A funeral is a difficult time for anyone connected to the deceased. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or co-worker, saying goodbye is hard. It was made even harder recently by the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting the number of people you can welcome to a funeral service or even if you can hold one. With vaccination on the rise and cases declining, churches are now able to hold services again. Here are a few things to think about as you plan a memorial service for a loved one, as we approach the “new normal” post-COVID-19.
Notify the congregation.
If the departed was a respected member of their church community, you’re more than likely to have their funeral service at that parish. Reach out to the church office, and let fellow congregants know, as they may offer advice on conducting funeral services at a church.
Church staff can also help you handle the delicate matter of letting people know that your loved one has passed away. While a post in the church bulletin may inform people, social media has a greater reach and can cover farther, letting more than their fellow churchgoers know about the funeral arrangements and when the service will take place. If the deceased has chosen cremation, you can also make people aware that there will be a viewing for the casket.
As in-person services return, you’ll need to consider limits on how many people can attend the ceremony for the deceased person. These restrictions on public gatherings are changing almost weekly, so it’s important to stay on top of that when considering arrangements.
Consider the type of service.
While it’s a challenging time to even think about all the arrangements that need to take place, it’s important to at least have an idea of what type of funeral service you want to have to honor the deceased. If they had any last wishes, make note of that when consulting a funeral director to make sure that you’re utilizing the funeral home that will best honor the loved one.
If you’re dealing with a traditional burial, you may want to consider an open-casket service. Proceedings may be altered a bit if the deceased chose cremation. Be sure to acquire the Methodist church supplies needed that a funeral home may not be able to acquire for a professional service. It’s a great idea to consult a funeral home director to see what will need to be supplied on your end. With COVID-19 restrictions still in place in some parts of the country, you may want to consider a Livestream of the ceremony for people to pay respect from afar.
Keep it simple.
The grieving process can be daunting, especially when you’re not only planning a service but also taking care of the remaining affairs for the deceased person. You can look into some money saving moving tips to help clear out the departed’s home or to relocate heirlooms and fragile items to a safer space. When it comes to preparing for a funeral service, consider what the deceased would prefer. Be sure to make note of the things they loved most, and make note of those throughout the service.
Allow the church to be a part of the funeral service. This can be anything from a particular piece of scripture or having a priest deliver some kind of words to eulogize the deceased. Simplicity is paramount when planning a service. Keep things tasteful, making it about allowing friends and family to say their farewells and show compassion for a family during a difficult time. It’s a celebration of life, the mourning of death, and a chance to say goodbye all in one.
