We grieve with you as you prepare to remember a loved one here in our parish. We are honored to lead the memorial process and commit ourselves to a loving and faithful Christian worship service. This is a time of much emotion and we yearn to serve you with guidance in thoughtful decision-making. And it is our faith that ancient promises don’t end in the modern world, and in ways beyond our knowing, but held by hope, your beloved is with God.
Planning the service
Our worship will include our best ability to reflect the interests and desires of the deceased and the family of the deceased, even as it conforms to the tender standards of Christian faith and worship. We hope that you will be able to help plan, participate in, and guide the service. The final order of worship is always in conformity with congregational guidelines, offered by the pastor. But it should reflect your beloved, and your guidance and participation as well.
Worship leadership
One of the pastors of the church officiates at all funerals and memorial services where this is possible. At the pastor’s discretion, another UCC clergyperson may be invited to participate or officiate in his/her stead. And we’ll work with you to include everyone and everything possible, advising you based on experience, and even “running interference” for you to navigate all the decisions.
Music
The church organist plays at all funerals or memorial services where music is requested. At the pastor’s and organist’s discretion, other organists, soloists, and guest musicians may be invited to participate. We are flexible, and have the experience to be helpful, always.
Fees
There is a schedule of fees and costs depending upon your needs and plans, and we’ll navigate these when we understand timing, ingredients, rooms needed, and the like. In every case we make sure that your budget is not under duress, knowing that many other dimensions of your loss can become very costly.