I give you a new commandment: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must love one another. By this shall all people know you are My disciples, if you love one another.

John 13:34-35

The Hospitality Ministry and Pastoral Care Ministry of Holy Cross Faith Memorial have joined forces to minister to families at the time of the death of a family member. This joint effort will be known as the Bereavement Ministry and will be co-chaired by Kris Southard and Marsha Smith.

Guidelines

Upon the death of an HCFM member, spouse of a member, child of a member, or parent of a member whose service is conducted by HCFM, the following general guidelines will be followed:

• Contact will be made to the church office of the death. The office number is 237-3459.
• The church office will then inform one of the Co-chairs of the Bereavement Committee.
• Kris Southard – 833-3616 or 235-3386; Marsha Smith – 215-8134 or 301-580-6794; If neither are available, Beth Chaplin – 359-2486
• HCFM Clergy will visit with the family and discuss particulars about the needs of the family at this time, including the food options. They will, in turn, contact one of the Bereavement Ministry Co-chairs.
• If desired by the family, the Bereavement Ministry can provide a reception at HCFM the day of the funeral, either prior to or following the service.  The Bereavement Ministry will contact a team from a list of volunteers to arrange this reception of cookies, nuts, lemonade, iced tea or punch. More substantial food items, such as finger sandwiches, ham biscuits, etc. can be made available also.
• The Flower Guild will be able to provide flowers for the altar for funeral services. In cases where a funeral is held on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, the flowers from the Sunday service may be used (if they are appropriate to the family and as long as the Flower Guild is notified on Sunday prior to disassembling the arrangements). If the family wishes to use another florist, please call the church for specific dimensions for the altar stands.