A Funeral or Memorial Service should accomplish three things: acknowledge the family’s grief through words of comfort and assurance; provide a time and space to share memories of the one who has died; and provide a message of hope that in Christ all things are made new, and that death is the doorway to new life for those we have lost and for ourselves.
In the tradition of The United Church of Christ, a funeral/memorial service is considered a celebration: a celebration of life and a celebration of faith. Through basic pastoral care and the service of worship itself, we aim to be sensitive to your needs, desires, and feelings. In our role as a community church, ongoing grief care can be provided to active church members through our Stephen Ministry Program.
For Christians, death signifies a transition, not an ending. Maintaining the delicate balance between joy and sorrow requires sensitivity and compassion. Our goal is to affirm the sense of loss family and friends feel during this time, while planting the seeds of hope that will lead to healing and wholeness. Like birth, death is one of life’s most hallowed moments. Let us honor it together with reverence and peace.
The Deacons have established the following policies and guidelines concerning funerals and memorial services:
Presiding Clergy
It is understood that the presiding Pastor of the United Church of Christ in Keene will conduct the funeral/memorial service ceremony. If the family would like a family member or friend who is an ordained clergy person to assist with the service, that individual should contact the pastor at the time arrangements are being made to coordinate that involvement. In accordance with the custom and practice of the United Church of Christ, former pastors may not perform funeral or memorial services in the Church.
Facilities
For over two centuries, our Church building has occupied a place of prominence at the Head of the Square in downtown Keene. Our facilities include our magnificent historic sanctuary, plus a small chapel.
The interior of the sanctuary has three aisles and four seating sections that will accommodate approximately 650 adults. Meeting and worship spaces are accessible by elevator, and accessible restrooms are available for persons with disabilities.
Receptions
The church parlor is available for receptions by prior arrangement. It can accommodate up to 150 guests. Please note, this space is well-used and not always available. The Church’s Women’s Fellowship can host and provide light refreshments for a fee. Please see below for more information on who to contact.
Funeral Homes
The Church has longstanding relationships with local area Funeral Homes. If you are using another licensed facility, its staff should call the Church as soon as possible to begin the planning process.
Music
The church has an amplification system, a magnificent organ, and a grand piano. Typically, families use the Church’s amazing Organist and Music Director, Dr. Gregory Wilder, for the service. All arrangements pertaining to music should be made directly with Greg as soon as possible. Greg can recommend soloists if you would like one included. Non-paid soloists should arrange a time to rehearse with the organist or pianist prior to the service.
The church uses Hymns for a Pilgrim People as its hymnal. If congregational hymns from other sources are chosen, the family should discuss these selections with the organist and arrange for their inclusion in the program.
Video/Livestream
The Church now has the capability to livestream your service and provide you with a Facebook link to replay it at your convenience. Our new system includes four camera angles. Please let Pastor Cindy know early in the planning process if you are considering this option.
Sound Engineering
In our experience, the presence of a sound engineer is essential to ensure that microphones are properly working, and speakers/musicians are properly heard. We will provide this service.
Flowers
We are more than happy to work with a florist of your choice and will make the church available for planning and set up provided we have ample notification. If you plan to leave flowers in the church after the ceremony, we ask that you let us know ahead of time so we may include an acknowledgement of your generosity in our Sunday Bulletin.
Cemetery
Arrangements for the burial of a coffin or ashes at one of the local cemeteries should be made privately through your funeral/memorial service director, or by contacting the City Office in charge of these properties. Please let us know if you would like the Pastor to preside at the cemetery.
Honoraria to the Church and Staff:
Fees to individual staff members and special participants should be made payable to those individuals and distributed on the day of the service. Building Rental fees should be made payable to The United Church of Christ in Keene. If fees are paid through a licensed Funeral Home, checks should be delivered on the day of the service. Our Office Administrator, Venette Winslow, can assist with any questions you may have in this regard.
Suggestions for Honoraria
Minister
- Active Members*: No Charge
- Inactive or Non-Members: $250.00
- Checks made payable to Rev. Cynthia E. Bagley
Organist
- Active Members*: $250.00
- Inactive or Non-Members: $250.00
- Check made payable to Greg Wilder or another organist on our team
Soloist
- Active Members*: $250.00
- Inactive or Non-Members: $250.00
- Checks made payable to the individual in question
Sexton
- Active Members*: $200.00
- Inactive or Non-Members: $200.00
- Check made payable to Gordon Kent or another member of our team
Livestream Video
- Active Members*: $200.00
- Inactive or Non-Members: $200.00
- Check made payable to Amy Vaughn or another member of our team
Sound Engineer
- Active Members*: $200.00
- Inactive or Non-Members: $200.00
- Check made payable to Mark Skinner
Building Rental
- Active Members*: No Charge
- Inactive or Non-Members: $150.00
- Checks made payable to The United Church of Christ in Keene
Reception
- Negotiated directly with our Women’s Fellowship
- Contact Elaine Kernosicky at ekernosicky@gmail.com or 603-903-4060
*Active members are those individuals who meet the following criteria: have been officially received into the membership of the church, attend church regularly, support the church financially and/or actively support the programs and missions of the church. At the discretion of the Deacons, “Friends of the Church,” i.e. Active Non-Members, can be granted member status with regard to costs.
Contact Information
- Main Church Number: (603) 352-4136, info@ucckeene.org
- Rev. Cynthia (Cindy) Bagley: (603) 361-5674, cbagley@ucckeene.org
- Greg Wilder, Music Director: (603) 352-4136, gwilder@ucckeene.org
- Venette Winslow, Administrator: (603) 352-4136, vwinslow@ucckeene.org
- Women’s Fellowship (Elaine Kernosicky): (603) 903-4060, ekernosicky@gmail.com