Understanding Funerals and Memorial Services at UMCG
At the United Methodist Church of Geneva, we believe that funerals and memorial services are sacred moments of worship and remembrance. A funeral is a worship service with the body present, while a memorial Service is a worship service where the body is not present, but cremains, photos, or other symbols may be present. Together, these services are known as the Service of Death and Resurrection. The focus being proclaiming the Christian hope in the resurrection of the dead and in Christ’s resurrection as a pledge for that hope.
In these services, we acknowledge death, support family and friends in their grief, remember the deceased, and pledge to continue to be a source of strength and comfort to all who mourn. While “celebration of life” services has their place, particularly for those who were not part of any Christian congregation, they do not offer the same focus on Christian hope and remembrance as a service of Christian burial does.
A United Methodist funeral or memorial remembers and honors those who died, but it primarily celebrates the life of the Risen Lord and our hope in eternal life because of his resurrection. We invite you to join us in these services as we gather in faith, love, and support to honor the lives of our loved ones and find comfort in the promise of resurrection and eternal life.
UMCG offers a planning guide and annual workshop to help your loved ones know your wishes and aids in planning service.
If you are in immediate need for planning services, please have your funeral home or please contact our Pastor directly.
Preparing for Funeral or Memorial Services at UMCG
A United Methodist funeral or memorial remembers and honors those who died, but it primarily celebrates the life of the Risen Lord and our hope in eternal life because of his resurrection. We invite you to join us in these services as we gather in faith, love, and support to honor the lives of our loved ones and find comfort in the promise of resurrection and eternal life.
FAQ
Do I have to be a member of your church or a United Methodist to have my service at UMCG, have my ashes placed in the Memorial Garden or request your pastor to do my service at the funeral home or graveside? No. UMCG and its pastors extend the rite of a Christian service to anyone. Our pastors are willing to also provide services at funeral homes, chapels and gravesides and other places of burial in accordance with wishes and laws (sorry, we can’t spread ashes at Wrigley Field).
Can I have persons other than UMCG clergy patriciate in officiating the service? Our clergy are honored to officiate services. Family members or friends may want to speak, sing, or have another role in the services and our clergy will do our best to honor these wishes. If another clergy person would like to participate, please let the officiating pastor know right away, so that as a matter of professional courtesy and formal invitation can be made when appropriate to do so.
Can gifts in memory of my loved one be made to UMCG? Absolutely. Our Memorial Committee will keep track and thank those who make such a gift in memory of your loved one to UMCG. Gifts may be designated to a specific ministry or need or be used where needed most in consultation with the Memorial Committee. Memorial Gifts are dedicated as part of worship on All Saints Sunday (first Sunday of November).
Do you provide any support or care for those experiencing grief? Our pastors consider it a sacred privilege to meet with those dealing with loss. A referral to our Stephen Ministry program, grief support group or counselor may be extended to those who might benefit from the additional support. Our church’s prayers extend to the bereaved.
Do you offer any options for a reception after the service? Our Fellowship Hall and or parlor can be available to host family and friends following a service. Members of our church are available to extend “coffee & cookies” type reception (menu based on preference) as a means of grace to your family. Food service beyond this can be arranged with aa cater of your choice and members of our hospitality team. A nominal fee to cover the cost of supplies and custodial service based on the reception will be required.
Do offer any recommendations for a funeral home or cremation service? We don’t offer any specific recommendations, but we do provide a list of local service providers that we have partnered with previously to extend services to families. Click here to view the list.
Are there any costs for services at UMCG? At UMCG, no one is denied the rite of Christian funeral or memorial due to financial need. We provide a list of recommended honoraria to those professionals providing services to your family and friends. Please let the officiating pastor know of any concerns regarding recommended honoraria. Click here.