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The following is a list of items that need to be done at
the time of a death. The Samaritan Ministry, Inc. trains volunteers in faith-based organizations to assist grieving families
at this difficult time. Faith-based organization that do not have the Funeral Aid segment of the Samaritan Ministry may not
have all of the services listed below, i.e. funeral receptions, etc.
NOTE: Where the Funeral Aid segment of the
Samaritan Ministry has been installed, Samaritan volunteers are available to help in the marked (**) areas.
(1)
Funeral Home
____ **Location
____ **Cost List
____ Clothing - it is all right to insert something special.
____ Financial Arrangements. Insurance. etc. to be discussed.
____ Take a fairly recent, clear picture of the deceased
to the funeral home.
____ **Is help needed to view the casket?
____ Someone close should preview the deceased to correct
hair, clothing, etc.
____ **Social Security number and family information (Form in Samaritan Ministry folder).
(2) Flowers
____ Needs and Pricing. You may use your own florist, or the funeral home sometimes has a florist.
____ If more
than (6) pall bearers, inform florist.
____ Alternatives - Memorial fund, Charitable donation.
(3) Plot
____ Location.
____ **Cost lit.
____ Alternatives - cremation, entombment.
____ **Is
help needed to go to the cemetery?
____ If you already own a plot, the funeral home will help make arrangements.
(4)
Pall Bearers
____ Six (6) pall bearers are needed. You may use eight (8). From work, school, organizations, past affiliations,
family, neighbors or close friends.
____ Honorary (they are not necessary) from work, school, organizations, past affiliations
or special interest groups.
____ **Pall bearers are not absolutely necessary, it can be handled by the funeral home. Samaritan
Ministry members may also be available for this service.
(5) Notification of Friends and Relatives
____ **Should we contact any other organizations or inform them of this situation?
____ **Check Lists are included
in the Samaritan Ministry's Funeral Aid folder.
____ **Is assistance needed in obtaining phone numbers?
____ **Is
assistance needed in making calls?
____ **Is assistance needed in helping to call pall bearers, or others and/or following
up?
(6) Church Services
____ Vigil/ Viewing - Memorial table. Family or friends may participate. Inform
pastor or funeral director in advance.
____ You may select readings. Special readings may be used. Or selection may be
left to Pastor.
____ **Use song books or from a list of suggested music.
____ Discuss music with Organist/Music Director.
____ Family or friends may speak or participate in Offertory and/or readings. Contact Pastor and inform him. If this concerning
music, contact Organist/Music Director.
____ The Pastor will need information on the deceased. What they have done in
their lifetime and what they were like.
(7) After Service Reception (This varies with each church.)
____
**A Women's Club or other organization may provide food and help with the serving after the service.
____ **Should the
reception take place at the church, or at home? (Again depends on the church.)
____ **Will other organizations (i.e. Garden
Club, etc.) wish to participate? If so, inform those who are providing the reception so that they can coordinate.
(8)
Airport Information
____ **Call for Airport Shuttle for times and prices.
____ **Airlines offer reduction in air
fares for immediate family members. But check to be sure it is the lowest fare available.
(9) House Management
____ **Out-of-town guests need assistance?
____ **Need for outside help - cleaining, errands, etc.?
____ **Additional
sleeping areas, or food storage needed?
____ **Baby sitting?
____ **Any elderly or ill persons who need care? Now?
Future?
____ **Have lists for recording calls, flowers and food that may be brought to the home with the name of those
who provided them.
____ **House sitting during Vigil/Viewing, Funeral or other?
____ **Any special errands?
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