Memorial Service Application/Details

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When a loved one dies, Unitarian Universalists come together to support those who are grieving, and to honor and celebrate the life of the person who has died. We gather to say goodbye, and to share our sorrow at their passing, but also to give thanks for all of the blessings the person has brought to our lives. We hold many different beliefs about the mystery of death, but are united in our belief that love is stronger than death.

At North Shore Unitarian Church, a memorial service is usually planned by the family of the deceased and the presiding minister to specially honor the memory of that individual. The service might include the following elements:

A memorial address
Poems and other readings
Prayer or meditation
A time to remember the deceased with stories and memories
Hymn singing or other music
A time for personal reflection

An effective memorial service is a special balance of tender loving memory and a lasting, shared celebration of a life well lived. There should be specific comforts for the grieving family and also spiritually enriching words and music to lift the hearts and minds of all those in attendance. A memorial service is not a wake or a salon concert, but a time to reflect together on the larger meanings of life and love.

Memorial Service Guidelines

A. Purpose

North Shore Unitarian Church (NSUC) offers the support and guidance of religious professionals to all who seek to remember and honor the lives of their departed loved one.

B. Officiant

Rev. Lucas Hergert is available for services for members and their immediate family, and he can help non-members connect with a Unitarian Universalist minister who can officiate.

C. Music

Memorial Services at NSUC usually include the services of a pianist. NSUC’s Pianist is customarily requested to play for members’ services and he has the right of first refusal for all memorial services held at NSUC.

The Musicians are open to suggestions for special music, but no selections are guaranteed. Final musical selections are wholly at the discretion of the NSUC musicians. The typical number of musical selections in a memorial service is three or four pieces. For legal and logistical reasons, no recorded music can be played at these services.

If additional musicians or a soloist is requested, NSUC personnel will make such arrangements in consultation with the family. These arrangements are not customary, and additional costs are associated with these requests.

D. Food and Alcohol

If a reception is desired, families shall make the arrangements and pay the additional costs of a caterer. The caterer must be responsible for all setup and cleanup, and must collaborate with the memorial service coordinator.

If alcohol is served, it must follow the NSUC policy on alcohol. (The policy can be supplied on request).

E. Memorial Service Coordinator

All memorials must have a memorial service coordinator. This person will open the building, answer questions, advise and assist with set up, and will inspect and lock up the building.

F. Member Memorials

For memorials of NSUC Members and their immediate families, NSUC shall provide at no cost:

· Services of the Officiant

· Three hours of facility rental

· 100 printed orders of service

Services of the Pianist, set up and clean up, memorial service coordinator, and all others are provided at the normal established rates. The Officiant will meet with the family to consider possible dates and discuss the mood and content of the service desired; the Officiant will coordinate with NSUC Music Staff to discuss and confirm dates and other service elements under consideration.

I. Non-Member Memorials

For others not associated with NSUC, NSUC shall provide the facility at the usual published fees. The renters shall pay the Officiant an honorarium at the established rate and pay any additional costs for musicians, orders of service, etc. After meeting with the family, the memorial service coordinator will contact the Pianist with proposed dates for the service. Once a date and general mood of the service is agreed upon (by the family, memorial service coordinator and Pianist), the Pianist will then coordinate musical details with the family.

J. Live Streaming Service

While we strive to provide streaming services via Zoom, please be aware that our tech crew operates on a volunteer basis meaning availability is not always guaranteed. While we strive to address technical difficulties during the service, we cannot guarantee immediate communication mid-service. Please also note that despite our best efforts, there may be instances where we encounter difficulties beyond our control and are therefore unable to resolve on our end. This could mean zoom link errors and recording issues.

Your cooperation and understanding are valued as we honor the memories of our loved ones.

By checking this box, I confirm that I have thoroughly read and agree to adhere to all the guidelines outlined previously
*

Yes, I agree and confirm

Required

Your Name *

Phone Number *

Email *

Mailing Address *

Name of Deceased
*

Desired Date of Service *

YYYY

If your preferred date for the memorial service is unavailable, please provide an alternate date. *

YYYY

Desired Start Time *

Time

Estimated End Time *

Time

The following are additional fees are fees that will be charged to everyone holding a service at the church as a pass-through fee. By checking all the boxes below, you agree to the fee. The first three are required for all events and are not subject to discounts. *

I understand that custodial services, including set up and clean up begin at $30 per hour.

I understand that an event facilitator will be on site from the time the doors are unlocked until everyone is out of the building at a $30 per hour fee.

I understand that I must submit a $250 damage deposit before the date can be secured. The damage deposit will be refunded within 10 business days following the event.

I understand that there is a piano bench fee of $125. Piano usage must be pre-approved by the Music Director and/or Pianist/Organist. Additionally, the piano is not to be moved. There is a $200 fee to move the piano and it must be done by NSUC prior to the event.

Required

Please check the other services that you are requesting. *

Minister ($300 fee) - If you use an outside minister, they will need to contact our minister to discuss the service briefly.

Pianist/Organist ($200 and up) - Our pianist/organist is given the right of first refusal. If unable to participate, you may arrange for a professional pianist but will be subject to a $125 bench fee.

Professional Musician ($100 and up each)

Choir Director ($250)

No services requested

Required

Rental Needs Availability of rooms may be limited due the ongoing activities of the church. Rental fees below are for up to 4 hours (unless otherwise noted). Additional hourly fees may apply for events longer than 4 hours. Please note that exceeding your designated rental time window will result in forfeiture of your security deposit. Additionally, please note that these fees do not apply to pledging members of North Shore Unitarian Church. *

Sanctuary (basic usage: no food). Capacity: 350 people. Rate: $400

Single Meeting Room (7 available). Capacity: 15 people. Rate: $50

Hearth Room. Capacity: 80 people. Rate: $75

Fellowship Hall Reception Space (with kitchen access) Capacity: 120 people. Rate: $200

Required

Are you a member of NSUC? *

Yes - Someone will contact you to finalize arrangements soon.

No - Additional paperwork will be sent upon receipt of this application and then someone will be in touch with you to finalize arrangements.

Are you hoping to live stream this service on Zoom? (an NSUC Tech Volunteer is required to manage this service and NSUC live streaming equipment. Please see below for information about this service.)
*

Yes

I am not sure at this time

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