Funerals and Memorial Services
Our facility is availablefor funerals and memorial serivices without cost to members and non-members alike. If you desire our minister or pastoral assistant to perform the service, you should schedule a meeting with one of them as soon as possible. This meeting serves as an introductory period for those who have no affiliation with us as well as an opportunity to receive pastoral care during the initial stages of grief. This is also the time to establish initial plans for the service itself. Please contact the church office at 818-346-0820 to make an appointment. If you desire to have someone officiate who is not on our staff, you must seek pastoral approval prior to the date.
MEMORIAL COORDINATOR
After the date and time have been arranged the pastoral staff will put you in touch with our Memorial Coordinator who will assist you in dealing with the set-up of the sanctuary and other matters such as, flowers, easels, and memorial book.
RECEPTIONS
Space is available if you desire to hold a reception here at the church following the service. However, it is the responsibility of families unaffiliated with the church, to arrange for and cover all catering costs.
ARRIVALS
Typically the Memorial Coordinator arrives one hour prior to the service to see that everything is set up, as you desire. Flower deliveries may take place at this time as well. If this is a funeral with casket the mortuary should arrive one hour prior to the service to make sure proper arrangements are made. If the deceased has been cremated, family members may choose to have the urn present at the memorial service. A table is available to support the urn, along with flowers and any pictures to be displayed.
MUSIC
Arrangements for music can be made at the initial meeting with the pastoral staff person. If there are special request(s) please be sure to indicate that, so we can obtain appropriate sheet music and sound personnel. A cassette tape player or CD player is available within the sanctuary. If you desire a soloist, we encourage you to supply your own. However, if recommendations from the church are needed we will be glad to make those arrangements.
SUPPORT STAFF
As a service to the community The Woodland Hills Community Church has set no fees for facility use. However the following amounts are suggested as appropriate remuneration for those who may assist in the service: $150 for the officiant; $75 to $125 for the musician/organist; and $25 per hour for the sound technician. Soloist fees will be arranged on an as need basis. Unless other arrangements are made, please be prepared to cover these services immediately following the service.
MEMORIAL GARDEN
The church has developed a memorial garden in which stepping stones in memory of a loved one can be placed with an appropriate inscription of your choosing. A stepping stone can be purchased for a donation of $1,500 to the Woodland Hills Community Church Memorial Endowment Fund. If you would like to have a stone inscribed for your loved one, please request a copy of the Memorial Stones form from the church office.
ENDOWMENT FUND
The Woodland Hills Community Church Memorial Endowment Fund was generously established in 2003. Interest accrued from this fund supports the ministries and mission of this church. Members and friends who wish to donate to this fund in memory of a loved one may use the memorial fund envelopes found in the Narthex on the day of the service or obtain them from the church office.
ADDITIONAL GIFTS
If an individual or family desires to make a specific gift that is related to church facilities or the appearance of the campus in general, a request must be submitted to the Trustees for their approval.
PLANNED GIVING
For more information about wills and estate planning contact the United Church of Christ Planned giving office 1-800-846-6822.
SMOKING POLICY
Woodland Hills Community Church has a policy of no smoking on campus. The policy was established out of concern for the well-being of individuals who use these facilities as well as issues of cleanliness. Thank you for observing this policy.
HOURS OF OPERATION
This church has been a proud member of this community since 1947. In response to the requests of local neighbors we have agreed to have all premises cleared by 10:00 p.m. nightly.
Approved by the WHCC Deacons April 2004