Funeral Policy
PREPARATION
Preparation for a funeral can be a daunting task. It is made more so when those who are handling the arrangement must also handle their personal grief at the same time.
This brochure is intended to ease the burden and hopefully, simplify preparations for members and non-members alike who request to have the funeral services of their loved ones here at Second Baptist Church of Asbury Park (SBC).
It is important to know that SBC treats the celebration of ones life as a reason to worship God. All plans and arrangements will be made with this in mind.
Contact us with any questions you have concerning the information contained in this brochure and we will be glad to assist you in anyway we can.
Our prayer for you and your family is that the service for your loved one will be a great celebration of their life. It is our sincere hope that all who attend will experience the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit.
Upon notifying the church of the desire to have a funeral at the church, a representative will contact you to discuss details of dates, times, and other final arrangements. Do not consider anything final until you have had this discussion.
MEMBERS OF SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH
Active members with few exceptions per our constitution, of Second Baptist Church are entitled to have their funeral service in the church free of charge. Donations are accepted. The Pastor or another ordained minister of the church will preside and/or preach the eulogies for the funeral services of our members. If the family would prefer another minister to perform these duties, they would be responsible for all expenses.
Details of the repast found under “Fee for Services” section.
NON-MEMBERS
Upon request, the church will be available for non-members who desire to have their loved ones’ funeral service here. Services for immediate and distant relatives of church members will be handled as non-members.
Non-members may request for the Pastor or an ordained minister of Second Baptist Church to preside and/or preach eulogy. If it is desired that an unaffiliated minister with SBC preside or perform the eulogy, they must be secured at least 72 hours before the date of the funeral. The Pastor maintains the right to deny any minister the privilege of preaching in the church. If this occurs, the Pastor will notify the family so another minister can be secured.
There will be a fee for the Repast meal based on the approximate number of people expected to attend as provided by the family. Additional charges will be made if number exceeds estimate.
MUSICIANS
The musicians of Second Baptist Church will serve as requested at funeral services for members and non-members. Families may request that an outside musician, soloist, or choir provide all or part of the musical needs for the service. If the latter, the church must be notified 48 hours in advance.
The Pastor maintains the right to deny such request based on the nature of the request. The family will need to provide the name and contact information for musicians who are not connected to SBC. The Minister of Music will contact the musician to address any preparation need that might exist.
PROGRAMS
The church will print no additional programs. It is the family’s responsibility to arrange with the funeral to provide programs for the funeral.
FEES FOR SERVICES
The standard fee for funerals of non-members and inactive members is $1,200 to be collected before the service begins. The fee for immediate family members (i.e. spouse, parents, children) will be $1,000 to be collected before the service begins. This fee includes: Pastor and/or ministers, musician, custodian, audio/visual controller(s), repast coordinator, and facility use.
REPAST
Second Baptist Church will cover the cost of an active member repast up to 125 people. After said number, the charge will be $75 for each group of 25 people. Non-members repast fee is $300 (included in initial fee) up to 125 people, prepared by SBC Culinary Ministry. After said number, it is $75 for each group of 25 people.
If you choose to use the Fellowship Hall, tables, chairs, and garbage bags only will be provided by SBC, all other items needed for serving must be supplied by family or designated persons. The total fee would be reduced to $1,050. Someone from SBC will be present to oversee use of the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of a security deposit, you are held liable for any damages during the funeral and repast.
If the interment is more than a 30-minute drive away from the church, the repast will immediately follow the worship experience.
If you have any other questions, please contact the church office.