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