CHAPEL OF THE LAKES
FUNERAL POLICY AND GUIDE
Funeral Services
Even for Christians, the death of a loved one is a difficult experience. We grieve the loss of one who has been close, but we do not sorrow as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). It is our desire and privilege to minister to the families of our congregation in their time of need. It is through the Word of God that we have hope at the time of death of a loved one (Romans 15:4). This policy is provided to assist our families in planning and providing a Christian funeral.
Although funeral services may be held in funeral homes, the best place for conducting a funeral service upon the death of a Christian is in the sanctuary of the church to which he or she belonged. By having the service at the church, all who attend will be reminded of our hope and assurance in Jesus Christ. Therefore, all members of the Chapel of the Lakes are encouraged to use our church building for funeral services. The sanctuary is also offered for the funeral services of Christians whose membership is in another church.
Funeral worship services will only be conducted in the church sanctuary. The pastor or church administrator will meet with the family to plan the funeral worship service. Scattering of cremains in the Chapel Memorial Garden is available. Please review the Chapel of the Lakes Memorial Garden Use – Terms of Agreement, for details.
Date and Time of Funerals and Visitations
Dates and times for funerals at the Chapel of the Lakes (Chapel) are to be arranged in consultation with the pastor and/or church administrator based on availability and the preferences of the deceased’s family. The family may also arrange for a visitation. Visitation will normally be scheduled on the same day as the funeral. The pastor must approve all funeral arrangements at the Chapel. Decisions outside the scope of this funeral policy shall be decided at the discretion of the pastor.
Funeral Policies and Practices
- Who will Officiate?
Pastoral ethics require that the Chapel pastor conduct all funeral services held at the Chapel of the Lakes. Any requests for an additional pastor or lay person to assist must be approved by the pastor of the Chapel of the Lakes. - Structure of the Funeral Service
A funeral service held in the church is a service of worship, celebrating the deceased’s life and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Generally, the outline for the funeral will take on a traditional form. The family may suggest other items to be included is the service, with the approval of the pastor. - Funerals for Non-members and Inactive Members
Conducting funerals for people who have no connection with the church is a normal part of the ministerial obligation. However, it is up to the discretion of the pastor to allow for himself and/or the church to participate. - Funeral Music
Music appropriate to a worship service should be used. Chapel of the Lakes does not have paid staff musicians. All musical arrangements must be arranged for and taken care of by the family. Taped instrumental and accompaniment music, soloists and solos, anthems, and guest musicians must be approved by the pastor. The use of congregational hymns is encouraged and may be selected during the planning process. In cases where an outside organist/pianist is desired, permission must be secured from the pastor. - Scripture Readings
The family may select family members and/or friends to read Bible scriptures. - Video Presentation
If a video is to be used during the service, it must be submitted to the church administrator 48 hours prior to the service for review. - Decorations
Families may wish to display the deceased’s cremains, as well as certain mementos or photographs of the deceased and his or her family. The following guidelines would be applicable:
o any displays or pictures must be appropriate to a worship setting,
o no nails, tacks, staples, or screws shall be put in the walls,
o all decorations must be removed within three hours of the conclusion of the service,
o no furniture shall be removed from the church building. - Nursery
The church does not provide nursery care for funeral services. If needed, the family is responsible for securing an attendant. - Parking and Entrance to Funeral
Please have guests park in the South parking lot and enter the sanctuary utilizing the West doors. The North door will be Exit Only. This will ensure that attendees enter through the main sanctuary to be appropriately greeted by the family and pastor. - Smoking Policy
Please note that the Chapel of the Lakes’ property is a smoke free campus. All buildings and grounds are strictly smoke and vape free. In the event that a funeral participant must smoke/vape, they are to distance themselves from all entrances and are personally responsible for removal of any debris. - Funeral Meal
The Chapel of the Lakes church will do everything reasonably possible to accommodate a member’s request for a funeral meal up to 100 people following a funeral service. The meal is prepared under the direction of the ministry of the Chapel Belles. Only *active members of the church and their immediate family (spouse, parents, children, and siblings) will be eligible for this ministry. There is no fee charged for this meal, nor is there a cost to the family for preparation and service, however, donations to the Chapel Belles are gratefully accepted. The Chapel Belles provide this meal as a ministry in the spirit of Christian love. Their mission is to serve the community, whatever needs unfold. Your donation helps the Chapel Belles to continue their mission. - Memorials
In certain circumstances, the family might request a contribution to the Chapel of the Lakes church or a charitable organization in lieu of flowers. The Chapel will not manage, receive, or distribute funds for an outside organization. Undesignated funds or funds designated to a ministry of the Chapel of the Lakes will be received by the church. - Fees
There are no fees if the deceased, or a member of their immediate family is an *active member of the Chapel of the Lakes. For all other individuals, additional fees will be assessed. Those considered inactive members will pay the same fees as non-members. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the pastor and/or the Session.
*Active members of the Chapel of the Lakes are defined as those members of the church who regularly attend church services and contribute to the church in regular financial support, and personal support through participation in one or more church ministries.
| Active Member | Non-Member or Inactive Member | |
| Use of Sanctuary | none | $275 |
| Pastor | *Honorarium | *Honorarium |
| Sound System Operator | **$50 | **$50 |
| Musicians and/or Soloist | ***Honorarium | ***Honorarium |
*There is no fixed fee for the services of the pastor, however, it is customary to give an honorarium to the officiating pastor.
**If the Chapel’s audio-visual equipment is required for the funeral, a certified operator, from the Chapel, will be required. This individual should be paid directly by the family.
***If the family has made arrangements with an available musician and/or soloist, typical honorariums range from $75-$150 dollars per person and should be paid directly by the family to the musician and/or soloist.