St. John’s United Church of Christ
Funeral Guidelines
“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who
lives and believes in me will never die.”
{John 11: 25-26}
Greetings in Christ,
One of the most challenging times in any family is the death of a loved one. We pray that this booklet will be a
helpful resource for you and your family during this difficult time.
Immediately after the death occurs, the desired funeral director should be called, followed by a call to the pastor,
either at the church office or at home. Working together, we will plan the details of the service.
A Funeral Service is one in which the body of the person who has died is present. A Memorial Service is one
without the presence of the body and most often occurs after burial or cremation. Both of these services focus on
thanksgiving for and celebration of the life of the person who has died.
The Funeral Director must call the Pastor to determine the day and time of the Funeral or
Memorial Service. The Pastor will check with the family to determine if the date and time
selected agrees with their schedule. The Pastor should also contact the person in charge of
organist to determine if an organist is available. The following days are not used for funeral/memorial
services at the church: Sundays, New Year’s Eve or Day, Holy Week, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve or Day and the days of other special celebrations at the church. The best
days and times for the service is Monday through Saturday at 10AM, 11AM, or 2PM. Graveside or mausoleum
services can be scheduled in conjunction with the worship service or at a separate time.
The Pastor will make arrangements to visit with the family as soon as possible, either in the home or in the
church office in order to plan the service. At such time, the details of the service regarding music, scripture and
any other special additions will be discussed. After the arrangements have been determined, the Office personnel
should contact the person in charge of the sound system to make arrangements for sound requirements and the
appropriate usher including person to operate the elevator.
If you wish another Pastor to assist with the service, the family needs to have the Pastor of St. John’s Church
make contact with the assisting Pastor.
You are welcome to schedule a viewing at the church before the Funeral service. Due to the long flight of steps to
the Sanctuary, viewing of the loved one will take place at a predetermined place on the first level of the church
building. The casket will be closed before the service begins.
Masonic,military, fraternal or other rituals should be conducted and completed before the Funeral or Memorial
Service begins.
Recommended Expenses:
A) Pastor: $125.00.
B) Organist: $125.00.
C) Use of building including sound system and clean up: $100.00
D) St. John’s Hospitality Team will provide a light meal after the service. Someone from the family will meet with
the person in charge of funeral meals to determine what meal will be served, where, and how many will attend.
The per person cost of $8.00 is based on the number of guests estimated or attending, whichever is greater.
Cold meals
1) Cold cuts and Rolls
Lettuce, tomatoes, onion, pickles
Pasta salads, Potato salad, Macaroni salad or other salad
Fruit salad or tossed salad
Cake
Drinks
OR
2) Egg salad, Tuna salad, and Ham salad to make your own sandwiches
Lettuce, tomatoes, onion, pickles
Pasta salad
Fruit salad or Tossed salad
Cake
Drinks
Hot meals:
1) Ham
Scallop potatoes
Green bean casserole
Fruit salad or Tossed salad
Pickles
Cake
Drinks
OR
2) Meatloaf
Macaroni & cheese or Scallop potatoes
Vegetable casserole
Fruit salad or Tossed salad
Pickles
Cake
Drinks
Snacks (cookies, cakes, chips): Free
St. John’s United Church of Christ
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Thomas Blair
Phone: 443-928-3297
PO Box 88
218 N. Church Street
Boalsburg, PA 16827
814-466-7162
Website: www.stjonsucc.info
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/St.Johns-United-Church-of-Christ-Boalsburg-PA-16827-2069702126473479/
Updated: July 2023