What is the fee structure for a funeral/memorial service?

Please click here to see our fee structure.

Will any of the family or friends be permitted to speak at the funeral service?

Public speaking is a challenging task even in normal situations.  Public speaking at a funeral is even more challenging.  The emotions of the day will feel even more powerful than they do now.  For this reason, we discourage Eulogies during the Funeral Service.  Instead, we suggest that these Eulogies be shared at the reception, as it is a more appropriate time and setting for the free sharing of memories.  As an option, reading scripture during the service is a meaningful way for family or friends to participate in the service.

Can we include our loved one’s favorite hymns/songs?

The function of the hymns/songs selected is to remind us of biblical truths.  Those hymns/songs that do not meet this standard, and yet are important to the family for sentimental reasons, are encouraged to be used at the reception, or during a memorial video that may be played during the reception.

The pastor will help to guide you with the selection, use, and placement of appropriate hymns/songs.

What is the difference between a funeral service and a memorial service?

A funeral service always includes the presence of the deceased’s body.  A memorial service remembers a life while not having the body of the deceased present.

Can we place a picture of our loved one up front and/or near the entrance during the Funeral/Memorial?

Yes.  Concordia will provide an easel(s) and/or a table when you indicate that you will be using a picture(s) in the service.  In selecting your picture(s), please remember to choose those appropriate for a public worship setting.  We do our best to accommodate the display of personal items that honor a loved one’s interests, vocation, hobbies or favorite items.  Families are also welcome to display photos and photo boards.

Can we show a memorial video in the Funeral/Memorial Service?

Memorial videos can be very special to the family.  Unfortunately, many memorial videos do not meet the standards deemed appropriate in a public worship setting.  Memorial videos are encouraged at the reception.  Special permission from the pastor must be granted for any memorial video to be shown in the public Funeral/Memorial service.

What other things should we plan for and consider?

Memorials – If you would like to have attendees give financial gifts to a charity or other organization in the name of your loved one, please let the pastor and the office staff know.  It will be included in the bulletin.

Flowers – All flowers delivered to the church will be set in appropriate places for the Funeral/Memorial service.  If there is a graveside to follow the service, the mortuary may assist in transporting flowers for the family.  Other times, the family is asked to transport the flowers of their choosing.  Your mortuary can advise you about this detail.  All flowers not claimed by the family following the funeral will not be kept or saved.

Guest Book – You are invited to purchase a guestbook which those attending the funeral may sign, indicating their presence.  This book can be placed at the entrance to the sanctuary.  In some cases when the signing of the guestbook is delaying the start of the service the greeters and/or funeral directors may close the book in order to seat everyone more quickly.  When this occurs, the family will be encouraged to reopen the guestbook at the reception or as people leave the service.

Picture and brief obituary write up – Usually, families would like to include a picture of their loved one with a brief obituary write up for the bulletin.  Please keep in mind the goal to show honor to the sacred aspect of this service.

Receptions – Receptions are a wonderful part of the Funeral/Memorial day.  It provides opportunity for friends and families to gather and share special memories of their loved one.  It also allows for a strong communication of support for those in grief.  The reception often happens in the home of a family member following the service and/or graveside.  Other times the reception is held at a nearby restaurant.  Sometimes Concordia hosts the reception.  If this is of interest to you, please discuss this with the pastor.

Is it a good idea to plan for a funeral/memorial before it happens?

Christians know that death is not the end and that the promise and glory of heaven is ours through Jesus Christ.  Unfortunately, many times we are unprepared (or we have left our loved ones unprepared) for the necessary arrangements for our funeral/memorial.  For that reason, planning now for your funeral can be a great blessing for our loved ones.  Please talk with the pastor to find some resources that can help with this.