Memorial Service Planning
Letter from the Pastor
One of the difficult things about losing a loved one is that we are often quickly asked to complete many tasks. Though the feelings of grief have only just begun, there is always much to do. One of those tasks may be planning and preparing for a memorial service. This can be daunting and emotional.
This booklet is meant to serve as a guide to memorial planning. It offers organizational tools as well as helpful reminders for friends and family members. We are aware that each family may have their own customs and practices around the loss of a loved one. As a memorial team, we will do all that we can to create a meaningful, loving service together.
Please know you are not alone at this time. We are here to offer not only resources for planning, but also bereavement support as you move through this season.
~Rev. Nicole Berry, Wesley United Methodist Church
Planning a Memorial Service at Wesley
First Steps
The first step is for you to arrange a meeting with the Pastor to discuss your preferences and to design the service. A date and time will be set after checking the church calendar to ensure that the sanctuary is available. You are invited to select and bring with you any music, scriptures, poems, etc. that you would like to incorporate into your loved one’s service. We will create personalized service bulletins to be shared. Many people like to include a favorite photograph for the cover and a short biography.
If a family representative(s) would like to speak at the service, please let us know.
The pastor will guide you through this initial process. Additionally, a service coordinator will help to make all the arrangements at the church and to ensure that your service goes smoothly.
Service
Music
The church can provide an organist or pianist. The coordinator will be glad to arrange this for you. If you have a family member or friend who would like to share their musical gifts, you may make those arrangements.
Audio/Visual
If you would like a file of photos or other computer presentations (i.e. PowerPoint) to be shown during or before the service, you will need to deliver it to the church ahead of time. We will provide a sound and audio technician to arrange for microphones and other sound needs.
Photograph and Memento Display
A photograph and memento display adds an important visual component about the life experiences of your loved one. A display table may be set up in the Narthex and/or the Fellowship Hall.
Graveside Service
If desired, the Pastor is available to conduct a graveside service at a local cemetery. This can happen before the memorial service or after. Some families use this as a private service. Many details for this service will be arranged by your funeral home.
Veterans
If your loved one was a veteran, we can contact the Oregon National Guard to present a U.S. flag to the next of kin, and to play taps at the conclusion of the service.
Reception
The Pastor and coordinator will make arrangements for a reception in the fellowship hall for you. There is no charge to members of the church for this service.
The reception coordinator will provide, prepare, and serve the food for the reception. Cookies, coffee, tea, and punch will be prepared. Please provide us with an estimate of how many to expect in order to plan accordingly.
You may choose to provide other food and drink choices for your reception in collaboration with the coordinator.
Costs and Fees
Members
Custodial Services: $50
Service Coordinator: $100
Sanctuary AV Technician: $50
Musician: $100
Reception Coordination: $50
There is no charge to Church Members for the use of the church facilities.
Total: $350
Non-members
Custodial Services: $50
Service Coordinator: $100
Sanctuary AV Technician: $50
Musician: $100
Reception Coordination: $50
Sanctuary use: $35/hr (min. 3 hrs)
Fellowship hall and kitchen use: $35/hr (min. 3 hrs)
Total: $350 plus facilities use cost
(A sliding scale may be considered at the discretion of the pastor.)
Contact Information
If you’d like to discuss planning a memorial service at Wesley, get in touch with the church office at 541-343-3665.
Pastor Nicole Berry is reachable at revnicole.berry@gmail.com