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FUNERAL / MEMORIAL SERVICE POLICY THE CHRISTIAN FUNERAL AS A SERVICE OF WORSHIP The service of witness to the resurrection ordinarily should be held in
the church building. The minister and others who are invited to
participate in the service shall be in charge of the service in
consultation with the family of the deceased. Those officiating at the
funeral should take into account the particular wishes of the family of
the deceased with regard to music, scripture readings, and special
readings or remembrances. However, the minister of the church shall make
the final decisions as to what is appropriate for the service. The Christian funeral service is understood as a service of worship and
should be approached as such. Thought should be given to designing the
service with the expectations that those present will participate in the
corporate worship. The singing of hymns, reading of scripture, preaching
of the gospel, confession of sin, affirmation of faith, prayers, and the
celebration of the Lord’s Supper are all appropriate parts of the funeral
service. Because the true purpose of the worship service should be the worship
of God and the consolation of the living, it follows that the body of the
deceased is not necessary to the service. The casket, if it is present,
should be closed at all times during the service of worship. MUSIC FOR THE FUNERAL It is important that all music for the funeral be as carefully chosen,
as are the scripture readings, so that everything in the service centers
the congregation’s attention on the worship of God and proclaiming the
hope of the resurrection. The music chosen should never dominate but
should contribute to the spirit of the service. It is appropriate for the
family of the deceased to choose hymns to be sung by the congregation and
special music that has meaning for them or the one who has died. THE COMMITTAL SERVICE The committal service may occur before or after the worship service.
The committal service should be simple and brief. MEALS Ladies of Oahe Presbyterian Church will be happy to prepare a meal
before or after the service. Members of the church will furnish and
prepare the meal. It is suggested that the family pay for the cost of the
meat. As soon as possible the family should give the church an estimate of
the number of people who may be participating in the meal. CONTRIBUTIONS There is no fee for the use of the church for funerals/memorial
services. It is suggested that the family give contributions for services
to the minister, the organist, the vocalists, and to the women’s group in
charge of the meal. Suggested amounts are: $50-$100 for the minister; $20-$30 for the
organist; $20-$30 for each vocalist, and $30-50 for the women’s group. As the different funeral homes have varying policies regarding payments
to churches and individuals involved in the funerals/memorial services, it
is suggested that families visit with the funeral director in charge of
the service. Adopted by Session on May 16, 2002 |