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FUNERALS

Planning a funeral is a stressful process. At Trinity we want to relieve as much of that burden as possible and help you make informed decisions regarding all aspects of the service. Details on the process of planning a funeral, as well as frequently asked questions, can be found below.

Funerals: What We Do

PLANNING A FUNERAL AT TRINITY

CONTACT THE CHURCH

Please contact Trinity as soon as possible to arrange a date.  We understand that there are possible considerations of out-of-town family and friends and there is no immediate rush.  We will work with you to find a date and time that works best for the circumstances.  We will also provide you with a Funeral Planning Guide to help walk you through the steps of planning a funeral or memorial.  You are welcome to work through this information with your priest when you meet.

ARRANGE A MEETING WITH THE CLERGY

Meeting or speaking on the phone with the clergy will be helpful step in gaining closure.  The priest will help you select readings and make suggestions for the service.  You are not required to come in personally but it may find it easier to plan.  Should you prefer, the priest will be happy to make suggestions for the full service which you are free to amend or change.

CONSULT WITH THE ORGANIST & CHOIR DIRECTOR

We do have certain guidelines when it comes to music for funerals.  While we require all music during the service to be non-secular, we are flexible in exactly what that means.   Meeting with organist, Casey Cantwell, who plays all funerals will help you decide on the appropriate music for the service.  If you wish to have secular music, the appropriate time would be at the reception.  Please contact Casey via the above link or by calling the church at 918.582.4128.  Again, if you would prefer, Casey may make music choices for you, if you wish.

Funerals: FAQ

FAQ

HOW DO WE GET THE DEATH CERTIFICATE?

Trinity will provide you with a Funeral Planning Guide which contains a worksheet to help you gather the information required to obtain a death cetificate.  The Funeral Planning Guide will also walk you through the various steps of planning a funeral or memorial.

CAN PRIESTS FROM OTHER CHURCHES PARTICIPATE?

The Trinity clergy are always in charge of the service but we will be happy to work with you in having outside clergy assist.  The liturgy will always be from the Book of Common Prayer.  Trinity must invite any other participants so please consult with your priest before you extend even an informal invitation.cient way. Consider elaborating with examples or visual aids to ensure all users fully understand the information.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FUNERAL AND A MEMORIAL?

At a funeral, the remains are present.  A memorial takes place after the burial or cremation and the remains are not present.

DO WE HAVE TO HAVE EUCHARIST AT THE SERVICE?

The Eucharist is a part of the prayers of the community, one of the ways the community joins together in giving thanks for God's grace. It is always encouraged and all present are always invited to join in receiving. Yet the Eucharist is never mandated, and your priest will discuss this with you.

CAN WE DO A VIEWING?

No, viewings are not held at Trinity. Arrangements should be made to have viewings at the funeral home prior to the service.

CAN WE HAVE THE ASHES INTERRED AT TRINITY?

Yes. We have  an indoor columbarium and columbarium garden. A niche may be pre-purchased or purchased when planning the funeral. Please contact Angela Henderson for details.

WHO CAN HAVE A FUNERAL AT TRINITY?

Trinity Episcopal Church will provide a funeral for anyone.  Neither the family nor the person who has died needs to be a member of the church, or even a baptized Christian.

Funerals: FAQ
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