Wesley United Methodist Church
544 Government Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Funeral Guidelines
“Christians believe that the death and resurrection of Jesus Church gives them hope and cause for thanksgiving in the face of death. In this faith, we entrust those who have died to the infinite mercy and love of God.”
A worship service following the death of a loved one does at least two things:
- It enables us to face the reality of our mortality and comforts us in the celebration of another reality-life after death in God. As one of our creeds declares, “In life, in death, in life beyond death, we are not, alone. Thanks be to God!”
- It is the commitment of the clergy and music leadership of Wesley United Methodist Church to claim and present a properly balanced the theologically sound experience for all who see God through worship at the time of death.
To this end, the following are guidelines we offer to assist those who mourn, and those who look to tomorrow.
To The Family
At the time of death, please contact the Pastor at 225-343-8421. In his absence, contact the Assistant Pastor at 225-343-8421. You should also contact the Church Office/Secretary at 225 343-8421.
Please check the Wesley United Methodist Church website at: Wesleybr.org., for updates.
Conversations between the family and the minister will then proceed to define details about the funeral and or memorial service. While it will be the Pastor who guides you and your family through this important time, there are a few things that only the family of the deceased can do:
- There must be one person who speaks for the family regarding decisions about the funeral. It will be the minister’s responsibility to decide who this person is, in consultation with the family.
- Because we are still in a pandemic, the church can only accommodate a maximum of two hundred (200) individuals. If it is determined that there will be more than two hundred people in attendance, a different venue will be required.
- While friends and extended family certainly wish to help at the time of death, the church staff will coordinate, prepare, execute, and conclude the worship service.
- Users and greeters for the service will be provided by the church.
- If there is a desire to have a repast at the church following the service, the Pastor will notify the church’s the hospitality committee. The hospitality committee will arrange for space.
- Please note, that our current space can accommodate no more than sixty-five (65) individuals for a repast.
- Music for the service, both choral and instrumental, must follow the same guidelines as for Sunday worship services. After consultation with the family, the Pastor will consult with the Minister of Music regarding any requested selections. If there is no special request, the Minister Music will select the music.
- There are moments in the funeral service for specific remembrances and thanksgivings by family and friends. We request that no more than ten (10) minutes be allotted for all speakers combined. We request that personal words reflect the goodness and Christian virtues of the person.
- Wesley United Methodist Church reserves the right to intervene should the content or language be deemed inappropriate for a Christian service. The minister will be free to monitor and implement time limits and content constraints should as necessary.
General Policies
- Funerals are conducted Monday-Saturday. The times are to be arranged with the pastor.
- Obituary/Printing of Program: Family/Pastor are responsible for the development of the obituary. The family is responsible for the printing and producing of the obituary prior to the service. The order of service must be approved by The Pastor.
- Reserve seating will be marked and identified at the front, left four rows for the family. Reserve seating will be arranged for pallbearers and honorary pallbearers at the front right two rows. Special request for reserved seating must be discussed and arranged with the Pastor, IE: classmates, service groups.
- The Pastor will conduct all funeral services unless he grants permission for another clergy to conduct the service. The Pastor will extend a formal invitation to other clergy who has been requested to participate in the ceremony prior to the service.
- Paraments on the altar and the banners on the walls reflect the floors of the Christian year and cannot be changed, removed, or covered up.
- Flowers and/or plants should not be arranged to obscure or overshadow the cross, the pulpit or the baptismal font; and they should not interfere with the appropriate movement of the minister or any other participants. If the family wishes to use the church’s florist, communication must be made directly to the florist by the family at the family’s expense.
- If the family wish to use the church organist or pianist to play for the funeral, you must contact the Minister of Music at 225 343-8421, directly to discuss their fees. Music Fees are determined between one and two hundred dollars per musician.
Other Fees:
- Church Members – No Charge
- Family, not members of the church – $400.00
- Non-Members – $800.00
- Repast Request – $300.00 + food and set-up