Topics on Loss

Death is inevitable and brings grief, but Christians find hope in Jesus Christ’s resurrection. We trust God with our loved ones, believing in God’s love and care. Though we grieve, we live in hope, knowing God can comfort us and restore our joy. Thus, we praise God in both sorrow and happiness.
Christians may choose burial, cremation, or body donation for medical purposes. As people of faith we believe that the loved one is no longer in the physical body but has received a new “spiritual” body with God. Christians may opt for a funeral (with remains) or a memorial service post-burial. It is encouraged to hold these services in a church sanctuary, reflecting the loved one’s relationship with God and offering support from the congregation.

The Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church allows the use of its sanctuary for funeral or memorial services. The following guidelines apply:
• There is no charge for using the sanctuary.
• There is no charge for the pastor’s services.
• Fees for musicians, if available and desired, are $100.
• The pastor or organist can suggest suitable music.
• Bluetooth is available for pre-recorded music.
• Flowers and other decorations must be removed the same day.
• The casket should be closed during the worship service.
• Civic or fraternal rites should take place at least 15 minutes before the service.
• Receptions/meals are arranged by family and friends. The building may be used if available, with associated fees.
• Gifts can be made in memory of a loved one to the church’s Memorial Fund. The Session will use these funds for the good of the church and community.

The questions below are meant as a guide for planning your funeral or memorial service. Please only respond to those questions that you find helpful. These wishes will be shared with your family and will help church staff in providing a service that is meaningful.

Full Name:

Date of Birth:

 

• The difference between a memorial service and a funeral is the presence of the remains (either a coffin or, in the case of cremation, an urn). Would you prefer a funeral or a memorial service?

 

• Some people prefer to have their service in a Funeral Home, but others like the idea of loved ones gathering in familiar space – such as the church. What are your wishes?

 

• Do you have any favorite passages or stories from the Bible that you would like shared at your service?:

 

• Is there any special music (hymns, etc.) that you would like to have played? At OHPC we are blessed with the ability to provide different styles of music, from traditional to contemporary. Do you have a preference? (Note: this may be more challenging if the service is held at a Funeral Home, however, we’ll do our best!)

 

• What do you want to be remembered for the most?

 

• What memories do you want shared at the service?

 

• Are there individuals you’d like to read or offer words of remembrance?

 

• Other wishes (please note, military honors must be made through the Funeral Home. Masonic orders may take place at the church, but before the Funeral/Memorial service):

 

• Pall Bearers:

 

• Are there causes that you support that you would like memorial gifts to be given to?

 

Have you planned in advance for the following?

[ ] Living Will (should be with hospital, primary care, and close family members. Some folks have this in an envelope on their refrigerator!)

[ ] Will

[ ] Donation of body for medical/mortuary school

[ ] Organ Donation

[ ] Burial Arrangements

[ ] Cremation

[ ] Columbarium

[ ] Memorial gifts

 

Please make sure someone in your family knows where the above information is stored.

 

Please return this form to the church office at your convenience. If you’d like to speak to the pastor, please let the office know!

“Obituary” Useful information regarding the Obituary.

“Important” information to know for end-of-life planning.

“Did you know?” Legacy Giving. What it is, how it works and the benefits.

 

Writing your own obituary can be part of your life and end-of-life planning. The way you would like to be remembered is part of a careful arranging for yourself should you not be in the best of health or life. This is your chance to say what you want others to know about you. It can be helpful to you, providing peace of mind that you have had your say; and it can be helpful to your family and friends, helping them during a difficult time.

 

Suggestions for writing your own obituary:

 

1. Begin with the announcement. It should include who the person is, the date

they died, and where they died. The cause of death is optional. Be short and

concise. All this can be typically included in one sentence.

 

2. Write a short biographical piece about your life. This should include

where and when the person was born, where they lived throughout their life,

notable awards and times in their life, important hobbies, where they went to

school, and anything else of personal or familial importance.

 

3. Include who you are survived by. Include, in this order, immediate family

members (spouse and children or parents and siblings step-children) and

secondary family members (aunts, uncles, grandchildren, close cousins).You can

include spouse names such as Mary (John), John (Anna), …

 

4. Use baptism names for Relatives. Nicknames should be added in quotes,

such as “Bud.”

 

5. Deceased relatives should be listed last with the phrase “the late…”
6. Note where and when important ceremonies will take place, such as

memorial services, grave-side burials, etc.

 

7. Tell people where they can make donations in remembrance of the

person who has died. This is a very common practice in the United States and

should always be noted so as to avoid an influx of calls to the bereaved family.

 

8. Remember, this is the main research tool for the family tree so try to

include everyone. Include a photo, too!

Good food for thought as a cushion for dealing with a loss

 

Here is a list of things that are good to arrange as part of life as well as end-of-life

planning:

• life and disability insurance,
• critical illness / long-term care insurance,
• health care directive (“living will”),
• power of attorney,
• up-to-date will,
• executor,
• guardian for minor children,
• organ donations,
• ethical will,
• list of financial accounts,
• list of Internet account usernames and passwords,
• wishes for a funeral or other service (or not),
• bequests and requests for charitable donations,
• wishes for interment, and
• a start on your own obituary.

Legacy Giving (Planned Giving)

 

Legacy giving, also known as planned giving, to a church refers to a donor’s decision to make a future gift to the church as part of their financial or estate planning. These gifts are typically deferred, meaning they are not disbursed until after the donor’s death. Legacy giving is a way for individuals to leave a lasting impact on their church and its mission, often expressing their commitment and values.

 

Key aspects of legacy giving:

 

• Deferred Gifts: Legacy gifts are usually made through wills, trusts, or beneficiary designations on retirement accounts or life insurance policies.

 

• Estate Planning: They are integrated into the donor’s overall estate plan, ensuring their wishes are carried out after they pass away.

 

• Lasting Impact: Legacy gifts allow donors to support the church’s long-term mission and ministry, potentially beyond their lifetime.

 

• Expression of Faith: Legacy giving can be a powerful way to express one’s faith and values, leaving a legacy of generosity and support for the church.

 

• Financial and Tax Benefits: Donors may also experience certain financial and tax benefits from making legacy gifts.

 

 

 

Examples of legacy gifts:

 

• Bequests in a will: A specific amount of money or a percentage of the estate can be designated for the church.

 

• Beneficiary designations: Naming the church as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy.

 

• Charitable gift annuities: Donors can receive income for life, with the remaining assets going to the church after their death.

 

• Charitable remainder trusts: Donors can receive income for life, and the remaining assets go to the church after their death.

 

• Gifts of appreciated assets: Donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or real estate can provide tax benefits and a significant gift to the church.

 

In essence, legacy giving is a thoughtful way for individuals to support their church’s future while simultaneously creating their own lasting legacy of faith and generosity.

 

If you are interested in looking into this further, please contact your attorney to find what is the best fit for you.