We know that this is a difficult time of great stress, and we extend to you our deepest sympathy. Our minister and staff want to do everything possible to follow your wishes in preparing this worship service to celebrate the life of your loved one. This pamphlet has been prepared to help you think through what you may want.  Click here to download a pdf version of our usage form.

Clergy

For all services that occur in our Sanctuary our minister officiates. By special request in some circumstances our minister may agree to invite other clergy to co-officiate. In such cases it is understood that our minister is in charge with final say in all that takes place at the church.

Music

If the service is to take place in our Sanctuary, you may wish to have music played on the organ or piano. If so, we will consult our church organist to see if she is available at the selected service time. If you wish to have another person play the organ, we will need to get prior approval from our organist. If you wish to have other musicians involved, discuss these arrangements with the minister.

Sound

The church's sound system is used for all church services, with a trained sound operator assigned. Hearing assistive devices will be available for those who have trouble hearing. If you wish to have taped music played and/or an audio tape made of the service, these things can be done by prior arrangement with the minister.

If you wish, a memorial bulletin containing the order of service consisting of a single folded sheet will be prepared in our office. This may or may not include a black and white photograph of the deceased on the cover. It may also include a poem or other reading, some brief biographical or other information, and mention of suggested recipients for memorial gifts. The minister will discuss all of this with you.

Guest Book and Ushers

If you wish to have a guest book (recommended), you are responsible to bring it to the service. Someone from among your family and friends may be delegated to tend the book as people are arriving for the service and again at whatever reception follows. It is also recommended that you ask family members or friends to serve as ushers, to greet people, hand out bulletins, etc. The church will provide ushers only by special arrangement.

Hymns and Readings

If you wish to include hymns and scriptures or other appropriate readings in the service, the minister will be happy to help you with selecting these.

Some comforting scriptures to consider are:

Psalms 23, 121, 130; portions of John 14; Isaiah 40:1-8, 28-31;

Ecclesiastes 3:1-14; Romans 8:38-39; and Micah 6:8.

Some widely-loved hymns include:

Abide with Me; Amazing Grace; Be Still My Soul; O God,

Our Help in Ages Past; For the Beauty of the Earth; Joyful,

Joyful We Adore Thee; Blest Be the Tie that Binds; My

Shepherd Will Supply My Need; For All the Saints; and

How Great Thou Art.

Sanctuary $ 100.00 _____

Education wing and kitchen

(if reception held here) 75.00 _____

Organist/pianist (if used) 75.00 _____

Church sexton (required) 75.00 _____

Church sound system and operator (required) 50.00 _____

Ushering fee (if arranged by church to provide) 50.00 _____

Chair moving fee (if necessary in Sanctuary) 100.00 _____

Sexton's time over three hours @ $15/hr. _____

Any damage to facilities _____

One check may be made payable to the church for these costs.

In cases of hardship the minister may waive some or all fees.

Payment to extra musicians is the responsibility of the bereaved.

Any honorarium for the minister(s) is at the discretion of the bereaved, to be given directly. A minimum of $100 is suggested.