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The Christian funeral service is the final dedication of a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, and, like the first dedication at baptism, occurs as an act of worship. The Gospel of Jesus Christ meets our deepest griefs and anxieties about death with an even deeper hope.
The congregation and its pastor want to minister to families on the occasion of death. When a loved one dies, we hope you will call our pastor as soon as his presence would be helpful to you, regardless of the hour. Pastor Gary may be reached by contacting the Church Office at (620) 792-2148 or gary@gbfumc.org
The Funeral as Worship, Thanksgiving and Memory
The Christian funeral is a service of worship in which we thank God for the gifts of life, including those that extend beyond death. And we especially give God thanks for this special person who lived among us and who now, even in death, continues in God's love and care, and lives on in our memory.
The Service
While recommending the service in The United Methodist Church Book of Worship, our pastor is happy to plan with you a service that meets your particular needs and wishes.
Procedures
- The death of a member of the church should be reported to the pastor as soon as possible, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with him.
- Services are appropriate in our Sanctuary, at some other chapel, or at graveside.
- Wherever the service is held, it is appropriate that the casket be closed prior to the service.
- Since Christians from the beginning have believed "what is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable ... it is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body"
(1 Corinthians 15:42), cremation or the contribution of the remains for medical research presents no problem to the Christian faith. For such occasions, a memorial service in the Sanctuary or Chapel can be arranged. - The music should reflect the strength of our faith in the victory of Jesus Christ
Additional Procedures for Funerals and Memorial Services within the Church Sanctuary
- The altar, cross, Bible, baptismal font and pulpit will remain in their positions of prominence in the funeral service as the traditional symbols of the Christian faith.
- The flower is a symbol of the resurrection of our Lord. The use of flowers is appropriate for a funeral, as for every worship event in the church.
- The funeral director shall be responsible for the immediate removal of all flowers upon completion of the service, except for those the family may wish to leave for the Sunday worship services
- We encourage friends and family to express their love and remembrance with a contribution to the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or other charitable cause.
- Families wishing to make arrangements with the United Methodist Women for a meal in conjunction with the service may speak to the pastor or contact the church secretary at (620) 792-2148.