The Lord is my Shepard
Where will the service be held?
If the deceased has been a member or a friend of the United Church of Christ (Congregational) of San Luis Obispo, it is appropriate for the service to be held in the church sanctuary. The service is a moment of remembrance and celebration of the person’s life. The body may or may not be present for the memorial service. The church building is the place where, through the years, the person may have worshipped, been baptized, and perhaps married. The church contains the symbols of faith and hope. Because a large segment of the population is only nominally associated with a church, or perhaps not at all, many people consider it inappropriate to take a person’s body to a church for a funeral when through his or her life they have avoided the church. However because of our inclusive faith stance, it is encouraged for a family to request the church and staff ministry for the service. We will make every effort to minister to and accommodate the bereaved family.
On what date? At what hour?
Generally, the practice is to have the service within a few days to a week after expiration. This usually allows for the family, however scattered, to be present and for the proper local announcements and arrangements to be made. Occasionally, it may be necessary to hold the service of remembrance and celebration up to a month after expiration. Both morning and afternoon hours on weekdays are acceptable. Recently however, the church has held services on Saturday and during the evenings. The time should not be set or announced without the mutual consent of the family, the funeral director, and the minister.
What minister will conduct the service?
If the deceased is a member or friend of United Church of Christ San Luis Obispo, then the present minister of the congregation may be asked to conduct the service. Occasionally, however, a family may wish to have a former minister or clergy family member to officiate or participate in the service. The procedure in this case is to visit with the present minister and request him/her to invite the family clergy member or the former minister, asking him/her to assist in or officiate the service.
Is there to be music?
The right choice of music can be an affirmation of faith, and a source of spiritual comfort. Many services, with increasing frequency, have lively upbeat music. In many services held in the church, the congregation has been involved in singing hymns and the choir in singing anthems. Both organ and piano music have been played. Some services may have a soloist or small ensemble. How music may be used during service should be discussed with the minister during the planning of the service.
When casket is present, will it be closed or open?
This decision will be made at the discretion of the family in consultation with the minister. Our minister will lead the memorial service with the purpose of directing the thoughts and feelings of the bereaved toward faith, hope, and love. It will be a time to comfort the family by celebrating and remembering the life of the deceased.
Will there be a Christian Committal?
A Christian Committal for the departed may be spoken by the officiant. The words or scripture may be said at the graveside, columbarium, or at the closing of a religious service in the sanctuary or mortuary.
What will be the method of disposing of the body-burial or cremation? Is cremation desired?
Both cremation and preparation of the body for burial are acceptable in the United Church of Christ. Perhaps the most important consideration in deciding for or against cremation is the wishes of the deceased. The United Church of Christ concept is that the body during the earthly life is a temple of God’s Spirit. So, by whatever method of disposal, the body is to be treated with reverence and dignity and that the spiritual soul lives on. Cremation or burial may take place before or after the religious service in either case. Internment is usually in a columbarium or buried in the ground in a cemetery. Sometimes, relatives want to scatter the ashes of their loved one among properties that were dear to him/her, or scenes of childhood. This may be accomplished before or after the religious service.
Are there any other suggestions about the service?
Frequently, families will have favorite portions of Scripture or a favorite poem they want to read, or will request special seating arrangements in the sanctuary. During the time of reflections some persons may want to speak about the deceased. If this is arranged in advance, we encourage this to occur. However, we suggest the reflections be scripted in advance.
Will there be a church bulletin for the service?
The Church office produces a bulletin for each service held in the church. The church has a selection of bulletin covers the family may select from for the service. The family may add poetry, poems or scripture where it is appropriate.
May pictures be displayed at the service?
The church encourages the displaying of photos and paintings of the deceased. They may be displayed in the narthex and in the fellowship hall.
Will the church provide ushers?
If the family has specific people in mind, these people will serve as ushers. Otherwise, the church will provide ushers for the service. Ushers will open the facilities, turn on the lights and sound system. They will light the tapers, offer the bulletins, clean and close up following the service.
Is there to be a memorial cause to which friends might be encouraged to give?
Members of the family often wish for persons to contribute to enduring causes. If there is such a fund, it should be decided early enough so that the announcement can be made with the obituary and on the church bulletin. You may wish to give to:
The Memorial and Gifts Fund of United Church of Christ (Congregational)
11245 Los Osos Valley Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Fellowship Time Following the Service
If the family should like a time of Food & Fellowship following the service in Fellowship Hall, the “Celebration of Life” Committee would be glad to help in any way they can.
If the family would like the “Celebration of Life” Committee to provide and serve coffee, lemonade, plus cookies served in buffet fashion, this will be provided free to church members.
If the family would like the Committee to provide coffee, lemonade, and a light luncheon in addition to the cookies, family will have to purchase the food and bring it in from the outside. We will gladly serve it for them.
In either case, the family should take the number of people who will be served into consideration, especially if the group is large, when making a donation to “Celebration of Life” committee for providing this service.
Costs Associated With The Service
Facilities Use Fees
Contact the church office manager as early as possible for information regarding the facility schedule of use, and complete a Facility Use Form.
FACILITIES USE FEE
Sanctuary: $400.00
Fellowship Hall: $100.00
Kitchen: $75.00
STAFF FEE
Minister – $200.00
Organist – $125.00
Soloist – $100.00
Sound Technician – $75.00
MATERIALS FEES
Bulletin Printing: $150.00
** Facilities Use Fees are payable to UCCSLO. It is requested that staff fees for the minister, organist, soloist, and sound technician be paid individually.
