Funeral and End of Life Planning: Introduction

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The Congregational Care Committee has developed materials to assist
in end-of-life planning. These can be viewed on this website, or
you may obtain a printed version by contacting the Church Office.


Funeral and End of Life Planning

Many of us never think about the kind of funeral arrangements
we would like for ourselves or members of our families until death comes.
Then, under the strain of emotional stress and the necessity of making
decisions quickly we are not in a position to consider the alternatives
that we have. But there are many options available to us if we make
our plans in advance.

This packet of materials has been assembled as a resource to help our
members plan their funeral arrangements and prepare for appropriate observances.

Setting the overall framework is the Presbyterian Church's statement
on "Death and the Service of Witness to the Resurrection" from the Book
of Order of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. In addition there is
a preplanning form for the funeral service, as well as lists (not meant
to be all-inclusive) of appropriate scriptures and hymns. Findings
from a survey of funeral homes and their customers as well as information
related to burial, cremation, and organ donation are included in an article
reprinted from the Summer/Fall 2002 issue of the Washington Consumers'
CHECKBOOK.

Additional materials are provided that may assist you in other aspects
of end-of-life planning. They include: guidance on obituaries and
death notices; reminders of actions to be taken when a person dies (provided
by the Memorial Society of Northern Virginia); and a list of post-funeral
tasks (provided by the Money and King Funeral Home).

All memorial and funeral services must be prepared in consultation
with the officiating clergy. Following funeral and memorial services held
at Immanuel, the Congregational Care Committee, upon request, will host
a reception for the family and guests.

If you would like to discuss your plans for any of these services, please
contact an Immanuel pastor.

The Congregational Care Committee


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