A funeral means there has been a death and that may mean many things — loss, sorrow, relief, guilt, numbness, joy in God’s help, or something that a word cannot be put upon. 

Whatever it is you are encountering as you consider a funeral, we want you to know of our concern and regard for you.  If there is any question or need you have, please just ask.

Your point of contact is the pastor.  The pastor will meet with you to assist you regarding issues such as which funeral homes, burial or cremation, the timing of a service, and how a service is conducted.

Timing of services - consider the needs of your family and friends.  How long will it take for them to arrive if they travel from someplace else?  A service that begins before lunch or mid-afternoon can be helpful for those in the area with work schedules.  But always wait for confirmation from the pastor that he and/ or the church are available before setting your plans.

Services may be conducted at the church, funeral home, or graveside.  If the body of the deceased person is present, it is a funeral service.  If the body is not present, it is a memorial service.  Sometimes a brief graveside service will either precede or follow the one at the church or funeral home.  If the body is present, the funeral home will care for the transport and placement of the casket.  They may ask if you would like to designate pall bearers (those who carry the casket). 

More Information

Obituaries:   These may be handled by the family directly or by the funeral home.
 
Flowers:   In the sanctuary flowers may be displayed on standards in the area of the casket.  If there is no casket, the vases regularly used in the worship service may be used for the floral tribute.

Photographs:   Either at the church entrance or on the chancel are appropriate places for photographs to be placed.  They should be placed adjacent to the communion table, not in front it.

Casket:  The funeral home will help with the selection of a casket (or urn, in the case of cremation).  If the casket is present for the service, it is normally closed before the service begins. 

Register:  If you wish to record the names of those attending the service, either the family or funeral home can supply a guest book.

Usher:  The church supplies an usher to unlock and lock the sanctuary, help with flowers, and assist the family.

Music:   As the service is sacred in nature, the music should be sensitive to that nature.  Arrangements for music are made with the pastor.  Normally, only the church music director, or one approved by the organist, plays the organ.  The organist can provide the music or consult with the family about their wishes.   The honorarium for the organist is $150.
 
Our Memorial Garden --  Was established as a place of beauty for prayer and contemplation.  In addition, it is a peaceful place for repose for individuals who desire cremation.  The cremains of members of our church, their families and others may be placed there.  This follows the ancient practice of having a place for burial near where one worshiped.  The interment fee is $100.  Session approval is required for those wishing to use the Memorial Garden.  If a desired, a nameplate will placed there as well.  Contact the church secretary at 772-589-5656 for further information. 

Additional Fees - There is a $150 cost for non-members to help offset building and maintenance costs.

Should there be special audio-visual needs, our equipment requires our technicians.  The honorarium is $75 if there are no special A/V needs.  One DVD is always complimentary and each additional copy is $5 each.

In most cases, the honorarium for the pastor is handled by the funeral home.  If no funeral home is being used, the honorarium is $150. The other honoraria and fees are all made payable to First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian.