Heritage Fellowship Church Funeral and Memorial Service
PLANNING GUIDE 2501 Fox Mill Road Reston, Virginia 20191 (703) 620-9515 www.heritagefellowshipchurch.org Rev. Dustin B. Sullivan
Table of Contents Letter from the Senior Pastor
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Heritage Fellowship Church Mission
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Heritage Fellowship Church Vision
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The Goal of the Christian Funeral Service
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Service Planning Guide –
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What to do When a Loved One Dies Fact Sheet
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Bereaved Family’s Responsibilities
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Order of Service
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Suggested Scripture Readings
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Suggested Hymns
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Signature/Contact Page
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“In Your Time of Sorrow” “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth”. - Psalm 121: 1-2
On behalf of Rev Dustin B. Sullivan and the Heritage Fellowship Church family, we offer our deepest sympathy and condolences in the loss of your loved one. Please know that we are praying with you and your entire family during this time of loss. If we can be of assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to call the church office at (703) 620-9515. We have provided the following guide to assist you in preparing the funeral arrangements. • • •
The Goal of the Christian Funeral Service Funeral Program / Service Preparation Outline Food Requests
Someone from the Pastoral Team will follow up with you in the next couple of days. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of bereavement. May God continue to bless and keep each of you.
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FUNERAL PLANNING WORKSHEET The goal of the Christian Funeral Service The gathering of family and friends, who form a community of hope for a funeral or memorial service, is a rich opportunity to recall the promises of God through Christ. Because of His suffering, death and resurrection to new life, each time we gather to worship upon the death of a loved one, we do so in the context of God’s promise. Every funeral includes praising God in Christ who is our hope and our salvation, even as we remember the deceased and give thanks to God for the time shared with that person. We believe in Jesus Christ whose bodily death and resurrection made possible life everlasting. Christians view death as another step in our life as children of God. Yet, Christians also experience death as a time of loss when sorrow, grief and bereavement are both natural and appropriate. These two truths form the Christian funeral service and guide the church in its ministry to those who have lost a loved one to death, affirming with both joy and tears, the promise and hope of the Good News of Jesus. A funeral or memorial service should be comforting to those who mourn as well as bear witness to our faith in Jesus Christ. The concern of gathered friends ministers to our grief, but above all else, a funeral is a service of worship to God. There, in God’s presence together, we witness to our faith in the communion of saints, the resurrection of the body, and the life ever lasting. In doing so, the assurance of God’s love and salvation in Christ become a ministry, especially to the bereaved. Since a funeral is a service of worship, all that takes place should be consistent with this principle.
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Service Planning Guide - What to Do When a Loved One Dies Of all life’s experiences, the death of a loved one is often the most painful and challenging that anyone can go through. Heritage Fellowship Church understands the pain endured by our families. The pastor, ministers, deacons and Stephen Ministry will assist you in planning the funeral service and after care if needed. Our prayer is that the information below will stimulate your thinking and assist you in preparing for your loved one’s home-going celebration service. The death of a loved one can leave the survivors lost and alone, or just unsure of… Who to contact What to do and how How to make funeral arrangements What to do after the funeral
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Who to Contact: Family member(s) and/or friend(s) o Inform family members and friends regarding the death of your loved one. • Funeral Home o Contact a funeral home of your choice. • Call Heritage Fellowship Church office o Call the Office of the Pastor at (703) 620-9515, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. After 6 p.m. and on weekends, please follow the instructions left on the church’s voice mail greeting for contacting a deacon (the name and phone number is provided in the greeting). o Provide the following information when reporting a death: Full name of the deceased Date of death Name, address and phone number of the funeral home Interment (burial site) Name(s) of Heritage Fellowship Church member(s) related to the deceased and their relationship to the deceased.
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Meeting with Heritage Minister of Family Services • Complete the “Obituary/Life Story” for your loved one. • Schedule an appointment with the funeral home director. Ask a close family member or friend to go with you to the funeral home. It will be helpful to take the following information with you when you visit the funeral home: o Date, time and location the family is requesting for the viewing/wake and funeral service
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Service Planning Guide - What to Do When a Loved One Dies o Home going service request (if available) Information regarding the deceased’s wishes for their funeral service o Insurance policy (ies) o Full name of your loved one (no nicknames) o Date and place of birth o Parents’ names, living or deceased o Social Security card/number o List of family members (i.e. spouse, children, brothers, sisters, uncle, aunts) o Church Membership name (if applicable) o Proof of Military service o Memorial funds – donations (In lieu of flowers) – name and address of organizations or charities to which donations are to be made o Pallbearers – list of people who might be available to serve as pallbearers o Floral Bearers – list of people who might be available to serve as floral bearers •
Make a list of family and friends to be notified of the death of your loved one. Ask a relative or friend to assist with the following: o o o o o
Making telephone calls Answering the telephone or door (keeping a record of calls and visitors) Childcare arrangements (if needed) Coordinating the supply of food in preparation of meals in the home Attending to household chores
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H E R I TA G E
F E L L O W S H I P
C H U R C H
FACT SHEET Family Requests/Needs Our family support team is committed to ensuring that your family feels comforted and supported during this time of mourning and transition. Our Minister of Family Services and Director of Operations are available to assist you in making arrangements that honor and celebrate your loved one. During your planning process, the Heritage Minister of Family Services and Director of Operations will meet with you and family, as appropriate. As you consider Service and Repast arrangements, it will be helpful for Heritage staff to understand the catering requirements and contractual responsibilities, decor and facilities needs and specifications. We will assist you with ministerial and guest speakers, sound and music requests, and special ceremony considerations during the ceremony. •
Request a meeting with Heritage Minister of Family Services and Director of Church Operations. Call the Church Office at (703) 620-9515
Visitation
A visitation is an informal gathering for friends and family to express sympathy, view photographs/video tribute, etc. You are invited to consider Heritage Fellowship Church for the visitation when you work with a professional Funeral Director. Will a Visitation be held? ______ Yes ______ No Time of Visitation: ___________________________ Location of Visitation ______ At the Funeral Home ______ Heritage Fellowship Church ______ Other: ____________________________________________________ Will the Remains be Present at the Visitation/Service? ______ Coffin with Viewing of the Body ______ Closed Coffin ______ Urn with photograph next to it ______ No Remains Present I would like a Repast: _____ Yes _____ No _____ Immediately following the Service; before burial _____ Following the Service; after burial Location for the Repast: _____ Heritage Fellowship Church _____ Other ____________________________________________________ 9 Connecting Christ, Congregation, and Community
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H E R I T A G E
F E L L O W S H I P
C H U R C H
The following information is provided to help you anticipate expenses related to funeral and memorial ceremonies held at Heritage Fellowship Church. Support fees will be discussed during the initial funeral planning meeting with the Heritage Director of Operations. Heritage Member Fees: Heritage Members of record may use the Chapel or Sanctuary for funerals/memorial services free of charge, depending on projected attendance. There is no facility usage fee for Heritage members. Funeral programs are typically completed by the Funeral Home or family. Heritage provides Member families the following funeral services for the flat rate of $1,175.00. These fees provide an eulogist/minister, musician, soloist, custodian and 5 AV technicians for one hour. The Director of Operations will assist the family with financial arrangements, as necessary. Members may select to use an external caterer or the Heritage Hospitality Ministry. If the bereaved family selects the Hospitality Ministry, Heritage will provide the first 50 meals complementary when the repast is held at Heritage. The cost for each additional plate is $10.50 per plate. Heritage Hospital Ministry cannot provide repast services outside of the Church. If the bereaved family selects an external caterer, Heritage will not incur any costs related to catering or meal service. A Hospitality vendor assist fee will be charged a fee of $150 per hour. The bereaved family is solely responsible for making all contractual food preparation and service arrangements for the repast. Heritage kitchen resources may not be used by external catering vendors. External catering request must be reviewed and granted by the Facilities Manager. Vendor proof of insurance is required. Non-Member Fees: Non-members required funeral related fees are $1,600 and include facility usage, eulogist/minister, musician, soloist, custodian and 5 AV technicians for one hour funerals in the sanctuary. Additionally, the hourly fee to use the Sanctuary is $375 and $175 for the Fellowship Hall. Heritage Hospitality catering fee for non-members is $15.00 per plate. If the bereaved family selects to use an external caterer, Heritage may request a copy of the service contract. A Hospitality vendor assist fee will be charged a fee of $150 per hour. If an external caterer is used Heritage Hospitality Ministry is not responsible for food, paper goods, or meal service. A food waiver must be signed by the bereaved family representatives.
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Funeral Planning Worksheet Sample Order of Service This space is used for the order of service. The Minister will meet or speak with the family to assist you in completing this section. This is the standard format used for funeral programs at Heritage. If you desire another format, please communicate that to the Visiting Minister. Processional Hymn: _______________________________________________ Name of your loved one’s favorite hymn or song Scripture Readings: Old Testament ____________________________________ New Testament ___________________________________ (You may provide favorite passages of scripture. Heritage will schedule Heritgage ministerial participants)
Prayer of Comfort: (Name of person) ________________________________________ Musical Selection ____________________ (Name of person) ____________________ Acknowledgements Expressions / Tributes: (Limited to 3 minutes each (No more than (3) people) Family _________________________________________ Friend __________________________________________ Co-Worker/Other _________________________________ Obituary………………………………………………………………….. Read Silently Musical Selection ____________________ (Name of person) ____________________ Eulogy _________________________________________________ Benediction Recessional *Remains will not be viewed following the service*
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (Words of thanks to those who may have sent cards, letters, etc.) ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Honorary Pallbearers (List names of clubs, auxiliaries, church affiliations, etc.) ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ Active Pallbearers (These are the persons who will actually carry the casket and may be close friends or family members. Six is usually sufficient.) ___________________________
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Interment (Name and address of the cemetery where the burial will take place) ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ Arrangements (Name, address and phone number of the funeral home that had charge of the arrangements for funeral and burial) ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________
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Suggested Scripture Readings Old Testament Job 19:23-27 Isaiah 25:6-9 Isaiah 26:1-4, 19 Isaiah 40:1-11 Isaiah 40:28-31 Isaiah 43:1-3a, 18-19, 25 Isaiah 44:6-8 Isaiah 55:1-3, 6-13 Isaiah 61:1-4, 10-11 Isaiah 65:17-25 Lamentations 3:19-26 Daniel 12:1-3 Joel 2:12-13, 23-24, 26
I know that my redeemer lives God will swallow up death forever God will keep them in peace Comfort my people Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength When you pass through the waters, I will be with you I am the first and the last Come, everyone who thirsts The spirit of the Lord is upon me I create new heavens and a new earth The Lord’s steadfast love Many of those who sleep in the dust shall awake Return to the Lord with all your heart
Psalms (especially suited for responsive readings) Psalms 16:5-11 Psalms 23 Psalms 27:1, 4-9, 13-14 Psalms 39:4-5, 12 Psalms 42:1-6 Psalms 43 Psalms 46:1-5, 10-11 Psalms 90:1-10, 12 Psalms 91 Psalms 103 Psalms 106:1-5 Psalms 116:1-9, 15 Psalms118 Psalms 121 Psalms130 Psalms139:1-12 Psalms 145 Psalms146
The Lord is my chosen portion The Lord is my shepherd The Lord is my light and my salvation Lord, let me know my end As a deer longs for flowing streams Give judgment for me, O God A very present help in trouble Teach us to number our days The one who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Bless the Lord, O my soul O give thanks to the Lord The Lord has heard my voice Open the gates of righteousness I lift up my eyes to the hills Out of the depths I cry to the Lord Where can I go from your spirit I will extol you, O God my King Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, O my soul
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Epistles Romans 5:1-11 Romans 6:3-9 Romans 8:14-23, 35-39 Romans 14:7-9, 10b-12 I Corinthians 15:3-8, 12-20 I Corinthians 15:50-58 II Corinthians 4:16-5:10 Ephesians 1:11-2:1, 4-10 Philippians 3:7-11 Philippians 3:20-21 Colossians 3:1-17 I Thessalonians 4:13-18 II Timothy 2:8-13 Hebrews 2:14-18 Hebrews 11 I Peter 1:3-9 I John 3:1-3 Revelation 7:2-3, 9-17 Revelation 14:13 Revelation 21 Revelation 22:1-5
Hope does not disappoint Baptized into Christ’s death, raised to live with Him Nothing can separate us from the love of God Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s Christ raised from the dead Death is swallowed in victory We shall all be changed Saved by grace through faith Knowing Him and the power of His resurrection Our citizenship is in Heaven Set your mind on the things that are above The comfort of Christ’s coming If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him Christ was tested in every way Faith, the pilgrimage, the cloud of witnesses Without seeing Christ, you love Him We are children of God These are they who have come out of the great tribulation Rest for the saints A new heaven and an new earth The Lord God will be their light
Gospels Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew 11:25-30 Matthew 25:1-13 Matthew 25:31-46 Luke 7:11-17 Luke 23:33, 39-43 John 3:16-21 John 5:24-29 John 6:37-40
Beatitudes Hidden from the wise, revealed to infants Wise and foolish bridesmaids The Last judgment Jesus raises the son of the widow of Nain Today you will be with me in Paradise God so loved the world Whoever hears and believes has eternal life Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away 14
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John 6:47-58 John 11:17-27 John 11:38-44 John 14:1-6, 25-27
Whoever believes in me has eternal life I am the resurrection and the life Lazarus raised from the dead Let not your heart be troubled
Suggested Hymns Great is Thy Faithfulness My Jesus, I Love Thee To God Be the Glory He Is Lord Because He Lives He Lives A Mighty Fortress Is Our God O God, Our Help in Ages Past Be Still My Soul Near the Cross I Love to Tell the Story The Lord’s Prayer Blessed Assurance Precious Lord, Take My Hand Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah Jerusalem the Golden Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound It Is Well With My Soul When We All Get to Heaven The Old Rugged Cross All the Way My Savior Leads Me
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Frequently Asked Questions 1. Q. If I am a member, can my relative’s funeral service be held at Heritage Fellowship Church? A. YES, call the church office for more information. 2. Q. How do I inform the church of a death in my family? A. a. Telephone the church at (703) 620-9515 OR if you are a Member contact your family Deacon. 3. Q. Who do I ask to speak with when I call the church office? A. Ask to speak with the Pastor's Executive Assistant. 4. Q. Can I have a funeral service in the sanctuary? A. Yes, if the number of attendees is more than 150 people. Otherwise, the service will be held in the chapel, which accommodates up to 125 people. 5. Q. What is the difference between a funeral service and a memorial service? A. A funeral service is a gathering of family and friends with the decease’s body present. At a memorial service, the body is not present. 6. Q. Can the church provide names of funeral homes to the family? A. Yes, we can provide the names of funeral homes in the area. 7. Q. Is there a cost to have a funeral at Heritage? A. Yes, please see page 7 and 8 for additional information. B. Q. Who selects the Heritage minister to do the eulogy? A. The Pastor selects and/or approves the minister for the eulogy. 8. Q. Can the family request a specific Heritage minister? A. Yes; however, the Pastor has final approval. 9. Q. Can the family request a minister from another church? A. Yes; however, the Pastor must speak with the minister before final approval. 10. Q. Who selects the menu for the repast? A. If the bereaved family opts to have Heritage Hospitality Ministry provide repast services, the two parties collaborate to select the menu. All menu suggestions/requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 11. Q. Can the family prepare/supply the food for the repast? A. No, all food items must be prepared by the Hospitality Ministry or a licensed and insured vendor. 12. Q. Does the church have a policy that prohibits cremation? A. No, the church has no say regarding cremation if desired; the family must make the cremation arrangement with the funeral home. 13. Q. Will Heritage support a funeral service at the funeral home or another church? A. Yes, a minister will discuss any needed support with the family.
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“Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.� Matthew 5:4 (KJV)
2501 Fox Mill Road Reston, Virginia 20191 (703) 620-9515 www.heritagereston.org Revised May 2019 (C)