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| For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. |
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| Titus 2:11 |
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| Weddings |
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The marriage ceremony in the United Methodist Church is a special form of Christian worship where a woman and man declare before God and in the presence of family and friends their desire to be united in a new, sacred and lasting relationship. First Church welcomes couples that wish to have a wedding service in keeping with the faith and practices of the church. If you are considering having a wedding here, call the church office at (402) 466-1906 to check the availability of a specific date and for more detailed information about our policies. |
Funerals, Memorial Services and
Celebrations of Life |
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A Christian funeral (when the body is present) or memorial service (when the body is not present) is an opportunity for people to gather in faith to praise God and celebrate the gift of life. It is also an opportunity to ask God for strength and courage to accept death. The church seeks to help its members express their faith in their response to death as well as in their daily lives. There will be mourning but the mourner is supported by the fellowship of the people of God.
The following suggestions are presented to guide members of First United Methodist Church in the hope that in the time of death each shall be helped in making the event an occasion for expressing faith in the Lord of life and death.
The pastors offer their presence at any time of crisis and especially when death is imminent or has occurred. In the event of death, they want to be called at any hour. During the day, you may call the church office. If you call the church at night, an automated answering machine will tell you how to contact each pastor in case of an emergency. Their numbers are also listed on the back of the church newsletter. Please do not hesitate to call regardless of the hour.
The funeral arrangements include consideration of the time and place of the funeral and committal, the order of worship, and any Scripture or music that is particularly meaningful to the family. These arrangements should be completed with the help of the pastor before information is given to the press and before the funeral director proceeds with plans.
Members of the church are encouraged to hold the funeral or memorial service in either the sanctuary or chapel. The supporting faith of the Gospel can best be received where the Gospel is regularly proclaimed and where the symbols of the faith make it vivid. Wherever the funeral is conducted – church, home, funeral chapel or grave side – it is to be a service of Christian worship.
The "Order for the Burial of the Dead" as found in The Book of Worship of the United Methodist Church is the basis upon which the funeral service is planned.
The use of flowers is appropriate, but not necessary. Floral arrangements sent to the church by family and friends will be placed in the sanctuary or chapel.
The church offers, to those who may desire its use, a pall (a cloth covering) over the casket. It is placed there before it enters the sanctuary or chapel and remains on the casket during the service. The pall symbolizes the common humanity we share in death. No flowers are to be placed upon the pall.
The rites of lodges, fraternal, social and civic groups are separate activities. Consult with the pastor regarding an appropriate time to bestow these honors.
West Vestry may be reserved for receiving and greeting friends before or after the service, and Fellowship Hall may be reserved for a luncheon if you desire.
There are no charges for the use of the sanctuary or chapel for funeral or memorial services. |
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