Funerals

Death and grief are difficult, intense, and complex. First Presbyterian Church desires to care for families during such times of loss. Planning for funeral or memorial services is one of the ways in which we do that.

PLANNING YOUR FUNERAL

Letting your loved ones know your preferences for a Service of Witness to the Resurrection can be a remarkable blessing to them in a time of great emotion and stress. Below are some resources to help guide you in thinking, praying, and deciding about this matter. You may also speak with one of the pastors if you need further guidance.

To make arrangements or schedule an appointment to meet with a pastor, please contact the church office at (308) 632-2131.

ORDER FOR SERVICE

Prelude
Votum & Sentences
Salutation
[Hymn/Special Music]
Statement of Purpose
Prayer
Reading of the Obituary
[Hymn/Special Music]
Prayer for Comfort & Illumination
[Scriptures – typically one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament]
Message
[Time of Remembrance/Eulogy – optional]
Prayers of Thanksgiving & Intercession
[Hymn/Special Music]
Commendation
Postlude

Items inside the [] are typically what families are asked to help plan. Your preferences on those items specifically would be a great burden lifted for your loved ones.

Also, if you have anything you would like included in your service that is not listed in the order above or if you would like to rearrange anything, please discuss those ideas with the pastor(s) as you make your arrangements.

If you would like, you can print this form, fill it out, and submit a copy to the church office. We will keep it on file for you. And, of course, you are always welcome to make changes to it at any time.

FUNERAL LUNCHEON

First Presbyterian Church has a team of individuals who can help provide a luncheon in the fellowship hall following the service for friends and family of the deceased. If you are interested in this, please contact the church office. View our policy for funeral luncheons here.

PASTORAL CARE

It is the heartfelt desire of the pastors of First Presbyterian Church to care for their members (and others in need of spiritual assistance) through every stage of the dying process. Please contact the church office (or one of the pastors directly) if you or someone you care about is in need of pastoral care. This includes prayers for those who’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness, those who are in the hospital with a life-threatening condition, those who are under hospice care or in the process of dying, and the families of those who have recently passed away.

GRIEF COUNSELING

While our pastors are not licensed counselors, they would be glad to meet with anyone experiencing the pains of grief. No one should have to go through grief alone. We, as a church, want to support you in your grief. Contact the church office (or one of the pastors directly) to schedule a time to talk.