FUNERAL AND MEMORIAL SERVICE GUIDE
for First United Methodist Church, Junction Texas
A COMFORTING HAND IN TIME OF NEED . . .
Greetings in Christ:
I pray that these Funeral Services Policy guidelines will be a helpful resource for you and your family during the
loss of your loved one. As I close, I leave these words of comfort with you:
Almighty God, The One who loves and cares for us in all seasons of our lives,
we praise You and adore You. In grief may we find hope and in death may we
be reminded of your resurrection power. We pray for peace and strength O God.
Surround us with comfort and companionship as only You can do. Unite us in
love and compassion as we draw closer to You. Increase our faith and devotion to
You as we lean upon Your Word that affirms: “The Lord is my light and salvation;
of whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be
afraid?” (Psalm 27: 1). Eternal God you are our refuge and help in the time of trouble.
We thank you and we glorify you,
Rev. Steve Fieldcamp, Pastor (sfieldcamp@aol.com)
Frequently Asked Questions
In case of a death whom do I call?
During business hours please call the Church (325-446-2153) and ask for the Pastor. After business hours or
weekends please contact the:
†† Reverend Steve Fieldcamp
.................................................................................................... 361-779-2844 (cell)
325-446-2518 (parsonage)
What can I expect from First United Methodist Church?
As soon a message is received, you can expect a telephone call or personal visit from the pastor. He will offer the
services of the church. If you elect to have a funeral or memorial service at the church, the pastor will walk you
through the funeral process. He will:
†† Provide biblical and spiritual consolation to the family.
†† Help complete the Funeral Planning Sheet
†† Confirm who will do acknowledgements and/or remarks. (Limited to two people, two minutes per person)
†† Provide printed Order of Service for the funeral.
Does the Church recommend a specific Funeral Home?
No. You are free to choose a Funeral Home that best suits your needs. However, we will work with the funeral
director and funeral home of the family’s choice. It is our desire to best serve your family as an extension of God’s
love to you during this difficult time.
What do I say when friends come to call?
Thank them sincerely for their kindness. Usually they don’t know just what to say. Receive their comfort as from the
Lord, and listen to it for God’s voice speaking to you through them in terms of strengthening. Don’t be afraid to talk
with them about your loved one who has passed away. Put them at ease and they will be able to strengthen you even
more.
What passages of scripture will help me most?
The word of God is a source of comfort and strength to you, especially in the Psalms. Read these verses for comfort.
Whose funeral or memorial service can be held at First United Methodist?
First United Methodist Church is in the community to serve. As a general rule the church is available to all. The
pastor may exercise discretion in some instances.
When can a Funeral or Memorial Service be scheduled?
At any time an event in the Sanctuary is not scheduled. Please don’t assume that the sanctuary is available until first
checking with the church office. We recommend not scheduling these services on Sunday and there may be other
times during the church year (example: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, national holidays, etc.) when the church is
not available.
What rooms may I use?
Funeral and Memorial Services will be held in the Sanctuary (seats approximately 300).
Generally, the Fellowship Hall is used for receptions or meals after the service. In case of a schedule conflict of
room space, the Family Life Center may be used. Either can adequately accommodate up to 125-150 people.
Will the church provide musicians?
First United Methodist Church is committed to helping the family in any way possible during this difficult time and
will help find an organist/pianist for the funeral or memorial service. However, the services of any organist or other
musicians (soloist, instrumentalist, etc.) or sound & video technicians must be engaged through the church office by
the family at the family’s expense. Payment in advance is requested. The Pastor is available if assistance is needed
in identifying and/or contacting suitable persons to take part in the service.
What music is appropriate for a Funeral or Memorial Service?
Only music appropriate to a worship service shall be selected. The use of congregational hymns is encouraged and
may be selected with the pastor during the service planning process. The funeral or memorial service may be
planned from the Order of Worship found in The United Methodist Hymnal, pages 870-875. The officiating pastor
will provide you with an Order of Service, which you will be asked to follow.
Can Holy Communion be served at the service?
If the family wishes to have communion served they must first make arrangements with the pastor. Since the United
Methodist Church believes that all are welcome at the Lord’s Table and Holy Communion is celebrated in
community, it is expected that all who are present will be offered the opportunity to be served. Communion will
only be served by intinction.
What about video presentations?
A video presentation provided by the family may be used upon consultation with the Pastor. An audio/visual
technician will be required to run the presentation.
Can someone other than the clergy at First United Methodist Church perform the eulogy of the funeral?
The Pastor will use discretion. However the FUMC Pastor will officiate at all funerals.
Who is responsible for the Obituary?
The family of the deceased is responsible for the Obituary. The funeral home will assist you in its publication.
Can we use flowers and other decorations?
Appropriate liturgical colors for funerals and memorial services will be on the altar. All seasonal items that may be
in the Chancel or Altar area will remain. Floral arrangements or photos may be used. A pall, a spray of flowers, or
an American flag, when appropriate, may drape the casket.
Can we have a reception or a catered meal before or after the service?
Yes. The Fellowship Hall can be used as the schedule permits. The Family Ministries Committee is available to
provide a meal if requested. If you wish, you may use your own caterer.
Are there any other costs?
For members, there is no cost for use of the buildings. For non-members, the fees for use the buildings are listed as
follows:
Sanctuary………………………………$200.00
Fellowship Hall/kitchen……………….$150.00
Family Life Center…………………….$200.00
A funeral or memorial service requires a number of persons. Below is listed a sampling of possible service assistants
with suggested honoraria. Please make out checks to the individuals. These checks may be distributed by the family
or given to the officiating pastor. Suggested honoraria:
†† Organist/Pianist......................................................................................................................$50-100.00
†† Vocal/Instrument soloist........................................................................................................$50-100.00
†† Audio/Video Technician........................................................................................................$75.00
†† Pastor......................................................................................................................................$100.00
†† Custodian (if necessary).........................................................................................................$100.00
The Pastor shall have the sole authority to waive building use fees for non-members
CHECKLIST FOR FUNERAL/MEMORIAL SERVICE PREPARATIONS
. The Pastor is notified
. The church office is notified
. The organist/musician/soloist is/are notified
. The service (if being held in the church) is scheduled through the Church Office
. The pastor plans service with the family
. The Church Office prepares and prints bulletins
. Ushers (check with Church Office)
MEMORIAL OR FUNERAL SERVICE PLANNING SHEET
These are just a few suggestions to think about as you go about the painful task of
planning a service for a loved one. This is a time to give great consideration as to how
best to provide a meaningful and comforting time for you and your family as you
celebrate a life that touched you all so deeply. Make it as personal as you wish.
Service is for:
_____________________________________________________________________
Please use formal name as you want it printed in the memorial bulletin.
Date of Service:_______________ Time: _______________ Location: _____________
_______________________
Officiating: __________________________ Participating:________________________
Date of Birth:________________________ Date of death: ______________________
Planning by:__________________________
Relationship:__________________________________
Local Funeral Home: ________________________________________
Phone:________________
Address:___________________________
Contact name:_________________________________
Funeral service with casket___ Memorial Service___ Internment service___
No. of guests anticipated:_____________ Reception: Yes ____No ____
Scriptures:
______________________________________________________________________
Selected hymns: ____________________________ Page
__________________________________
________________________________________ Page
__________________________________
________________________________________ Page
__________________________________
Musical arrangements: Vocalist Organ/Piano Other instrumentalist
_______________________
Programs: # _ __________ Cover:
Family& friends wishing to speak:
______________________________________________________
Name of Florist providing flowers: _ _______________________ Phone:
______________________
How will you distribute arrangements following the service:
__________________________________
Do you wish memorial contributions in your loved one’s name be made to the Memorial
Fund at First United Methodist Church? _____________
Do you have a specific area of ministry that you would like any memorial contributions
to benefit?
____________________________ (ex. House of Faith, Children, Youth, Missions, etc.)
Will you display photos, albums, keepsakes, or other meaningful items on a memorial
table?
______________________________________________________________________
_________
Family members:
Name Relationship
_____________________________________________
__________________________________
_____________________________________________
__________________________________
_____________________________________________
__________________________________
_____________________________________________
__________________________________
_____________________________________________
__________________________________
First UMC staff needed:
Pastor ________________________________
Organist/Pianist _ _________________________
Other musicians __________________________
Custodian _______________________________
Audio/Visual ____________________________
Other staff ______________________________