry to hear that

[@meletcl]

Acknowledging and honoring those who have been mortal victims of the Covid 19 pandemic was touching and not the least bit morbid. The Bruderhof means of celebrating their beloved departed ones is very similar to the customs to which I am personally familiar. It is always interesting to learn of the traditions and rituals that the human family has designed for their own particular community. These rites of passage run deep into our human collective history, united in our love and caring for our family, friends and neighbors and even those whom we do not know but who are part of the human family. Very moving post.

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

No. 100 likes ,very informative, wondered what you were going to say when you said "I'm going to take a chance " lol loved the video.

[@milksips3876]

I always say Laura that I’m an atheist, that’s more for others as I know you accept people. You have such a kind and thoughtful tone and voice, you are quite special in how you behave towards others is the Christianity I care about even if I don’t agree xx

[@Petra44YT]

Oh, don't worry. That videos was not "too morbid" at all. It was very interesting, and I just listened to it while doing my yoga exercises. I'm not quite finished though, so I need to start another video. Almost done, though. :-)

[@tylerz2]

I got behind a funeral procession today, I do not know how they died, but it only had 5 cars in it. That was so sad to me.

[@joannewall5499]

My mum passed in December, miss her so much

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

💓🙏💓

[@nederhood9192]

More pathetic are those deaths with no sort of either a community or a family to acknowledge the happening of death. It does happen in places like India and there are volunteers who always come forward to perform the last rites for the orphan dead bodies. Those souls are really great.

[@glorianelson6663]

What happens to all the people and relationships someone had before Living in Community? Are they able to continue some of those friendships?

[@emmabown9751]

I love listening to talk about your community. Love is definitely at the fore front. Is everyone buried? Not cremated. I ask as this is something I can’t make my mind up on so would love your in put. Thanks 🇬🇧♥️

[@billdale2828]

please disregard, got to the part where the community creates a casket Brain bone down a quart, bless you Laura

[@jackienaiditch7965]

Beautiful video and beautiful tradition.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Many thanks

[@megablessedgram]

Just curious, is there an embalming process? How does the body get prepared? Or is it considered an immediate burial?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Good question which I'm going to have to ask a friend of mine who's a mortician to answer. Maybe a video soon.

[@gruffie50meetwo76]

Morbid question. How is the body prepared? A week is a long time.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Going to ask my friend who's a mortician to do a video with me on that.

[@gruffie50meetwo76]

Thank you.

[@penelopepitstop1707]

Hello from Australia! Your content is nurturing and always a blessing. Thank you! I have a question, hope you don’t mind me asking.. I was wondering about hair and if it is expected for women to have long hair and men to keep theirs close cut?

[@joetrester3139]

Laura, not morbid at all. In fact, just the opposite. Beautifully lovely and touching. But, this is what communal love does, right? Again, your tradition intersects with monastics who sit by the body all through the night reading psalms until the funeral service begins. Thank you for helping me smile at my own mortality...

[@georgepullman5304]

Hi Laura. Loved the vid. Does anyone who has become close with a member of the community, but not a member ever attended any of the process? You know I gots them follow up questions lol. Wasn't morbid. Beautiful explained

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes that often happens

[@debbierees2789]

That was Beautiful 🙏🏼🥰 xxxx

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you so much!

[@paulaperez321]

Thank you for your informative and encouraging blog.One question I have in regards to the burials is the health laws regarding both the casket and grave. Is your community exempt to these regulations? My family ended up burying a family member privately and probably illegally in order to add a family tradition requested by the deceased.

[@tracygrondahl3043]

I have a question. What about when someone at the Bruderhof passes and they have family that don't live in community? I feel that I'm called to live at the Bruderhof one day, preferably Sooner than later.. My daughter expressed a concern to me earlier this year about what would happen if I died in community. Would she be able to participate and attend? So I guess my question after all that rambling is will the families that aren't in community be contacted and able to participate or visit?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes absolutely families remain connected.

[@ashlieleavelle]

This is beautiful. I am curious, how large/ small is your community?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

The community where I live is home to just over 200 people. Thanks for asking!

[@lynnebunning7273]

A beautiful way to remember a loved one. Your right about the cost of funerals, I have instructed my love one I want my ashes scattered in the ocean, part of that reason is the cost factor. The Maori Native New Zealand culture also stay with the deceased love one, the whole family stays with them. A friend told me when her mother passed away she was sleeping on one side of her mother & her granddaughter who was 3 the other side, when she woke during the night she looked over to her granddaughter to check on her, to find her asleep but holding onto her great grandmother's hand,. It brought tears to her eyes to see such a natural out pouring of love from one so young. Her granddaughter also lead the procession to the place the service was being held. Much as you do. She held a picture of her great grandmother. No one instructed her to do this. Ittouched my heart on hearing the story. What a beautiful celebration of a much loved patriarch. Love from Australia 🇦🇺🐨🙏🏼✝️

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you for sharing that story

[@gracepilz1501]

Thanks for this beautiful video! As you spoke about death in the Bruderhof, I was wondering if members can become organ donors if they want to. Why or why not?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

That's a good question. I'm actually planning to do a video with a friend of mine who is a mortician for the Bruderhof and I'll ask her that question

[@kalakakku7749]

How does the Bruderhof feel about birth control and family planning?

[@ig7002]

Do they circumcise in the Bruderhof community? Men are created in the image of God, so it would be counterintuitive.

[@sbayles]

Hi Laura, I’m wondering if donations can be made to the Bruderhof. I tithe at church but I also like to support other non-profit organization. This seems like such a worthy way of life. It would be nice to support those following Jesus' teachings so closely and literally.

[@Noone-rt6pw]

Have you guys ever thought about buying a cave like Abraham, Jacob did, even Jesus and first Christians? Early Christians and Jews would put the body in, then gather the bones about a year later and put them in an ossuary with name inscribed on it. Then there were the Catacombs, where bones piled up. Think about the resurrection. God can make the earth blow off a grave, but why take chances? Why not be above ground with easy exit?

[@OurFamilyJourney]

Hey Laura, I know this is an old video but hoping you see this comment! The Bible talks of the day of resurrection. What do you make of people’s testimonies of heaven/hell when they have died and been brought back?

[@carlabyley7983]

How does your community view or feel about being cremation as a choice after death? This is an on going discussion in my extended family, some for some against.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

I'm planning to make a video where I talk with a friend who's a mortician and I'll ask her that.

[@karynb7781]

and half a million is an absolute under-reported, inaccurate count. I think future statistic calculation will include: total 2020 deaths - (2019 average deaths or x ave. %rate of annual deaths) = number of excess deaths of 2020 to be the historical count of 'deaths attributed to covid'. This count won't include the deaths of despondence: suicide, homicide or substances nor the premature deaths related to latent viral effects. I'd predict the death count of this pandemic, after the US politics of the situation has settled (in ten years?) will be greater than triple the current reported count of half a million. The US is trying to save face internationally and with the trust of the people. Most everyone you meet knows at least 'One or more than One' who's died. The economic, cultural, and spiritual effects are unfathomable and will have exponential generational consequences. I have to put it out of my mind for any peace to look forward. God is still working thru this crisis. May His hands continue to hold and care for us all & May He Bless the bereaved and the dying. amen.

[@dariusrad8058]

Dear Laura, you mentioned twice "resurrection day" for after One is dead; well, beside Jesus, I do believe resurrection does happen when One is alive, every morning when we are facing the consequences of what we have done yesterday, when we are judged by our own conscience on what we have done, good or not. This way of looking to "resurrection day" may help us to evaluate our believe on whatever it could be and on a daily base, and of course our relations to others including specially to animals and nature....; however, frankly you are much more qualified to talk on these matters than I am, take care

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks Darius!

[@georgiaamanatides4207]

What is Bruderhof policy on cremation? Embalming?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Good question. A friend of mine is a mortician (also a member of the Bruderhof) and I'm planning to do a video with her and will ask her those questions.

[@georgiaamanatides4207]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof I'm gobsmacked! You read our comments! Wow! And mine was read and responded to! Double wow!

[@milksips3876]

Can I ask if any of your pastors are women? Just out of interest? I think you’d be a great and compassionate one. If not I hope that’s something that could change because it’s so important.

[@swampophelia2098]

The way you say the family “has a chance” to help dig the grave.....it’s sounds ambiguous....are they expected to ? Or would others do it as an act of love to save the grieving family having to do it ?

[@cynthiaconrad6145]

So we don't go to heaven or hell until the second coming of Christ? This is what I have come to believe, but is different than what is commonly stated. It sounds like a beautiful service.

[@thesaintmustwalkalone708]

It's what the Bible teaches. Never does it state one goes to Heaven when they die, but to the grave until the resurrection of the dead.

[@thesaintmustwalkalone708]

I think the belief became popular so people could be comforted that their loved one was better off, but it's not Biblical.

[@suemoravec422]

A beautiful simple way to say goodbye. I wonder are these green funerals, meaning no embalming? That is what I want, to be buried in biodegradable shroud or coffin wrapped in cotton or linen so I can return to the earth without filling it with chemicals.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Good question. I'm going to ask a friend of mine who's a mortician to do a video with me where I can ask her that question.

[@susanne5803]

It's very important to me, too. I have some endoprothesis inside my body and to my surprise no one knew what happens with the metal when I asked if the metal would be recycled in any way after my death.

[@fionacooney1360]

Do you wear black or your normal clothes to the funeral

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

We dress respectfully for a funeral, but not all in black.

[@billdale2828]

Sorry, have brain fog from COVID, a casket is used yes?

[@fakenamerton2568]

People die if they are killed.