Funerals & Memorial Services

Funeral or memorial services at First Presbyterian Church, Olney, are always “witnesses to the resurrection” – that is to say, they affirm the hope of the Christian gospel and the good news to all who grieve. Practically speaking, this means that all we say and do in worship should affirm this central truth of our faith.

Pastor

Our pastor should be notified as soon as possible after the death of one of our members. He is available to provide comfort and also to assist with the practical realities of dealing with grief and loss. Funeral and memorial services are always under the direction of the pastors of the church. Other clergy may be invited to participate at the request of the family.

Memorial Service

The memorial service is a service where the body of the deceased is not present. Interment of the remains has either preceded the memorial service or will occur at a later date.

Funeral Service

The funeral service is a service where the body is present in either a casket or an urn. The funeral is typically concluded with a service of committal at the burial site. If there is a casket present at a funeral service, the church requests that the casket be closed “in order that attention in the service be directed to God” (Directory for Worship, W-4.10005).

Graveside Service

The graveside service is a service that takes place at the burial/interment site.

Location of Service

The sanctuary is an appropriate place for a memorial or funeral service because this is the place where the community ordinarily gathers for worship and where we are surrounded by all of the symbols of our Christian faith. The sanctuary can comfortably seat around 250 people. The church also has a strong working relationship with Summers-Kistler funeral home, so this is also an appropriate location.

Visitation

Arrangements may be made for the family to receive friends prior to the service in one of the rooms of the church.

The Order of Worship

Presbyterian worship is characterized by its simplicity, and memorial or funeral services are no different: “The service begins with scriptural sentences. It is appropriate for worshipers to sing hymns, psalms, or spiritual songs which affirm God’s power over death, a belief in the resurrection to life everlasting, and the assurance of the communion of the saints. Scripture shall be read; a sermon or other exposition of the Word may be proclaimed; an affirmation of faith may be made by the people. Aspects of the life of the one who has died may be recalled. Prayers shall be offered, giving thanks to God…. The service ends by commending the one who has died to the care of the eternal God and sending the people forth with a benediction” (Directory for Worship, W-4.10004).

Scriptures – The Scriptures are a rich resource to which Christians have turned for comfort and assurance in times of grief. While planning for the service, the pastors will guide the selection of appropriate lessons from the Scriptures and will welcome suggestions which have particular meaning for the family or the deceased.

Hymns – Hymns should be chosen which affirm the grace and goodness of God, and which give comfort and support to those who grieve. The pastor and the Director of Music will guide the selection of appropriate hymns.

Additional Music – The Director of Music will provide suitable sacred music and is available for consultation with the family concerning these musical selections. The appropriateness of musical selections will be determined by the pastor in consultation with the Director of Music. Instrumentalists or vocalists may also be employed, but must be approved by the Director of Music.

Flowers – In keeping with the simplicity of Presbyterian worship, flowers should be limited to one arrangement (or a very small number of arrangements).

Receptions

The church is honored to be able to provide a simple reception following a memorial or funeral service. A group of volunteers, with appropriate notice, is able to supply coffee, punch, and cookies. The church does not have the facilities or staff for private food service, and so requests that luncheons and more elaborate receptions be held at another location. A rare exception may be made to this policy, and in those cases the church requests that luncheons and more elaborate receptions be fully catered – from set up to clean up. Alcohol may not be served on the church property.

A Printed Order of Worship

The church will provide a printed order of worship for memorial or funeral services held at the church. Ordinarily, the office requires at least two business days to produce an order of worship. So, for a Monday service, all information necessary to produce the order of worship should be in the church office no later than Thursday morning.

Times and Days of Services

The church will make every attempt to accommodate the needs of the family regarding the time and day of the service. However, many church activities are planned months in advance and cannot be changed. Weekdays are typically most convenient to the church for funeral or memorial services, as are occasional weekday evenings. Saturdays are often available.

Recordings

The church is able to make audio recordings of the service, if a request for a recording is made known in advance. Video taping of the service is permitted, though the family will have to arrange for a videographer. The church requests that the service be filmed from the balcony.

Honoraria and Fees

For church members (and their immediate family members), there is no fee for the use of the church facilities. Likewise, for members (and their immediate family members), there are no fees for the services of pastor or organist. Honorariums are welcome. Fees for soloists or instrumentalists vary depending on the individuals, and these fees are the responsibility of the family.