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Trinity Presbyterian Churchwww.trinityatlanta.org

PLANNING A FUNERAL, MEMORIAL SERVICE, OR COMMITTAL SERVICE

WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION

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Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.

-Psalm 23:4

PLANNING A MEMORIAL SERVICE

OR FUNERAL

Table of Contents

ADVANCE PLANNING

When Death Comes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Arranging a Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Types of Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

The Worship Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Worship Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Flowers and Guest Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Bulletins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Ushers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Recordings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Congregational and Pastoral Care . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

MEMORIAL GARDEN

Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Transfer of Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Nameplates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Delivery of Ashes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

FORMS

Service Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Memorial Garden Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

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Advance Planning

In the face of death Trinity Presbyterian Church bears witness to the God we know in Jesus Christ, for “in life and in death we belong to God” (a Brief Statement of Faith,” PC[USA]). Central to the church’s ministry is our call to stand with those who face death and with those who grieve. It is appropriate for Christians to reflect on life and death in the light of our faith and to give thought to ways in which we will celebrate life and bear witness to the

resurrection of Jesus Christ after our own deaths or the deaths of those we love.

This document is prepared and offered as an affirmation to our faith and as an encouragement to plan wisely for the occasion of our own deaths and the deaths of family members. Discuss with your family the meaning of this event for you and plans you would want considered. Trinity also offers educational opportunities to reflect on a Christian understanding of death. Any special arrangements you desire ought to be put in writing as a guide for your family; such wishes may range from special music, scripture passages, and type of service, to the question of the burial or cremation and site of interment. The church can maintain a record of your preferences, as well as any other documents related to end-of-life planning, so that you or your family can reference them when needed. An end-of-life service planning form is available on page 10 of this document.

Whether you prefer a memorial service or a traditional funeral, the pastors, the Pastors’ Aid and Memorial Service Committees, and your church are here to be of support to you and your family.

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TYPES OF SERVICES

The Session recommends that the memorial or funeral service, especially of a church member, be conducted in the church. We recognize that some, for reasons of their own, will prefer a service at a funeral home. It is the custom at Trinity Church to hold funerals, memorial services, or receptions during the week, Monday - Friday. You may consider whether interment, cremation, or donation of the body to medical science will occur before or after the service.

• Memorial service at the church, in which remains are not present, may take place at any time suitable for the bereaved.

• Committal or interment service in the Memorial Garden or at the cemetery grave site. Usually lasting only a few minutes and consisting of scripture, prayer, and benediction, such a service may be held simply, with family and close friends present and usually precedes the memorial service.

• Funeral service at the church takes place within days following death, with a closed casket or urn present. The church owns a pall (covering) with appropriate Christian symbolism, to place over the casket.

• Funeral services at the funeral home and grave side service

WHEN DEATH IS EXPECTED OR WHEN DEATH COMES

Our pastors are available in case of any crisis involving you or your family. Please notify pastors as soon as possible after the death of a loved one. One of the pastors will visit you to offer loving care on behalf of the church.

ContactWhen a death has occurred or is imminent, please contact the church.Church Office: 404-237-6491

If the church office is closed, please leave a message for the pastor on call.

ARRANGING A SERVICE

Your pastors, in scheduling the date and time of a memorial service or funeral at the church, wish to be sensitive to your family’s needs. A decision on the date of the service will take into consideration the arrival of out-of-town family, availability of the worship space, as well as the pastors and musicians.

In the case of a service at a funeral home, time and date will be decided in consultation with the director of the funeral home, who will confer with the pastors. The date and time of receiving friends at the funeral home should be decided as soon as possible so that this information may be given to the newspaper.

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THE WORSHIP SERVICE

The pastors and Director of Music are responsible for planning the service itself and will be happy to consult with you regarding hymns, other appropriate music, or favorite texts from the Bible that would be most meaningful to you. The music selected for the memorial service should embody the same high standards applied to the music chosen for Sunday morning worship. The service will not eulogize but celebrate the gift of the life of the deceased, that will bear witness to our common faith, and that will meet the needs of mourners.

Order of WorshipPreludeCall to WorshipPrayer of AdorationHymn of PraisePrayer of ConfessionAssurance of PardonPrayer for IlluminationOld Testament (or Scripture) ReadingMusical OfferingNew Testament (or Scripture) ReadingHomilyAffirmation of FaithPastoral Prayer and Lord’s PrayerCommendationClosing HymnBenedictionClosing Voluntary

The suggestions offered below include texts and music often chosen for memorial services.

Suggested MusicHymns (Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal)1 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!14 For the Beauty of the Earth15 All Creatures of Our God and King215 What Wondrous Love Is This275 A Mighty Fortress is Our God307 God of Grace and God of Glory326 For All the Saints450 Be Thou My Vision611 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee620 Praise My Soul the King of Heaven624 I Greet Thee Who My Sure Redeemer Art643 Now Thank We All Our God649 Amazing Grace687 Our God, Our Help in Ages Past802 The King of Love My Shepherd Is806 I’ll Praise My Maker836 Abide With Me

SolosJohann Sebastian Bach Jesu Joy of Man’s DesiringJohn Ness Beck Song of DevotionAaron Copland Simple GiftsAaron Copland Shall We Gather

at the RiverAntonin Dvörak God is My ShepherdGabriel Fauré Pie Jesu from Requiem

op. 48César Franck Panis AngelicusAlbert Hay Malotte The Lord’s PrayerHal Hopson The Gift of LoveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart Laudate Dominum from

Vespers, K. 339Franz Schubert Ave MariaTraditional Deep RiverRalph Vaughn Williams The Call

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Suggested Scriptures Psalm 121Psalm 23II Timothy 4:7Romans 14:7-8Philippians 4:4-8Matthew 22:36-40John 14:1-6, 25-27

WORSHIP SPACE

Our Sanctuary accommodates 750 people. Dobbs Chapel accommodates 200. The Memorial Garden can accommodate a service of committal for a small group of family and friends. The Sanctuary or Chapel Parlor will be set aside as a place for family to gather and pray prior to the service.

FLOWERS AND GUEST BOOK

A few simple arrangements provide an appropriate symbol of on-going life. The family themselves may wish to give a communion table floral arrangement. Massive floral displays are discouraged as not in keeping with the church’s understanding of stewardship. Flowers otherwise are placed according to your wishes and disposed of as you desire.

Chapel Flowers Flowers may be placed on the two brass pedestals on either side of the organ.

Sanctuary FlowersFlowers are only permitted on the communion table and can either be two arrangements in the receptacles provided or a single arrangement in the center of the table.

Recommended FloristFlowers Atlanta404-233-9404flowersatlanta@att.net

Guest BookA guest registry is kept in the narthex and at Five Points for guests to sign and for you to keep.

BULLETINS

Bulletins will be prepared by the church staff after the pastor and family have planned the service.

MEMORIAL COMMITTEE

Committee members are called upon to serve and assist the family, staff, and ministers in the preparation of a funeral or memorial service. They will act as ushers for the service by roping off the family pews, putting out the guests books, checking that flowers are in the appropriate space and confer with Pastors’ Aid Committee.

RECEPTION

The Pastors’ Aid Committee offers to provide a reception with light refreshments served in Williams Hall following the service.

FEES, HONORARIA AND DONATIONS

There is no charge for the use of the church for memorial services or funerals, nor do the pastors or Trinity organists expect payment for conducting services. Support of bereaved families is a ministry of the church and the pastors.

Many times families want to express their appreciation for the pastor and/or organist in which case an honorarium can be given at the discretion of the family. Suggest honorariums: $250-300.

If the family wants to have additional musicians, the Director of Music will retain them and let the family know the fee.

Customary fees for musicians: Trinity soloist $175 Guest instrumentalist $225 (minimum fee)

There is no fee for the reception that Pastors’ Aid provides, however, a donation is always welcome to offset the cost of food and beverages.

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Trinity Church counsels members to resist excessive expenditure or money. Costs of a funeral can vary greatly, and a modest funeral can be more meaningful that a lavish one. Decisions regarding expenses must be made by the family and ought to be discussed prior to the death of a family member. Costs for funeral and burial (or cremation, if elected) are between the family and funeral director. Your pastors are willing to offer counsel in these matters.

Many request that friends and family members contribute memorial gifts to the church or to other causes in lieu of flowers. Trinity memorials may be designated to the Trust Fund, the Memorial Garden, or the Adele McKee Music Fund.

CONGREGATIONAL AND PASTORAL CARE

When death comes, the church seeks to offer the ministry of presence, of shared loss and pain, of faith and hope in the power of the resurrection, and of ordinary acts of care and love. The church continues special pastoral care during the times of grief and adjustment.

Stephen MinistersThe Stephen Ministry of Trinity Presbyterian Church offers confidential, one-to-one Christian care to those who are experiencing grief and other difficult life circumstances. Contact Stephen Leader: Meredith Daniel 404-869-0025 msdaniel@bellsouth.net

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For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven

-Ecclesiastes 3:1

MEMORIAL GARDEN

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Trinity Church offers, as an alternative to the cemetery, its Memorial Garden for members who prefer cremation to burial. The purpose of the Memorial Garden is to provide an appropriate resting place for ashes and to bear witness to the church’s ministry throughout all of life, from birth until death. Beyond death we entrust those we love to God.

DESIGNATION

The Memorial Garden is for the use of Trinity members and their immediate families who have been cremated. It is not necessary to designate with the application the person entitled to interment. So long as the person is qualified under Memorial Garden policies for interment, the actual designation may be accomplished at a later date.

TRANSFER OF RIGHTS

The rights may be assigned to a family member or anyone otherwise qualified for interment in the Memorial Garden. Rights may not be transferred to any person not otherwise qualified under policies that govern the Memorial Garden.

NAME PLATES

The name of each person memorialized, with dates of birth and death, will be placed on an individual cast bronze nameplate affixed to bronze plaques mounted on the Memorial Garden wall. The nameplates, placed in order of interment or memorial, shall be the only marker or memorial in the Memorial Garden. Nameplates may also be placed on the Memorial Garden Wall in memory of members and their families who are interred elsewhere. A memorial book including the names of those listed on the Memorial Garden wall will be maintained inside the church. No change in the structure or plantings will be permitted except on approval by the Session.

LOCATION

The ash remains will be interred in biodegradable containers within the oval of the Memorial Garden unless scattering is preferred. Space will be available for interment of remains in perpetuity. Specific plots are not purchased. Space will be assigned by the Memorial Garden Committee and designated on a plan of the Memorial Garden retained in the church office. The Committee will attempt to honor requests for contiguous interment. Person wishing contiguous interment need to purchase spaces at the same time.

FEES

The fee of $600 per person will be paid at the time of application. An application form can be found on page 12.

The purchase fee covers the cost of maintenance of the Memorial Garden and a memorial nameplate.

DELIVERY OF ASHES

A family member or other personal representative of the deceased will be responsible for arranging for cremation and delivery of the ash remains to the church. The church office can provide the names of local crematoriums. The church will notify such crematoriums of the procedures governing the Memorial Garden.

Memorial Garden

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PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name

Address

Telephone E-mail

Birth date

FAMILY MEMBERS/CONTACT PERSON

Name

Relationship

Address

Telephone E-mail

NATURE OF SERVICE � Memorial service at the church (casket not present; body cremated) and/or � Interment service in Trinity’s Memorial Garden (for subscribers) � Funeral at the church (closed casket present with pall covering) � Funeral service at funeral home � Committal service at the cemetery site only

FAVORITE SCRIPTURES______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FAVORITE HYMNS______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

T R I N I T Y P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTIONPlanning a Funeral, Memorial Service or Committal Service

Advance Planning for End-of-Life ServicesThe church office will keep this information on file. You may revise this information at any time.

Date: _______________________________________________

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OTHER MUSIC______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FUNERAL DIRECTOR/CREMATIONPlease indicate the name of your preferred funeral director or cremation society

Have prearrangements been made?�Yes �No

MEMORIAL GIFTSMany families choose to request memorial gifts in lieu of flowers. Within Trinity, memorials can be designated in several ways

� The Trinity Presbyterian Church Trust Fund � The Trinity Memorial Garden � The Adele McKee Music Fund � A community agency of your choice. Please indicate ______________________________________________________________ � I’d like to speak further with someone about this.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONPlease share, on an attached sheet, any additional information you feel may be relevant or helpful to the church staff and your family in making the necessary arrangements.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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APPLICATION FOR INTERMENT OF ASH REMAINSI hereby apply for the right to inter the ash remains of the following person(s) in the Trinity Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden:

______________________________________________________________________________ DOB______________________

______________________________________________________________________________ DOB______________________

[Persons qualified for interment may be designated at a later time.]

FEESThe fee of $600 per person will be paid at the time of application. The purchase fee covers the cost of construction, maintenance of the Memorial Garden, and a memorial nameplate.

Enclosed is a remittance of $ __________

FULL NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH FOR THE GARDEN PLAQUEAll inscriptions will contain the full formal name, the month, day, and year of birth and month, day, and year of death

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I have read and agree to the policies and procedures that govern administration of the Memorial Garden. I understand that procedures governing the Memorial Garden may be modified or changed from time to time without advance notice by the Session of Trinity Presbyterian Church. My signature is binding on any persons who may choose to use the rights obtained under this application.

Signature Date

Please Print Name Telephone

Address, Including Zip Code

Subject to the policies and procedures as may be changed from time to time, this application is accepted. Trinity Presbyterian Church agrees to inter the ash remains, when presented, of persons listed in the above application, or other qualified persons who may be designated at a later date, and to furnish an appropriate cast bronze nameplate.

T R I N I T Y P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

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Application for Interment Acceptance

Trinity Presbyterian Church hereby acknowledges receipt of the application of

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Subject to the policies and procedures as may be changed from time to time, this application is accepted. Trinity Presbyterian Church agrees to inter the ash remains, when presented, of persons listed in the above application, or other qualified persons who may be designated at a later date, and to furnish an appropriate cast bronze nameplate.

Authorized Church Representative Date

OFFICE USE

3003 Howell Mill Road, NWAtlanta, Georgia 30327

tel 404-237-6491fax 404-264-0470www.trinityatlanta.org

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tel 404-237-6491fax 404-264-0470www.trinityatlanta.org