Visitation and Funeral Planning
Contact Pastor Ed Priestaf at 336-599-1193 ext. 3 or epriestaf@nccumc.org for visitation and funeral planning when the death of a family member occurs or is imminent. Another minister may conduct or participate in the funeral service with the approval of the Long Memorial Pastor. Except in cases of hardship, the minister conducting the service is customarily paid a gratuity (usually $100-200) by the family.
Music
The pastor will help you plan and coordinate the music for the service. The church provides an organist. If the Long Memorial Organist on staff is not available, another qualified organist will be arranged for by the church. If the family wishes to have a pianist in addition to the organist, the Pastor must be notified. The family may also request that the Long Memorial Chancel Choir sing at the funeral. Choir members’ availability will depend on the day and time of the funeral. Because of the short notice usually involved, the music minister will offer the family a list of several appropriate anthems from which to choose. Except in cases of hardship, the organist should be paid a stipend of $150 by the family. The choir is not remunerated.
Bereavement Gathering
When a member of Long Memorial dies, the United Women in Faith (UWF) will be available to host a bereavement gathering for the family on the day of the service. The Bereavement Committee, once they feel it is appropriate, will contact the family to learn the date and time of the service and to set the time of the gathering and the approximate number to be served. UWF Circles will assist with bereavement gatherings on a rotating basis. The Chair of the assigned Circle will be contacted by a Bereavement Committee member with specific information. The responsibilities of the Circle in charge include preparation of food, set-up, serving, and clean-up. The UWF will pay for the meat served when the treasurer receives the receipt, and the hosting Circle members will provide the supplemental accompaniments.
Columbarium
Niches are available for interment of funerary urns in the Long Memorial Columbarium, which is located in front of the Chapel entrance on the north side of the Main Sanctuary building. The cost of a 12″ x 12″ niche is currently $2,500. The cost of engraving the marble front of the niche is separate. One niche can accommodate two urns. For details contact Church Secretary Peggy Wade at 336-599-1193 ext. 1 or longmemorial@esinc.net. She will be glad to assist you in choosing a niche and in its purchase.
