FUNERALS

Services of Witness to the Resurrection
Community Presbyterian Church Of Clarendon Hills, Illinois

Community Presbyterian Church extends to you our deepest sympathies for your loss and will make every effort to ease the process of planning a service for your loved one. We hope that this overview will provide you with information that will help you plan a meaningful service and answer your questions.

A Christian Understanding of Death

The resurrection is a central doctrine of the Christian faith and shapes Christians' attitudes and responses to the event of death. Death brings loss, sorrow, and grief to all. In the face of death Christians affirm with tears and joy the hope of the gospel. Christians do not bear bereavement in isolation but are sustained by the power of the Spirit and the community of faith. The church offers a ministry of love and hope to all who grieve.

Officiating Minister

One of the ministers from Community Presbyterian Church will help you plan a service that is meaningful and that reflects the Christian faith we share. If you wish to have a minister from another church assist in the service, you should discuss this first with the officiating minister who will extend an invitation to the assisting pastor.

The Service & Music

A minister or administrative assistant can provide you with a sample of a service order to assist you. The service begins with scriptural sentences. It is appropriate for worshipers to sing hymns or spiritual songs which affirm God's power over death, a belief in the resurrection to life everlasting, and the assurance of the communion of the saints. Scripture shall be read; a sermon or other exposition of the Word may be proclaimed; an affirmation of faith may be made by the people. Aspects of the life of the one who has died may be recalled. Prayers shall be offered, giving thanks to God.

Whenever music is used it is an integral part of our worship of God. As such, the music you choose serves to glorify God and express our faith. The Director of Music of Community Presbyterian Church will assist you in choosing appropriate music, including the processional and recessional, as well as any hymns or vocal music. (Some vocal music that may not be suitable for worship, such as popular or secular songs, may be appropriate for a reception.) The Director of Music can help you make arrangements for vocalists and instrumentalists (such as trumpets, string quartets, etc.) No taped music is permitted.

Flowers & Photography

It is fitting that any flowers and decorations reflect the integrity and simplicity of the Christian life, and not detract attention from the service itself. One arrangement may be placed on the communion table, or two arrangements may be placed on stands in the front of the chancel. Photography and recording arrangements, if any, should also be planned with the atmosphere of worship in mind. We respectfully request that no photos be taken during the service and videographers must remain behind the main section of pews. Audiotaping is also available with advance notice.

Receptions

One of the ministries of Presbyterian Women (PW) is to reach out to families in times of sorrow and serve a reception or meal following the service. PW will serve a cookie/coffee/punch reception either in the Parlor or Fellowship Hall depending on the number of people in attendance. If the family would like a meal, PW will work with a caterer, and place the order according to the desires of the family. In either case, PW provides beverages and requests that the family pay for the catering costs. In gratitude, PW accepts donations from the family that go into the perpetual fund for receptions so that others can benefit from this ministry.

Living Memorial Tree

Displayed in the church narthex, the Living Memorial Tree is a memorial for those who have died. Names and dates of loved ones can be engraved on brass leaves and displayed on the Memorial Tree. To obtain a brass leaf, the church asks for a donation of at least $500 to CPC's Endowment Fund. This gift provides a lasting memorial as well as a lasting legacy to the church through the endowment fund in which the interest is used for extra budget mission and ministry in and out of the church

Memorial Garden

The ashes of a loved one may be buried in an urn (inurnment) in the Memorial Garden. A short committal service is customary. An administrative assistant is available to help you choose an available plot, and arrange for the service, and the custodian will prepare the plot.

Service Fees and Honoraria:

The Session of the church has set the following fees. Please note that some of these fees are waived for members. In cases of financial need, fees may be reduced or waived at the discretion of the minister.

Minister Honoraria (as you wish)
Additional ministers, if invited, may be compensated

Organist (customary) $150
Additional musician-rates vary

Custodian (preparation of Memorial Garden plot) $75

Reception
Donations to Presbyterian Women gratefully accepted

All honoraria and fees should be paid the day of the service and checks for honoraria should be made out to the individuals personally and the fees for the church to Community Presbyterian Church.

Please note that smoking is not allowed in the building, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed anywhere on the property.

Contact Persons
Rev. Dean Lindsey, 630-323-6522
Lee McGinty, Music Director and Organist, 630-963-8522
Administrative Assistant, Jan Harris 630-323-6522 jan.harris@chcpc.org