ON DEATH AND FUNERALS

Perhaps you have seen the ads recently for more "relevant" funerals, funerals that are more celebrative and perhaps more "personal" than traditional services. The newspaper ads show five or six friends carrying not a casket but a canoe across a cemetery, bearing witness to the deceased's penchant for fishing and outdoor living. I promi Sam's Picture se you that funerals and funeral planning are a significant part of what your ministerial staff does here and we do it in the hopes of providing a service that is meaningful and hopeful. As has been written, there are basic elements in a funeral. There is someone who has died, there is someone to whom that death matters, and we believe that the church is the "agent" that brokers the message between them. When we acknowledge these elements, we are along the way of fulfilling the most basic obligation of a funeral: "to get the dead where they need to go and the living where we need to be."

When we hear of a death within our church community, we contact the family of the deceased and begin preparations for the funeral. We invite family members in to meet with the minister(s) and musicians who will be involved in the service. We work from a template that includes the major elements of the service, a template that can be adjusted according to the desires of the family, always remembering that the funeral is first of all a worship service of the church.

Quite often there are favorite hymns or a solo that family members would like to hear, and there is room for those personal touches. Sometimes family members or loved ones want to speak and there is room for those people, as well. We offer some guidelines about the length and content of those speeches, but we always try to accommodate the wishes.

We are fortunate to have some women from the Altar Guild who are present for funerals to offer directions and support, and to prepare the parlor for the family to receive friends. Those faces are the last faces the family sees before entering the sanctuary for the service, and the first ones they see in leaving the sanctuary. Theirs is a significant ministry.

I know about bad funerals. I have been to dozens in my ministry and always want to work toward a "good" funeral here. I want this congregation to trust its ministers to provide a helpful, healing, and hopeful service. Such is my goal.

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I am grateful for Tom Long and Tom Lynch for their marvelous book, The Good Funeral, particularly for their thoughts on the basic obligation of a funeral.

News

A Service of Hope and Healing. In worship on Sunday, October 26, we will offer special prayers for individuals and families who have been touched by addiction of all kinds. Following our 11:15 a.m. service, we will have an open luncheon for anyone who has been impacted by these issues. There will also be a drug take-back box on campus all morning as an opportunity to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Attention all Youth! On Sunday, October 19 we are heading to Cagle's Corn Maze from 5:30-9:00. Cost is $15. Wear warm clothes and feel free to invite your friends. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

A Caregivers Conference will take place on Saturday, October 25 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. here at FUMC. Speakers will offer information and resources for people caring for or preparing to care for loved ones who are aging or facing illness. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Join us for the 2014 Beth Berman Memorial Fund Dinner and Silent Auction on Thursday, October 30 in the Family Life Hall. The Silent Auction begins at 6 p.m. in Room 104 and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Our guest speaker, Dr. Eric Mathis of Samford University will present "Let it Go: The Blessing and Bane of Missions in the North American Church." Tickets are available through the church office. (E-mail Ed Payne or Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Men's Bible Study. All men of the church are invited to learn about the Old Testament prophets. This study will be six sessions beginning Tuesday, October 21 at 8 p.m. in room 259. We will view a video by Walter Brueggemann with group discussion to follow. (E-mail Fred Finzer at pastorfred5123a@yahoo.com or call Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Social Media and Internet Safety. Calling all parents of 3^rd-5^th graders! Join us on Wednesday, October 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Reception Hall to hear a guest speaker discuss social media and internet safety for children. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

Children's Ministry October Volunteer Needs. Please consider volunteering in 3K or 4K Sunday School or 11:15 a.m. Fuse Worship in October. Volunteer duties include walking the children to and from the Sanctuary for the Children's Sermon, assisting children with crafts planned and led by the worship leader, and teaching Bible stories that we all know and love! To volunteer, please send an e-mail to Kelly Duncan. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Tailgate Treats is coming soon! Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 26 from 4-6 p.m. for our annual fall celebration. There will be hay rides, petting farm, cake walk, costume contests, and lots of candy! (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

Join our Peru Mission Team. The group will work in Chimbote, Peru November 8-15. There is a need for medical personnel to work in the health clinic, and also workers with basic carpentry or electrical skills. Send an e-mail to Kathy Cadle for more information.

Restore to Glory!

Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress? Visit its Web site, which includes the latest news about projects with photos to show our progress. There, you will also find information about how to donate or make your pledge.

This Week

The Dementia/Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Our annual Blessing of the Animals service is this Saturday, October 11 at 10 a.m. in the Park on Polk. Join us as we celebrate God's creatures! (Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

The United Methodist Women will host the annual UMW Caf� this Sunday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. Eat in or take out soups, sandwiches and desserts. $8 per person with a $25 family cap. Proceeds will benefit UMW mission projects.

FUMC welcomes First Presbyterian for Power 45! on Sunday, October 12 from 4-6 p.m. Our Park on Polk is a great location for fun with friends! (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Church Family Supper is served in the Family Life Hall at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

October 8: Meatloaf or Grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad bar, rolls and desserts. Kids: Hot dogs, tater rounds, salad bar and dessert

Save the Date

Dementia/Alzheimer's

Caregivers Support Group

Wednesday, October 8

Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, October 11

UMW Caf�
Sunday, October 12

Power 45!

Sunday, October 12

Men's Bible Study Begins

Tuesday, October 21

Social Media & Internet Safety