Funeral / Memorial Service Planning Form

Before You Begin

Please complete what you can. It is perfectly all right to leave some questions blank — we will talk through every detail together. This form simply helps gather information so we can plan faithfully and compassionately.

Important Note About Scheduling

Completing this form helps gather information, but it does not schedule a service or place anything on the church calendar. A funeral, memorial, or committal service is only confirmed after we have spoken directly by phone or email and agreed on a date and time.

This form may also be used as a pre-planning tool to record your wishes.

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Contact Information

Please share the best way to reach you. It’s completely fine if you cannot answer every question; we will go over everything together.

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Preferred way to contact you
Preferred way to contact you
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Information About the Deceased

This helps us remember and honor your loved one faithfully. Feel free to include pronunciation notes, nicknames, or anything that will help the pastor lead well.

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Is there an obituary published yet?(*)
Is there an obituary published yet?
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Service Details

Please share what you know about the location and type of service you’re planning. If some details are still uncertain, that is completely okay.

Type of service(*)
Type of service
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Where will the service be held?(*)
Where will the service be held?
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Would you like to allow a time for people to share memories or condolences? (*)
Would you like to allow a time for people to share memories or condolences?
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Use of technology and media (check all that apply)
Use of technology and media (check all that apply)
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Online Streaming & Copyright

If this service will be streamed or recorded (for example, on YouTube or another online platform), we are required to follow copyright regulations for all music and other copyrighted material.

All music from the United Methodist Hymnal is fully licensed for use in worship services and does not require any additional permissions when used in the sanctuary. This includes hymns sung by the congregation, organist, or choir.

However, some other hymns, worship songs, or recorded music may require additional streaming or performance licenses. In some cases, there may be extra costs to secure permission to include certain pieces of music in an online stream or recording.

The church will work with you to identify appropriate music options. If additional licensing fees are required for copyrighted music, those costs may need to be covered separately.

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Music & Hymns

The availability of music depends on the location of the service and the kind of service you are planning. If you choose congregational hymns, a musician is required to lead them. If you are unsure, we will discuss options together.

Do you anticipate having music as part of the service?(*)
Do you anticipate having music as part of the service?
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Hymn Selection (Optional)

If your service will include congregational singing, you may choose up to four hymns. It is completely fine to leave some or all of these blank — hymn choices can be finalized with the pastor later.

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Church Musician / Organist

Congregational hymns require a musician to lead them. The church organist (or another church musician) is engaged as a private hire. The standard musician honorarium is $150. 

We will discuss this together before anything is finalized.

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Scripture Selections

At least one Scripture reading is included in every service. You may select additional readings if you wish, or leave them for discussion with the pastor.

At least one New Testament reading is required. 

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Do you have family or friends who would like to read during the service?(*)
Do you have family or friends who would like to read during the service?
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Bulletins

Printed bulletins are used only for services held in the church sanctuary. The use of bulletins depends on several pastoral and practical factors. Please consult directly with the pastor about whether bulletins are appropriate and what they may include.

If the service is held in the church sanctuary, would you like to discuss bulletins with the pastor?
If the service is held in the church sanctuary, would you like to discuss bulletins with the pastor?
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About Bulletins

The use of printed bulletins for a funeral service depends on several pastoral and practical factors. Please consult directly with the pastor about whether bulletins are appropriate and what they may include (order of service, Scriptures, hymns, etc.). Bulletins are normally provided only for services held in the church sanctuary.

Remembrances & Special Requests

You may share any stories, qualities, or themes that reflect your loved one’s life, as well as any special elements you hope to include in the service.

Will someone be offering a eulogy or formal remembrance?(*)
Will someone be offering a eulogy or formal remembrance?
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Committal (Graveside)

If your service includes a graveside committal, you may share any details you know about location, timing, family participation, or cemetery requirements. It is perfectly fine if these plans are still coming together.

Will there be a graveside committal involving the pastor?(*)
Will there be a graveside committal involving the pastor?
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Additional Notes

You may use this space to share anything that has not been covered above — special requests, important family details, or anything that would help us honor your loved one well.

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Please make sure that you click the "Submit Information" button to save your answers.