POLICIES
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Harrodsburg, Kentucky
“A Service of Witness to the Resurrection”
FUNERAL POLICY
This guide will help you make your way through important considerations about a “Service of Witness to the Resurrection,” (traditionally called a Funeral Service). When death comes, the church in its pastoral care immediately offers a “ministry of presence” through:
a sharing of loss and pain,
a proclamation of faith and hope in the power of resurrection, and
the ordinary acts of care and love.
The church continues special pastoral care throughout the time of grieving and adjusting.
When death occurs, the pastor and elders of the congregation should be notified as soon as possible, in order that they might provide appropriate consolation and support to the family and friends, and assist them in making arrangements for the “Service in Witness to the Resurrection.”
THE CHURCH AND DEATH:
The resurrection is the central doctrine of the Christian faith and shapes a Christian’s attitude and response to the event of death. Death brings loss, sorrow, and grief to all. In the face of death Christians affirm with tears and a sense of joy the Good News of the gospel. Christians do not bear their bereavement in isolation, but are sustained by the power of the spirit and also the community of faith.
Because death calls us to draw on the resources of our faith, what is it that we believe about death?
We believe that death has been conquered by God in Jesus Christ. The central tenet of the gospel, the heart of the Good News, is that God in Christ is the victor over death.
We believe that we will share in Christ’s victory over death. What this resurrected life will be like we do not know, but our faith tells us that there will be a resurrection.
We believe that at death we enter into the presence of God. We no longer inhabit the physical body, for our soul, our real person, enters into the presence of God. Death is not able to separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ.
THE CHURCH AND GRIEF:
It has been well established that there is a process for dealing with death. There are basically, 5 (five) steps that have been identified: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.
This is part of the grief process. We give expression to our grief both by weeping, and by giving thanks for the person who has died. Wise, sympathetic friends help us to express our pain and our thanksgiving. Grief is a process stretched over a period of time. In God’s love to us we come to know that God reaches to the depth of all of our emotions. Grief is a normal and necessary process for us. In the midst of all of this Jesus says to us, “My peace I give to you – do not be afraid.” Be assured that the church offers a ministry of love and hope to all who grieve.
THE CHURCH AND THE SERVICE IN WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION:
As we plan for the “Service in Witness to the Resurrection,” there are three principals that should guide our decisions:
the deceased must be honored,
the reality of death must be recognized, and
the praise and promises of God must be proclaimed.
The word “comfort” comes from the Latin meaning, “to endow with strength.” The “Service in Witness to the Resurrection” should provide us with the strength to face both the death of the one whom we love, and to lead us further in the process of our grief.
The “Service in Witness to the Resurrection” should be held in the place where the deceased joined with the congregation to worship God. This is the place where faith is born and nurtured, where marriage vows are made, where children receive the sign of the covenant, and where we break the bread and drink the cup. The sanctuary reminds us of the presence of God in both life and death. The service should be held at a time when many from congregation can be present.
The Service shall be under the direction of the Pastor. The Pastor may invite others to participate as leaders in the Service. The Pastor shall work with the Funeral Director to ensure that he/she understands and complies with the policies of the congregation.
Visitation
An afternoon and/or evening may be designated by the family to receive friends. This is often held at the funeral home. The family must decide if the casket is to be open during this time. While viewing an open casket may help some people – care must be taken to restrict emphasis upon such viewing. It must be pointed out that the main purpose in this time of visitation is to greet each other, offering to the family our sympathy and our support at this time of death.
It is of utmost importance for friends to remember the importance of visiting on days and weeks following a death. This is true because our grief process is not concluded with the “Service in Witness to the Resurrection.”
Arrival at the Church
The “Service in Witness to the Resurrection” may be held before or after the internment of the body or cremains.
The church is often questioned concerning the issue of cremation. This is a
matter of personal preference, and is not inconsistent with the Christian faith.
To consider having the interment first is in complete accord with our beliefs. This is usually a more private service for family and close friends. The “Service in Witness to the Resurrection” is then a more public service in the sanctuary. This practice was customary for early Christians, American Protestants, and is certainly part of our Presbyterian heritage. It enables us to place our emphasize on the worship of God, while de-emphasizing the physical remains of the person who has died. This should by no means be seen as a dishonor to the deceased or a rejection of the reality of death. When the committal occurs before the “Service in Witness to the Resurrection” we are freer to turn our thoughts to God, offering to God our praise and thanksgiving for the life that has been.
When the “Service in Witness to the Resurrection” precedes the internment of the body or cremains, the casket or urn is brought to the church. The Pastor meets the casket at the door, and the pallbearers cover it with a white pall (which is provided by the church). If there is a procession into the sanctuary as the service begins, the Pastor leads, as the congregation stands for appropriate music or the singing of a hymn. If the casket has already been brought into the sanctuary (having been met at the door and covered with the pall) for a time of visitation prior to the service, the Pastor begins with appropriate scripture and prayer. The casket is not opened during its time at the church.1
1 While remembering that our Presbyterian tradition does not encourage an open casket at the church, if the visitation prior to the service at the church is the only time of visitation, the family may decide to open the casket. It will however be closed and covered with the pall no later than 15 minutes prior to the service, or immediately before the pre-service music by the organist.
If there are important reasons why the service should not be held in the sanctuary, it may be held at a funeral home, mausoleum, crematorium, graveside or other appropriate place.
The casket shall be closed for the service at any of these sites.
Service in Witness to the Resurrection
A service that is truly Christian is one in which God’s people witness to their faith in God who is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. This is the “Service in Witness to the Resurrection.”
The service begins with scriptural sentences. It is appropriate for worshipers to sing hymns, psalms, spirituals, or spiritual songs that 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; the people may make an affirmation of faith. Aspects of the life of the one who has died may be recalled. Prayers shall be offered,
giving thanks to God
1. for life in Jesus Christ and the promise of the gospel,
2. for the gift of the life of the one who has died,
3.for the comfort of the Holy Spirit,
4.for the community of faith,
making intercessions
5.for family members and loved ones who grieve,
6.for those who minister to and support the bereaved,
7.for all who suffer loss,
lifting supplications
concluding with the Lord’s Prayer.
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.
The “Word of God” is central. Nothing can give better comfort to those who seek comfort than the words of Scriptures. Interpreting the scriptures, the Pastor will share a message of life, death, and resurrection in an appropriate meditation. The personalized message in reference to the one who has died, and to those who seek comfort, speaks primarily of the Christian hope that is ours because of the victory of Christ over death.
While it is most appropriate to offer a eulogy for the one who has died, a service that only eulogizes the deceased, as a main theme is inappropriate, for it offers shallow comfort. Our hope is not based on the goodness of the one who has died; rather, our hope is based on the love of God.
We should participate in the worship service. This is one of the distinguishing marks of Presbyterian worship. We share in the responsive reading of scripture, affirmation of faith, prayers, and hymns.
“A Service in Witness to the Resurrection” is a service of worship. We gather to share our grief and to confess our faith in a living Savior. We come not to exhibit our grief but to find strength to overcome our grief in Christ our living Lord. We come to worship God!
Music
As in all worship, music is a vital part of the “Service in Witness to the Resurrection.” The music should have substance, and whether instrumental or vocal, should proclaim the love and power of God.
Pre-service music should center on substantial “Chorals” and hymn-based “Voluntaries.” The Organist and Pastor will work with the family in determining music that will be meaningful.
Families and individuals have particular songs that are favorites. Types of music that should be avoided are sentimental arrangements of Gospel and folk melodies, as well as non-liturgical works.
The great hymns of the Church are most appropriate to use, for they speak a strong and hopeful message to those who seek comfort. Examples are:
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
“For All the Saints”
“O God, Our Help In Ages Past”
“The Church’s One Foundation”
“The Lord’s My Shepherd”
It is most appropriate and meaningful for the congregation to share in the singing of hymns.
The church’s Organist/Director of Music plays the church’s organ for the service. No CDs, tapes or other prerecorded music shall be used. Any soloist or other musician is under the direction of the Organist/Director of Music. Because the Church does not employ a full-time Organist, a suggested honorarium to the Organist is $75.
Flowers And Memorials
Because of the over abundance which may occur, and because of their brief duration, it is encouraged that a memorial(s) be established by the family in the name of the deceased. This can be to “United Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund,” the “Presbyterian Church Foundation of Harrodsburg, Inc.” or to some appropriate charity. These suggestions are in lieu of flowers.
Flowers are most definitely a part of God’s creation and have a place within Christian worship. The excess to which flowers can be used is what presents a problem. A room massed with flowers causes each individual bloom and each arrangement to lose its significance. Flower arrangements at the Church are to be limited to a couple on each side of the casket. The church will be happy to make use of 1 or 2 arrangements for Sunday worship if the family wishes to leave them in the sanctuary.
Displays / collages of pictures are often brought by the family. In the sanctuary it is most appropriate that these be placed with the guest registry at the entrance to the sanctuary, and not at the front pulpit/chancel area.
Service of Committal (internment)
When family and friends gather for a service at a cemetery, mausoleum or other site, it is to be conducted with simplicity, dignity and brevity. The service includes readings from Scripture, prayers, words of committal, and a blessing reflecting the reality of death, entrusting the one who has died to the care of God, and bearing witness to faith in the resurrection from the dead.
Non-Religious Ceremonies
Because the “Service in Witness to the Resurrection” for a Christian is the complete message of faith in and of itself, any fraternal, civic or military rites shall be conducted separately, at a predetermined time.
If rites, other than those of the Church, are conducted at the place of internment, they will be held prior to the Church’s “Service of Committal.” The final words/acts are those of God’s loving benediction.
Post-service Visitation
Following any and or all the services that are discussed above, Presbyterian Women through the Kate Riker Circle, offer to host for the family, a time of visitation/fellowship (a reception or some appropriate meal) for family and friends. The Pastor will be happy to initiate plans for such with the family and Presbyterian Women.
Any gift which the family makes to the Kate Riker Circle will enable similar events to be held in the future for other families.
Other Comments
Stewardship: In today’s complex world with many legal and medical complexities, it is suggested that each person have documents such as a “ Last Will and Testament,” “Living Will” and “Power of Attorney” complete and up-to-date. Consultations with your Attorney, Physicians, Bankers, Funeral Director and others are part of our responsibility as God’s stewards.
Part of our stewardship is to consider a final financial gift to God’s Church through our “Last Will and Testament.” A gift to the Endowment Trust Fund of United Presbyterian Church will support the work and ministry of United Presbyterian Church of Harrodsburg. A gift to the Presbyterian Church Foundation of Harrodsburg, Inc. will support the religious or educational mission programs of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Questions about how this can be accomplished can be addressed to the Pastor or to any of the Elders of the congregation.
Medical: While we have a direct responsibility for maintaining, or regaining our health, the artificial prolongation of life with mechanical and medical procedures is a decision that an individual and family must make (necessity for a “Living Will). This often involves organization such as “Hospice.”
It is in keeping with the Christian spirit of concern for others, that the donation of the body for medical research, or its parts for transplant, may be considered.
A Final Note
Because it is difficult under emotional stress to plan wisely, all of us are encouraged to discuss and plan in advance the arrangements that will be necessary at the time of death. These plans should provide for arrangements which are simple, which bear witness to resurrection hope, and which place the Christian community central in all that we do.
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UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Harrodsburg, Kentucky
WEDDING POLICY
This guide will help you make your way through the important considerations about a wedding service at United Presbyterian Church. We also offer to you our personal assistance, and our prayers, as you prepare for your wedding celebration.
THE CHURCH AND YOUR WEDDING:
United Presbyterian Church believes marriage is a gift God has given to humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. In civil terms marriage is a contract made between a man and woman and entails certain legal rights and obligations protecting both parties. The covenant in the church, on the other hand, is an agreement with a much deeper perspective in that God has taken the initiative in Christ to enter into this “new estate” and will strengthen and bless the human promises made to each other.
Such an important, meaningful and happy occasion should be celebrated in the context of the presence of God and with the assurance of God’s blessing.
THE WEDDING IS A WORSHIP SERVICE:
A wedding is a worship service of the congregation. As a service of Christian worship, the marriage service is under the direction of the Pastor and the supervision of the Session (the governing Board of the Church). A marriage ordinarily takes place in a special service, which focuses upon marriage as a gift of God, and as an expression of the Christian life.
Music suitable for the marriage service directs attention to God and expresses the faith of the church. Flowers, decorations and other special appointments should be appropriate to the place of worship, enhance the worshippers’ consciousness of the reality of God, and reflect the integrity and simplicity of Christian life.
Agreement for A Wedding Service
Wedding date: __________________________
Bride’s name: __________________________ Phone: ________________________
Groom’s name: __________________________ Phone: ________________________
1.Agreement:
This Agreement shall be entered into at least sixty days prior to the date of the wedding. Completing, and signing the Appendix to this Agreement, “Wedding Information,” constitutes a contract for a wedding service to be conducted at United Presbyterian Church.
2.Fees
The schedule for fees is as follows:
Members of United Presbyterian Church:
there is no charge for the use of the sanctuary and rooms for dressing
Pastor’s fee: there is no set fee, but an honorarium/gift should be given in appreciation
for his/her services
Organist’s fee: $125 includes planning with the bride and groom and providing music for the service. The organist is not expected to teach soloist or other musicians the music. If extra time is needed for working with them, an additional fee may be charged.
Custodian’s fee: $50
Non-members: There is a charge of $550
(this includes use of the sanctuary and rooms for dressing [225], Pastor’s fee [150],
Organist’s fee [125] see note about soloist and musicians, above, and Custodian’s
fee[50]).
Rehearsal Dinner:
For all weddings, if the kitchen and/or Fellowship Hall are used for a dinner, there is a
fee of $75, plus a Custodian’s fee of $35.
Reception following the wedding:
For all weddings, if the kitchen and/or Fellowship Hall are used for a reception, there
is a fee of $125, plus a Custodian’s fee of $50.
Deposit:
A $100 non-refundable deposit is due when this Agreement is signed.
Balance:
The balance is due 14 days prior to the wedding date.
3.Pastor of United Presbyterian Church
The Pastor of United Presbyterian Church shall conduct the wedding service. It is possible,
with his/her consent, for a minister from another church to participate in the service, or to conduct the service. The guest minister must meet with the Pastor of United Presbyterian Church prior to the rehearsal/service.
4.Premarital Counseling
The Pastor of United Presbyterian Church shall meet with the bride and groom prior to the
service to engage in conversation on Christian marriage. The bride and groom are responsible for making an appointment with the Pastor.
The counseling conversations will cover areas such as: expectations in marriage, legal
requirements, communication within marriage, and resources for fulfilling of vows and commitments. An important aspect of these meetings is the planning of the actual wedding service.
5.Rehearsal
The Pastor of United Presbyterian Church shall lead the rehearsal.
Because the time of many people is involved, it is very important that everyone be prompt,
ready to begin at the appointed time of the rehearsal.
Please note that “wedding coordinators,” florists and photographers arranged for by the bride
and groom, are not in charge of the wedding rehearsal.
6.The Wedding Service
The Pastor will be robed and will use a service in keeping with the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship. This will have been agreed to the Pre-marital Counseling appointments.
Because persons present at the wedding may not be familiar with this, a printed “Order of Service” can be used, after having been approved by the Pastor of United Presbyterian Church.
7.Music
The church’s Organist / Director of Music is a trained professional musician who will assist
the bride and groom in selecting music for the wedding service. The church’s Organist plays the church’s organ for wedding services. No CDs, tapes or other prerecorded music shall be used during the wedding service. Any soloist or other musician is under the direction of the Organist / Director of Music. All music used in the wedding service shall be approved by the church’s Organist / Director of Music.
Familiar, contemporary music, which the bride and groom may desire, and which is not
suitable in a Christian wedding service, may be used at the time of the reception or other
occasions connected with the wedding.
7.Decorations
All furniture on the dais (pulpit platform) and on the floor in the front of the sanctuary shall remain in place during the wedding service. In addition, be aware that at certain times during the year (such as Advent or Lent) the church’s seasonal décor shall remain in place. Any decision regarding wedding decorations should take this into consideration.
Floral decorations can be arranged for by the bride and groom through a florist of their choice. Such arrangements should not be unduly elaborate. Excessive expense and ostentation should be avoided.
Candelabra, kneeling bench, pew candleholders, and a non-paper isle runner (even though its use is discouraged for safety reasons) can be furnished through a florist. The church does have 2 black wrought iron candelabra which can be used. Only spring-loaded candles are permitted to be used.
Thumbtacks, tape, wire and other fasteners shall not be used anywhere within the building.
The church will be happy to make use of flower arrangements which are appropriate for a worship service, if the bride and groom wish to leave them in the sanctuary.
It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to make arrangements to have all decorations removed from the sanctuary at the conclusion of the wedding service. These can be temporarily stored in the small room to the right at the front of the sanctuary. The florist must pick up all equipment/decorations on the first business day following the wedding service.
In the event of damage to any furnishings or carpeting, the florist or the bride and groom shall be responsible for cleaning or reimbursing the church for repair or restoration.
8.Following the wedding service
Confetti, birdseed and rice shall NOT be used as the bride and groom depart.
9.Photographs
Pictures taken in the sanctuary before the wedding must be concluded 30 minutes before the
wedding service is scheduled to begin.
No flash picture shall be taken at any time during the wedding service. Time exposures,
video recordings and other non-distracting photos can be taken from the rear of the sanctuary
during the wedding service. A pre-set video camera (without an attendant) can be set in the
choir loft prior to the beginning of the wedding service.
Pictures of the processional and recessional can be taken from the rear of the sanctuary, and not from any place in the center aisle.
The wedding party may return to the sanctuary following the wedding services for additional pictures.
If the Pastor is to be included in any pictures following the wedding service he/she should be notified before the wedding service.
10.Other
·The Appendix to this Agreement, “Wedding Information” must be completed and
given to the Pastor or Church Office 60 days prior to the wedding date.
·The church cannot be responsible during the wedding service for items left in rooms
where the bride and groom and others have been dressings. All valuable items should be removed from these rooms and placed in a safe place – the trunk of a car.
·The use of alcoholic beverages or smoking is forbidden within and around the church
property.
·Items not covered within this agreement shall be discussed with the Pastor.
