Funeral Pre-Planning Worksheet: A Planning Guide To Assist My Family

Funeral Pre-Planning Worksheet
St. Johns Lutheran Church. 8808 Harford Road Baltimore, Md. 21234 Office: 410-665-1234 www.stjohnsparkville.org
Please provide as much information as you wish
A Planning Guide to Assist My Family

As Christians, we can look forward with joy and anticipation to the day when our Lord will call us home to himself in heaven. We can know for certain that heaven is ours through faith in Christs atonement for our sins on the cross. Thus, we are most certainly spiritually prepared for our death. Unfortunately, many people are not prepared for their death in terms of the preparations that are necessary for the funeral and its arrangements. This worksheet will help you consider the details of your wishes as well as documents that will be needed by your family which details your wishes and desires for those arrangements your loved ones will need when dealing with your death and funeral arrangements. For the purposes of St. Johns, this worksheet will detail your desires for your funeral to your family and pastors and the funeral director of your choice. Planning your funeral is important. We all make plans for many different things in life but sometimes we just dont get around to some of those things for which we should plan. Death and burial are inevitable and it is crucial that we plan for it. Planning doesnt hasten your death or funeral. It is often difficult for families to make decisions regarding funeral arrangements at the time of the death of a loved one. In the midst of grieving the family must make many important decisions. They frequently wish that they knew the desires of the one who died. This is an opportunity for you to think about your funeral plans. Consider discussing your plans with the pastor(s). You will want not only their assurance that your plans are appropriate, but also their cooperation in respecting them at your death. If at all possible, discuss these plans with your loved ones. Allow them to participate in the planning and express their thoughts. This brings the subject out into the open and provides loved ones with an opportunity to openly share their love and sorrow. Please bear in mind that the more complex and complete your plans become, the more tentative they must be. The events surrounding your death or events that may occur between now and the time of your death may necessitate changes. Therefore, from time-to-time (every several years) the plans in this worksheet may need to be updated. We ask that you prayerfully and carefully consider the matters suggested here. If you have any questions or would desire to discuss these matters with one of the pastors of St. Johns Lutheran Church, please contact us at 410-665-1234. As you consider your death, burial and your hope in Christ Jesus of life everlasting, may the Lord bless you.
Page 1 of 15
SJPM Funeral WS-2011

FUNERAL PLAN PART ONE Guide for the Christian Funeral of ________________________________________.
Full name: (First / Middle (maiden)/ Last)
Date(s) completed/revised ______________________________________________

This worksheet may be used by a bereaved family in the midst of funeral planning; or by an individual who wishes to express their personal wishes for their own funeral. This worksheet may be revised at any time.
To Plan the funeral for another: For pastoral care and to help in planning, the pastor should be notified immediately upon the death of a member of the congregation. Discuss with the pastor(s) the timing and place of service before you go to the funeral home to make arrangements. When possible, it is a good idea to plan the funeral liturgy well before the death of a Christian to avoid planning during a time of grieving. Such planning offers an occasion for the pastor to talk seriously about the Christian hope of the resurrection of the dead through Jesus Christ. To express wishes for your own funeral: You may choose to file the funeral planning portion of this worksheet with the church. The information will be kept in a confidential file available to the pastors of St. Johns Lutheran Church. This entire worksheet, which also includes financial and personal information, should be given to your family member and/or the individual you have designated as the executor of your will and/or your estate as well as filing a copy with your will.
I understand that the information and instructions provided here are for the guidance of my church, my family, and my friends in making arrangements necessary at the time of my death. Although this information is being left for safekeeping, it is not legally binding or enforceable. I understand that this worksheet does not make the church obligated or responsible for the execution of these instructions. ________________________________________ Signature ____________________________ Date
Page 2 of 15

INFORMATION FOR PASTOR(S)/CHURCH I. PERSONAL INFORMATION: Name: ____________________________________________________________

Full Name: First/Middle (Maiden)/Last Street City, State, Zip
_______________
Nickname
Address: ____________________________________________ ______________________________ Birth Date: ___/___/______ Place: _________________________________________, _________________

City State
Baptism Date: ___/___/______ Place: ___________________________________ _________________, ____

Church/Hospital City State
Confirmation Date: ___/___/______ Place: ___________________________________ _________________, ____

Church/Hospital City State
Church Affiliation if not a Member of St. Johns: _________________________________________ Occupation: ___________________________________________________ How long? __________ II. FUNERAL SERVICE: Do you wish the following? Funeral Service (Remains present): Yes No If so where: Church Funeral Home Other: ______________________________ Memorial Service (No remains present): Yes No If so where: Church Funeral Home ______________________________ Body to be viewed at funeral home: Yes No Body to be viewed at church: Yes No
The Church Parlor is available for viewing one hour prior to the service
Other:
Time Preferred: Morning Afternoon Evening
Page 3 of 15

Holy Communion celebrated (at the Church) Yes No On/near the casket/urn X Funeral pall (at the church) X Paschal candle (at the church) Coffin spray (flowers - see note below) Bible or other symbol of faith _____________________________________________ Photograph Cross Flag (not used inside the sanctuary during the service) NOTE: The funeral pall will always be used to cover the casket/urn during the worship service unless expressly declined. The Paschal candle will always be set at the head of the casket/urn during the worship service. In the case that the pall is expressly declined consider a bouquet of flowers from the family or a smaller coffin spray: Scripture Readings (consider favorites and/or confirmation verse): _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ __ Possible readings to choose from: Psalms Psalm 23 Psalm 27 Psalm 46 Psalm 90 Psalm 103 Psalm 116 Psalm 121 Psalm 130 Gospels John 14:1-6 John 11:21-27 John 5:24-29 Mark 10:13-17 Luke 2:25-32 Matthew 11:28-30 John 6:35-40 Easter Story Page 4 of 15
Old Testament Isaiah 40:28-31 Ecclesiastics 3:1-8 Job 19:25-26 Lamentations 3:22-26, 31-33 Other New Testament Readings 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 Romans 8:31-39 Philippians 3:20-21 1 Corinthians 15:12-26 1 Peter 1:3-9 Revelation 21:3-7 Revelation 7:13-17 Romans 14:7-8 1 John 3:1-2 Romans 5:1-11 Romans 5:17-21 Romans 6:3-11

Matthew 28:1-10 Mark 16:1-8 Luke 24:1-12 John 20:1-18 Other readings ______________ ______________ ______________
Congregational hymns (Consider favorites or choose from the below list): ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen! (ELW 377) This Joyful Eastertide (ELW 391) Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove (ELW 404) For All the Saints (ELW 422) We Know That Christ Is Raised (ELW 449) I Am the Bread of Life (ELW 485) The King of Love My Shepherd Is (ELW 502) A Mighty Fortress (ELW 504) O Living Bread from Heaven (ELW 542) Thy Holy Wings (ELW 613) Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer (ELW 618) Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me (ELW 623) Jesus, Still Lead On (ELW 624) Abide with Me (ELW 629) In Heaven Above (ELW 630) Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (ELW 631) O God, Our Help in Ages Past (ELW 632) You Are the Way (ELW 758) My Faith Looks Up to Thee (ELW 759) Lord of All Hopefulness (ELW 765) If You But Trust in God to Guide You (ELW 769) Precious Lord, Take My Hand (ELW 773) Jesus, Priceless Treasure (ELW 775) The Lords My Shepherd (ELW 778) Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound (ELW 779) Children of the Heavenly Father (ELW 781) On Eagles Wings (ELW 787) Day by Day (ELW 790) I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (ELW 815) Other (as available in Lutheran hymnals): _______________________________________________ Page 5 of 15

To hear the above hymns played go to web site: http://www.lutheranmusic.com/library/ELW/index.html These are midi files which only play the music. Please come to the church office to view the hymns in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship to view the words of the hymns if you do not already know them.
Other music or non-biblical readings (please see the pastors to inquire about the use of other music or non-biblical readings during the worship service.) ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Pall bearers (select six for a service with the coffin present) ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Honorary pall bearers: Ministry Team, Circle Members, etc. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Service folder cover (printed on parchment-colored paper) Biblical or seasonal image Line drawing of the church STRUCTURE OF THE FUNERAL WORSHIP SERVICE A funeral service at St. Johns Lutheran Church includes the following basic elements:

Prelude Prayer and Thanksgiving for Baptism (ELW p. 279) Hymn Greeting Prayer of the Day (ELW p. 281) Eulogies Scripture Lessons (3) Sermon- (Pastor) Hymn The Apostles Creed (ELW p. 282) Solo Prayers (ELW p. 282) Lords Prayer (ELW p. 283) Holy Communion (as requested) Page 6 of 15


Commendation- (ELW p. 283) Benediction and Blessing (ELW p. 214) Hymn Postlude/Recessional
NOTE: a note about the internment or cremation is usually printed in the worship bulletin. A note about memorials helps family and friends direct memorial gifts according to your wishes. MEMORIALS Memorial gifts are often requested in lieu of flowers. They can be designated to any charitable organization and/or to St. Johns Lutheran Church. Please indicate to your loved ones your desire for memorial gifts. If you would like memorial gifts to be given in your memory to St. Johns, we offer the following options: St. Johns Lutheran Mission Endowment Fund. This is an endowed fund dedicated to support the mission of the church. Each year five percent of the accrued interest is allocated the mission of St. Johns. This includes outreach into the community and ELCA for education, social services, institutions and agencies to which this congregation relates; special programs designed for those persons in our parish who are in spiritual and/or economic need; development of new congregations; global missions, ecumenism, evangelism, and capital funding as well as enhancing the missional outreach of the congregation of any special ministry of St. Johns. St. Johns Lutheran Capital Improvement Endowment Fund. This is an endowed fund dedicated for capital improvements and debt reduction for any building program. Each year five percent of the accrued interest is to be allocated for purpose of capital improvements of St. Johns. St. Johns Memorial Fund. This fund supports various expenses outside of the operational budget such as fine arts, library, furniture, special equipment needed by the church, worship resources for St. Johns as approved jointly by the Memorial Ministry Team and the next of kin. This type of gift is usually offered in lieu of flowers in the context of ones funeral service and would be given as smaller gifts from friends and relatives. St. Johns Operational Budget. Gifts would be used toward the current operational budget expenditures of the church. NOTE: If it is your wish to include any of the above planned giving in the event of your death, please make sure you include this in your will.
Page 7 of 15

RECEPTION
Meal following the service for mutual conversation and consolation Yes No Location: Church Fellowship Hall Other _______________________________________ Menu
desserts sandwiches cold salad hot meal other _________________________ Coffee Cold Drinks
NOTE: St. Johns Funeral Ministry Team is available to help plan the reception and will set up, serve and clean up the Fellowship Hall. COMMENTS: _______________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____
Page 8 of 15

FUNERAL PLAN PART TWO Your family will need this information when they meet with the mortuary, or you may wish to consider these items before you visit the mortuary. The following information is for you and your family and need not be given to the church/pastors with Part One of your funeral plan. BIOGRAPHY/OBITUARY Obituary Information Relatives Listed: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Organization Memberships: ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Photograph to be included? Names of newspapers for obituary to be placed? ______________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ CEMETERY Preference for means of burial: Traditional burial at _____________________________Cemetery Page 9 of 15

Cremation Mortuary or Cremation Society Have you selected a mortuary to handle the arrangements for your funeral? Yes No Mortuary or Cremation Society Name_____________________________ Address ___________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Have you made advance arrangements? Yes No Have you prepaid for your funeral? Yes No Have you purchased a cemetery lot(s)? Yes No Cemetery ___________________________Location ___________________________ Do you want visitation at the mortuary prior to the funeral service: Yes No Casket: Open Closed Documentation for Funeral Home: Social Security # __________________ Birth Certificate Marriage/Divorce Certificates Veterans Discharge Papers Pall Bearers (6) Memorial Designations Type and Cost of Casket Type and Cost of Vault Clothing Family Flowers Number of Certified Death Certificates Needed __________________
Page 10 of 15

* Note: You should have at least two certified copies of the Death Certificate that are accessible to you. Contact your insurer, veteran benefits provider, Social Security Administration, bank, etc. for more details on the type of information you need to make a claim.
LEGALITIES Have you completed a Will? Yes No If yes, where is it located?_____________________________________ Who is your attorney? Name _______________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________ Phone _______________________________________________ Organ/Tissue Donation: Yes No Organ donation on your drivers license does not authorize the hospital/doctor to remove any organs or tissue. Signed authorization by next of kin must be secured. Talk this over with your spouse and/or children. Planned Giving: Have you named St. Johns Lutheran Church, St. Johns Endowment funds, and/or educational or charitable organization as a partial beneficiary of? Your insurance proceeds Your estate proceeds Name(s) of Church __________________________________ Charitable organization _______________________________ Education Institution _________________________________ Have you talked with your attorney or Certified Financial Planner about tax advantages now and for your estate of:
Page 11 of 15

Gift Annuity: Yes No Charitable Remainder Trust: Yes No Living Will/HealthCare Directive Do you have a Living Will/HealthCare Directive? Yes No If yes, where is it located? ____________________________________ Who else has a copy(s)?______________________________________ Does the person who may be making medical decisions on your behalf have a copy? Yes No It is important that your doctor have a copy of your Living Will/HealthCare Directive with your medical chart/records. Durable Power of Attorney Do you have a Durable Power of Attorney that enables someone else to make decisions about your health care or other listed and limited authorizations in case you are incapacitated temporarily or permanently? Yes No Location of the document ____________________________________ Person named/designated to have Durable Power of Attorney: Name ______________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________________ Banking Information Names of banks where you have deposits: Name_________________________________________________________________________ Savings_______________________________________________________________ Checking______________________________________________________________ CDs/Other ____________________________________________________________ Titling ________________________________________________________________ Name ________________________________________________________________________ Savings_______________________________________________________________ Checking______________________________________________________________ CDs/Other ____________________________________________________________ Page 12 of 15

Titling ________________________________________________________________ Safe Deposit Box Location:________________________________________________________________ Who has a key? __________________________________________________________ Whose names are on the signature card? _______________________________________ Titling ________________________________________________________________ Property/Real Estate Where are the deeds? House ___ ____________________________________________________________ Other Property _________________________________________________________ Titling ________________________________________________________________
Stocks/Bonds/Mutual Funds Who is your broker/brokerage house? Name ___ ____________________________________________________________ Location ____ _________________________________________________________ Location of Stock certificates, if not with your broker: _______________________________________________________________________ _ _______________________________________________________________________ _ Titling ________________________________________________________________ Life Insurance Name of Company ________________________________________________________ Policy Number(s) _________________________________________________________ Name of Company ________________________________________________________ Policy Number(s) _________________________________________________________ Page 13 of 15

Are listed names of Beneficiaries current? Yes No Estate Planning Have you worked with a Certified Financial Planner, Attorney, Banker or Insurance Agent to plan your estate? Yes No Do you have any other information or requests you want us to know? _________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ______ Additional Notes/Comments:
Page 14 of 15
Thank you for doing a hard task that will make things easier for your loved ones. If you chose to return a copy of this information to the church, it will be kept in a confidential file available to the pastors of St. Johns Lutheran Church. If you want to meet with one of the pastors to personally talk about these matters, together or with your spouse and/or family, please call one of the pastors and we will set up a time to meet. Signature:__________________________________ Date:______________________

Funeral Pre-Planning Worksheet: A Planning Guide To Assist My Family

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Funeral Pre-Planning Worksheet: A Planning Guide To Assist My Family

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Funeral Pre-Planning Worksheet: A Planning Guide To Assist My Family

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Funeral Pre-Planning Worksheet

A Planning Guide to Assist My Family