Burial
The death of a member of the church should be reported as soon as possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with, a member of our clergy staff. You may call the parish office at 804.288.2867. If death occurs at a time when the office is closed, an answering service will contact the priest on call to let him or her know that you have called.
Funerals and memorial services
We recommend that funerals be scheduled at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. on a weekday (Monday-Friday), and no later than 3 p.m. Funerals may also be scheduled at 2 p.m. on Saturdays if no wedding is scheduled that day. If you wish to hold a reception at St. Stephen's following the service, please know that we are unable to hold receptions here on Saturdays or Wednesdays. We are not able to conduct funerals on Sundays.
Planning
Some people like to make selections in advance for their own funerals and keep them on file at the church. It can be a great comfort to family members and other loved ones to know your wishes for your service.
Planning for a funeral--whether making decisions in advance for your own service, or planning a service for a loved one who has died--begins with a member of St. Stephen's clergy. Our clergy and staff will guide you through the process, providing suggestions for lessons and music and other concerns. It is important to begin the process with the priest.
The Burial Office from the Book of Common Prayer is used, and may include Communion as you wish. There is a Rite One service (page 469) which uses more traditional language, and a Rite Two service (page 491) using more contemporary language. Clergy can help you select music from our Hymnal and the repertoire of our music staff.
An additional option is a "Celtic-style" service using a template we have developed that draws from the resources of our Sunday evening Celtic service, and uses music from the repertoire for that service.
We will produce printed programs for the service for you according to a format we have developed. The clergy can show you samples of these bulletins.
Flowers for the funeral are arranged and placed by St. Stephen's Flower Guild.
Please call the parish office for additional guidelines and details.
The Garden of the Holy Spirit
If you wish to have your ashes, or those of a loved one, interred in the Garden of the Holy Spirit, please visit the memorial garden page.
Planned Giving and Memorial Gifts
Just as we know that those who have died still support us in our earthly journey as “a great cloud of witnesses,” so the gifts given in their memory and through their legacy continue to support our ministries, generation after generation.
The Legacy Society
Including St. Stephen's Church in your estate plans helps ensure that the ministries of your church are strengthened and supported for generations to come. St. Stephen's Legacy Society provides information about ways to do this, and members of its steering committee are happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have. It's important to remember that providing a legacy for this church is not limited to those who are wealthy. Many tools and methods can accomplish the goal of providing for the church following your death. Please read more about the Legacy Society and planned giving here.
Memorial Gifts
Memorial gifts to St. Stephen’s are placed in the church’s Endowment Fund, income from which supports the ministries of this parish. You may wish to suggest St. Stephen's Church as a recipient for those who choose to make a gift in your or a loved one's memory.
Contact
Mary Feldman // 804.288.2867 // email
Any member of the clergy (list is here)