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The Christian Faith of the First Congregational Church is one of inclusion and affirmation, not judgment or exclusivity. Ours is a faith of resurrection and acceptance. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith and the sole basis of our hope for life beyond death. Our faith in life beyond death does not wholly remove the sting of death. What that life after death shall be like is a question that, as mortal humans, we are not equipped to handle. The resurrection of Jesus is unique because he was unique, entrusted with a unique mission. Our new life will clearly be different away from our present bodies, whose fate we know only too well. Paul’s image of the seeds (I Corinthians 15:35-38) affirms that we shall continue to be ourselves, lodged in a new body as suitable for our new life as our present body has been for this life. The image of seeds also suggests that our new life will be communal: the “resurrection of the body” and the “life everlasting” unfolded in the “communion of saints.” We believe God has ordained all to be together both in our current life and in the life to come. The Apostle Paul tells us as much as we are able to grasp: After death, there is a new life in store for us, in communion with our Lord and with our loved ones; and it will be a glorious life, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (I Corinthians 2:9)
The Service, where will it be held?
If the loved one had a Christian faith it is appropriate for the funeral or memorial service to be held. We encourage you to consider the First Congregational Church family. It may not have been the exact building, however, the church structure itself represents the place where though out the years the deceased might have worshipped, been baptized or married. The symbols of faith, hope and memory experienced during the funeral/memorial service may help family and friends come though the process better able to help others walk through the valley of grief in the future. The church will provide a bulletin shell usually including a picture of the deceased, the order of service, the officiants, and memorial fund information. Generally, the practice is to have the funeral service within the week after expiration. This allows the family, however scattered, to be present and for the proper local announcements and arrangements to be made. A memorial service may be held when it is most convenient for the family and friends. It is not unusual to hold a memorial service one or two months after the deceased death.
Memorial or Funeral Service?
It is important, however, for family and friends to look a the dead body to confirm the reality of death and separation which the minds wish to avoid. One recommendation is that family and friends view the body at a pre-determined time. The memorial service is more a celebration of the person’s life without the presence of the casket. Both the memorial and funeral services usually include: holy scripture, reflections, hymns, special music, meditation and prayer. The bereaved will choose burial, either in the family cemetery plot or in a mausoleum although, cremation is increasingly used. Both cremation and burial are acceptable in the church. Both involve oxidation of the body; cremation by rapid process, burial by slower process. Some are horrified by the rapid destruction of the physical remains; they consider it an interference with the natural process. Others choose cremation because it seems practical and clean and helps disengage their focus from a cemetery plot where a loved one be buried to the spiritual reality and immortality of their loved ones, especially if the ashes are scattered.
Perhaps the most important consideration in deciding for or against cremation is first, the wish of the deceased, then the feelings of the persons who live on. The Christian concept is that the body during the earthly life is a temple of God’s Spirit. So, by whatever method of disposal, the body after death is to be treated with reverence and dignity. Concluding both funeral and the memorial services there will be a Christian committal officiated by the ordained minister either holding the service in the sanctuary, at the graveside, mausoleum or scattering the ashes elsewhere. Scattering ashes upon the holy ground of the church is increasingly acceptable.
Frequently, families will have favorite poems, sayings, songs, CD’s to be played, spoken, or sung or they will request special seating arrangements. Please bring these forward at the time of meeting with the minister.
Is there to be a memorial cause to which friends might be encouraged to give?
Is there anything else the church might do? This is a time when families should feel free to let others help and it is a unique opportunity for the church. In addition to the Minister, First Congregational Church stands ready to provide officiants, sound technicians, musicians, singers, ushers and host and hostesses. A light meal for family and friends attending the service may be provided. A complete list of suggested honorariums for these services is available upon request.
Does the family know how to contact the minister and the
church? Funeral/Memorial Service Suggested Honorariums THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UCC/DOC
OF RENO, NEVADA The members and friends of the First Congregational Church,
UCC/DOC of Reno grieve with you over your loss. We stand
ready as a faith family to be with you providing opportunities
for Memory and Hope. |