Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones. (Psalm 116:15)
Introduction
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central doctrine of the Christian faith, and shapes our attitudes towards death and dying. We acknowledge that death brings loss, sorrow and grief to all. Yet in the face of death we affirm, with tears and joy, that death is not the last word, but rather the doorway to eternal life. We do not bear bereavement in isolation but are sustained by the power of the Spirit and the community of faith that is Calvary.
All Are Welcome Calvary offers a ministry of love and hope to all who grieve. The pastor and the church are available (depending on schedules) to all who are bereaved, regardless of church affiliation, or lack thereof.
Arrangements
Because it is often difficult under the emotional stress of death to plan wisely and decide clearly, church members are invited and encouraged to discuss and plan in advance the arrangements which will be necessary at the time of death. Every funeral home in the area can assist with all of the needed logistics. The pastor is available to be present as this meeting is taking place if desired. Family members or individuals are strongly encouraged to meet with the pastor to establish preliminary plans for the memorial or funeral service of worship. All plans should provide for arrangements that are simple, bear witness to resurrection and hope, and in which the Christian Community is central. Please check with the pastor prior to announcing any time or place to ensure availability.
Funeral or Memorial Service
The Christian funeral service (with remains present) or memorial service (without remains present) is a service of worship. As such, the service is under the direction of the pastor. Others are invited and encouraged to participate in the service as appropriate. Prior to the service, the pastor will ordinarily meet with the family of the deceased to talk about the life of the departed, to discuss plans for the service and to pray. The service may be observed before or after the committal of remains. In order that attention during the service is directed to God, if a casket is present in the sanctuary, it is ordinarily closed prior to the start of the service. The service seeks to meet the stark reality of death with the hope of the resurrection. Scriptures, hymns (if any) and other elements of the service will affirm God's power and victory over death, our belief in the resurrection to the life everlasting, and the assurance of the communion of the saints. Aspects of the life of the one who has died may be recalled and celebrated as appropriate. Our Christian faith supports burial, cremation, or the donation of the body of the deceased for medical use and research.
Fees
The Organist fee (if used) is $100. There is a $100 "host" fee, payable to a designated person by the church. This person is responsible for having doors open, lights and heat or air conditioning turned on, setting arrangements and flowers with the funeral director before the service, then the cleaning and shutting down of the building following the service. The pastor does not charge for any services associated with a funeral or memorial. It is customary however, for funeral directors to provide an honorarium to the pastor.
Memorial Gifts
Monetary memorial gifts to the church in honor of the deceased are welcomed and encouraged. All funds received are placed into the Foundation Investments, which helps ensure that future ministry in Christ's name continues long after we all have gone to be with our Lord. Gifts received will be acknowledged to both the donor and the family of the deceased.