As a community of faith, in touch with peoples’ lives and with the reality and mystery of death, Hillcrests provides the opportunity for funeral or memorial services for members and friends of Hillcrest, including those in the broader community.
Among the sacred and empowering prayers which inform our spiritual practices and understandings, and which have been used in funerals and memorial services here, are these:
God of all mercies and all comfort,
In tender love and compassion
Embrace those who are in sorrow.
Be their refuge and strength,
An ever present help in trouble….
Into your hands, O merciful Savior,
we commend your servant ________.
Acknowledge, we humbly pray,
A sheep of your own fold,
A lamb of your own flock,
A child of your own redeeming.
Receive _______ into the arms of your mercy,
into the blessed rest of everlasting peace.
At Hillcrest we welcome you wherever you are on life’s journey. And we mourn with you, and we give thanks for the lives of those dear to you.
A Hillcrest minister will work with you and those close to you to develop a service appropriate for you and your loved one. In general practice, this would be either a funeral (with the body present, usually within a few days of death) or memorial service (often several weeks or longer from the time of death) including music, readings, sharing, a short sermon or homily, and a blessing. At Hillcrest, we value all faith backgrounds and should it be appropriate, we would welcome working with your pastor, priest, rabbi or other spiritual leader as well.
A Memorial Service or Funeral for your loved one includes:
· use of Hillcrest worship space, including audio and video equipment
· a pastor (with planning meetings to ensure the service meets your needs)
· musician (pianist or organist)
· audio technician
· video technician
The approximate cost for non-members is $1500 with extra charges for atypical memorials/funerals (music, audio, and video requirements) or use of Fellowship Hall for a gathering following the service These extra charges vary based on size and arrangements. In some circumstances, a sliding scale is available Please call the Hillcrest Church Office for details- 925-689-8260.