Traditional Service
Many families prefer to choose a traditional
worship-oriented funeral ceremony. A traditional ceremony typically includes:
- Viewing
at the place of worship or funeral home, either prior to the ceremony or
the evening before
- The
funeral ceremony itself, conducted at the funeral home or place of worship
- Procession
to the cemetery for a final committal service
Being traditional does not mean being without choice. Each
funeral is tailored to your preferences. Some of the areas that can reflect
your personal choice are:
- The
flowers for the ceremony
- Music
- can be contemporary, jazz, traditional hymns, etc
- Merchandise
- the casket and burial vault selection
- Memorial
folders
- Obituary
laminations
- A
collection of photographs, mementos or remembrances to be placed in the
casket or displayed in their own special section
Memorial Service
A Memorial Service is when the deceased is not present. It
may take place at the funeral home, the family's home, or church. This is a
time to remember your loved one through fellowship with friends and family. The
memorial service can also be an addition to a traditional funeral service. For
example, having a traditional funeral service here and then a memorial service
back in the deceased's home town. Or, a memorial service can be done after a
burial or cremation if this meets the need of the family.
Committal
Service
The Committal Service is a brief service at the gravesite
after a traditional funeral service but prior to the burial. This is where
family and friends say their final good-byes at the final resting place by
placing flowers or sometimes sand on the casket. If the committal service is
the only service then it becomes what we call a Graveside Service and it may be
accompanied by a visitation the night before or before the service itself. The
graveside service is a more lengthy service consisting of scripture reading,
eulogy, poetry, and music.
Cremation
Just because a family has chosen cremation does not mean
that a funeral ceremony to honor the person who has died can not take place.
There are several options such as a visitation or gathering of family and
friends at the funeral home or another location. A funeral or memorial service
can take place either before or after cremation. This service can, again, take
place either at the funeral home, place of worship or any other location you
may choose.
Every service is tailored to the family and we want to
make sure that you are aware of all the options and choices that are available
to you. The personalization of your ceremony can be accomplished by:
- Your
flower selection
- The
music chosen
- Type,
color and size of urn
- Prayer
cards or memorial folders
- Family
collection of photos, remembrances and mementos
Most families choosing cremation
decide on burial of the cremated remains. Whether it is private graveside
service, or for friends and family, it is an important final moment
