First Presbyterian Church Of Tequesta Memorial Garden

The First Presbyterian Church of Tequesta has designated space on its grounds as a Memorial Garden for deceased members of the congregation and their immediate families. Located on the north side of the church, the garden is a living memorial to those who have borne testimony to our resurrected Lord, and a quiet comfort to those who remain. A memorial plaque bears the engraved names of those interred as well as those loved ones being remembered.

Plantings are carefully selected to maintain the atmosphere of quiet beauty and peace. Memorial gifts to express gratitude for loved ones, who have predeceased us, are welcome to help us maintain or add to the plantings. You may reserve space for a future need for yourself or a family member, or contribute to the beautification of the garden.

A minimum donation of $500.00 is required for the engraving, recording and perpetual care of the garden. Loved ones names may be engraved o a plaque even if they are interred elsewhere. All are invited to utilize the garden as a place of quiet meditation, reflection and prayer. Further information is available in the church office.

It is our belief that at the time of death a funeral/memorial service is intended toaccomplish three major purposes:
.To express love and compassion to the family in their time of grief and loss.
.To profess our belief in the resurrection to eternal life, putting emphasis on the soul or spirit that continues to live with God in heaven.
.To pay tribute to the person whose life we gather to honor.

Guidelines

1. All details concerning a funeral/memorial service and related arrangements must conform to such practices as are consistent with Christian custom.
2. It is expected that one of the ministers of the church will officiate at these services, unless unavailable. All requests are to be directed through the Senior Pastor. If a family desires to ask another clergyman to participate in the service, such a desire must be made known to the minister and he will extend the invitation to such other clergyman.
3. This pastoral ministry is not limited to church members alone.
4. The pastor should be contacted as soon as possible after there has been a death. If possible, it is best to inform the pastor when death seems imminent so that he may be of help in the hours preceding death.
5. The family is encouraged to discuss with the pastor the choices of readings, poetry, prayers, hymns, content of meditation, as well as any other part of the service which will offer comfort to the bereaved, witness to the resurrection, and best honor the departed. The pastor is ready to assist in services at the church, funeral home or private home.
6. Our church facilities are available for use for a funeral service or a memorial service. We use the Sanctuary for larger groups. There is also the church parlor, which gives an intimacy when the service is smaller.
7. Because we are witnessing to the resurrection during the service, we ask that the casket be closed prior to the service.
8. If an interment is desired at the cemetery, the pastor is prepared to have a brief ceremony at the grave side.
9.Fraternal organizations wishing to have their own rites and ceremonies shall do so at a time other than the Christian service.
10. It may be possible to assist the family by providing a meal or reception at the church or to help in any other way the bereaved family requests.
11. Many families ask about financial arrangements for the use of the church for these services. The following guidelines have been set up by the Session of the church.

Memorial Services

	Member	Non-Member
Pastor	Honorarium	$250.00
Facilities Use	$0.00	$250.00
Organist	$150.00	$150.00
Soloist	$75.00	$75.00
Custodian/Coordinator	$100.00	$100.00
Reception/Hostess	$100.00	$100.00
(Refreshments Additional)
Sound Tech	$50.00	$50.00
Bulletins Per 100	$40.00	$60.00
Additional 100	$20.00	$30.00

The Memorial Fund
This ongoing fund has been established to perpetuate the memory of loved ones. Many people prefer utilizing this Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers as a way of perpetuating the influence of their loved one. To do this simply send the donation to the church along with the name of the person to be memorialized and designate the gift to The Memorial Fund. In response, the church sends acknowledgements to both the donor and the loved ones family. Checks are made payable to the First Presbyterian Church of Tequesta.