Holding a Memorial Service

at

Westminster Presbyterian Church

In the Presbyterian Church, a “Witness to the Resurrection” is often held when a loved one passes away. It is not a funeral, but a witness to Our Lord’s victory over death, a service of remembrance, dignity and hope. At WPC we strive to provide comfort and assistance to family and friends, and to honor the family’s wishes within our tradition.

Witnesses to the Resurrection are held in our Sanctuary. If an on site reception is requested, it is held in our Fellowship Center. One of our pastors will meet with the family, plan the service, and coordinate details with support staff. Viewings, if any, are held at the funeral home, and committal services generally take place BEFORE a Witness to the Resurrection. Please encourage funeral home personnel to contact the church regarding arrangements.

Once a date and time for a Witness to the Resurrection has been reserved on the church calendar, details of the service can be planned. Elements you will want to consider are: who will speak, what music will be played/sung, special scripture passages, etc. An overview of the life of the person being remembered is very helpful to the pastor in preparation for the service.

When a WPC member or someone in a member’s family passes away, the church will provide:

• Use of Sanctuary and Fellowship Center
• Pastor(s) to lead service
• Cookies/punch reception hosted by the Board of Deacons.
• Black and white program. Stock bulletin covers are available, or pictures may be scanned. If a color program is desired, it must be printed off site at family’s expense.
• WPC organist (fee required).
• Soloist, pending availability (fee required)
• AV tech support, service and/or reception (fee required)
• Ushers, pending availability
• Display easels, flower stands

It is the responsibility of the family to provide, if desired:

• Guest book
• Flower arrangements ( transport to and from church)
• Pictures, collages, etc., for display
• Any additional food (beyond cookies and punch) desired for a reception. Arrangements must be made with our Manager of Hospitality and Food Services; fees will be charged accordingly.

Frequently asked questions:

• May we bring in a clergy person to officiate?
  • Only if approved by a WPC pastor.

• May we bring in an outside instrumentalist or soloist?
  • You may bring in a soloist; our WPC organist/pianist plays for all services or finds a substitute.

• Is there an honorarium for the pastor?
  • Our pastors do not charge for memorials of WPC members and their families; an honorarium is at your discretion.

• What if we don’t want people to send flowers?
  • You may provide information on a charity of your choice for donations in lieu of flowers.

• May we serve alcohol at the reception?
  • No, WPC is an alcohol-free campus.

• Does WPC hold memorials for non-members?
  • Services for those not affiliated with WPC are at the discretion of the pastoral staff. If the decision is made to hold the service, there may be a usage fee.

• What if we have questions about the service or the reception?
  • We know this is a difficult time; our support staff and pastors will do their best to help you through it. Please contact the church office at any time.