Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me shall never die.” John 11: 25-26
A Celebration of Life and Life Eternal, also called A Service of Death and Resurrection, is worship that expresses gratitude to God for the life of the one who has died and bears witness to our hope that because Christ has been raised from the dead, we too will be raised to new life in him. It is also a time in which we acknowledge the pain and sorrow of death, even as Jesus wept by the grave of his friend, Lazarus.
Persons do not have to be a member of the Shavertown UMC in order to have their funeral or memorial service at the church. The Pastor is available to preside at services for those in the community who may not have a church home.
For information about arrangements for funerals or memorial services, please contact the Pastor by calling the church office at 570-675-3616. Pre-arrangements for your service can also be discussed. Please see the Funeral Pre-Arrangement Info that may be helpful for you in your pre-planning. We suggest this form be kept on file in the Church office and a copy be given to the funeral home and family members.
When death occurs:
Our pastor should be notified immediately upon the death of a member or constituent of the congregation. Pastoral care and prayer are crucial with the bereaved at the time of death.
The pastor in consultation with the family, usually within a day following the death, makes plans for the service and all other ministries following a death. The pastor would be honored to discuss any questions you may have, and assist with funeral and memorial service planning.
Services:
- Funerals and memorial services may be conducted in the church sanctuary, funeral home, at the graveside, or at another location determined by those planning the service. Because the funeral is a service of Christian worship, the most appropriate place for Christian people to gather is in the church’s sanctuary.
- The pastor will lead the service, depending on availability and the request of the family. Other clergy are welcome to participate by invitation of the pastor.
- The selection of hymns, prayers, Scripture and other details of the service is done in consultation with the pastor.
- Our church organist will provide music for services, depending on availability. Guidance for music, service and honorarium can be discussed with the staff.
- Flowers may be brought to the church and are arranged in the sanctuary and narthex (lobby-type area outside of the sanctuary). Photographs and other memorabilia may also be displayed at the church. Please consult with the pastor about arrangements.
- Cremation is in keeping with the church’s teaching about death. In such cases, the service can be held in the church either before or after the burial of the ashes.
- Fraternal, military, community, or other rites in keeping with the Christian tradition may take place in the sanctuary and should be conducted separately from the service of worship, usually following the benediction. These may also take place at the graveside.
- The Church Social Hall is available for a reception or meal following a service. The church can provide the meal or the family may choose to have the meal catered. If the Church provides the meal or reception, a donation to the Church is appreciated.
- Family and friends of the deceased may wish to make memorial gifts to the church. The church address is 163 N. Pioneer Avenue, Shavertown, PA 18708.
- A Tree of Life is also located in the Church Narthex. Families and friends may purchase a leaf for $250 to memorialize their loved one. Please call the Church office for more details.