FUNERALS AND MEMORIAL SERVICES

In the Christian community, death is a corporate experience that touches the life of the entire family of faith. The service recognizes both the pain and sorrow of the separation that accompanies death and the hope and joy of the promise of life after death. In the Congregational Church, families are invited to take an active role in the planning of the service so it reflects the uniqueness of the person who has passed on.

When a death occurs, the immediate family is encouraged to notify the church as soon as possible. Anyone is welcome to have a funeral or memorial service at the church as long as the service is in keeping with mainline congregationalism. If the minister of the church is not available for the service the church will assist the family in finding a minister who will conduct the service in a similar fashion.

The church office will prepare a printed program showing the order of service at no charge. The program will have a picture of the church on the front. If the family wants a custom photo of the person who has passed on it is their responsibility to take the church office typeset to a professional printer at their cost. All funeral costs (minister, organist and sexton) are considered contract labor. In addition there is a Use of Church fee for non-members. (See funeral and memorial service form).

The committal and burial at the cemetery may take place before or after the service. It is the family's choice as to whether they want the burial private or public. It is also the family's decision as to whether they would like the coffin or urn in the church. The family is also welcome to cater a reception in the church vestry directly following the service. Finally, the family may also provide flowers for both the service and the committal.