Bereavement Ministry

Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church

Funeral Policy

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be conformed .” Matthew 5:4

The Pastor, Deacons and Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church family have joined in prayer as you grieve the passing of your loved one. May you know the Lord’s comfort and may His love surround you during this time of loss.

Policy and Procedures

Amendment to RSMBC Funeral Policy: COVID-19
In light of the current pandemic, we are implementing the following precautions to ensure the safety of our staff and members. Medical experts have determined that funerals serve as ‘super spreaders’ of the COVID-19 virus. Due to the danger of the virus and the need to social distance, there will be no funerals held in the sanctuary until further notice. Pastor Canady will preside over graveside services or funerals by Zoom, but he will not preside over indoor funeral services.

We realize that this is a sensitive time, so the following procedures have been established to ensure that a timely and compassionate response is provided. Please understand that the funeral policy has been put in place so that we may best serve you.

We will do our very best to honor your requests as we remember that Home Going Services are worship services designed to comfort and encourage the family and bring glory and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Who should I contact?

The family of the deceased should contact the Minister of Congregational Care. The Church Secretary may secure information that is needed to assist the church in making funeral arrangements and forward the information to the MCC, who will attempt to schedule a personal visit with the family.  The MCC will then determine availability of the Pastor and the Minister of Worship and Arts and communicate this information to the family.

Description of Services

Rodman will host funerals for members only, their children, and parents. We will provide the following services:

• Use of Sanctuary
• Clergy to officiate service
• Music (musicians, choir or soloist, if available)
• Programs (up to 150 color programs)
• Use of Lower Level Auditorium for repast
  • RSMBC will cover cost for 50 people.
  • Family of deceased will be assessed $8.50 per person over 50 people.

Please Note: Families are not permitted to bring food for the repast and feeding limit may not exceed 200 people.  Fees must be paid at least 48 hours in advance. No personal checks.

The menu includes chicken, macaroni and cheese, another starch, green beans, rolls, dessert and beverage.  Table set up and utensils are also provided.

Please Note: The status of membership will be confirmed by the Minister of Congregational Care and/or Church Secretary. Only those individuals who have completed requirements for membership and are active members will be considered members of RSMBC.

Date and Time of Funerals

Dates and times for funerals at RSMBC are to be arranged in consultation with the Pastor based on availability and the preferences of the family. The Pastor will approve all funeral arrangements at RSMBC. Decisions concerning areas outside the scope of this funeral policy shall be decided at the discretion of the Pastor. Also note that funeral services will need to be planned around already scheduled events such as weddings, conferences, trainings, etc.

Viewings will take place on the day of the funeral. The deceased will lie in state for two hours prior to the start of the funeral.

Who Will Officiate?

The Pastor of RSMBC officiates all funerals at Rodman unless by agreement another Pastor/minister is invited to share in the funeral or act on behalf of the Pastor.  Any requests for another Pastor or minister to officiate or assist in the service must be approved by the Pastor.

Funeral Music

As with weddings, a funeral is a service of Christian worship. Only music appropriate to a worship service will be used. Therefore, taped instrumental and accompaniment music, guest soloists and guest musicians must be approved by the Minister of Worship and Arts.

Floral Arrangements

A plant and Letter of Condolence will be sent on behalf of the church when a nuclear family member (spouse and children) passes.  In the event that a member’s parent or sibling passes the church will send a Letter of Condolence.

Revised 2.21.2020

Effective January 2020

Policy and Procedures

We realize that this is a sensitive time, so the following procedures have been established to ensure that a timely and compassionate response is provided. Please understand that the funeral policy has been put in place so that we may best serve you.

We will do our very best to honor your requests as we remember that Home Going Services are worship services designed to comfort and encourage the family and bring glory and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Who should I contact?

The family of the deceased should contact the Minister of Congregational Care. The Church Secretary may secure information that is needed to assist the church in making funeral arrangements and forward the information to the MCC, who will attempt to schedule a personal visit with the family.  The MCC will then determine availability of the Pastor and the Minister of Worship and Arts and communicate this information to the family.

Description of Services

Rodman will host funerals for members only, their children, and parents. We will provide the following services:

• Use of Sanctuary
• Clergy to officiate service
• Music (musicians, choir or soloist, if available)
• Programs (up to 150 color programs)
• Use of Lower Level Auditorium for repast
  • RSMBC will cover cost for 50 people.
  • Family of deceased will be assessed $8.50 per person over 50 people.

Please Note: Families are not permitted to bring food for the repast and feeding limit may not exceed 200 people.  Fees must be paid at least 48 hours in advance. No personal checks.

The menu includes chicken, macaroni and cheese, another starch, green beans, rolls, dessert and beverage.  Table set up and utensils are also provided.

Please Note: The status of membership will be confirmed by the Minister of Congregational Care and/or Church Secretary. Only those individuals who have completed requirements for membership and are active members will be considered members of RSMBC.

Date and Time of Funerals

Dates and times for funerals at RSMBC are to be arranged in consultation with the Pastor based on availability and the preferences of the family. The Pastor will approve all funeral arrangements at RSMBC. Decisions concerning areas outside the scope of this funeral policy shall be decided at the discretion of the Pastor. Also note that funeral services will need to be planned around already scheduled events such as weddings, conferences, trainings, etc.

Viewings will take place on the day of the funeral. The deceased will lie in state for two hours prior to the start of the funeral.

Who Will Officiate?

The Pastor of RSMBC officiates all funerals at Rodman unless by agreement another Pastor/minister is invited to share in the funeral or act on behalf of the Pastor.  Any requests for another Pastor or minister to officiate or assist in the service must be approved by the Pastor.

Funeral Music

As with weddings, a funeral is a service of Christian worship. Only music appropriate to a worship service will be used. Therefore, taped instrumental and accompaniment music, guest soloists and guest musicians must be approved by the Minister of Worship and Arts.

Floral Arrangements

A plant and Letter of Condolence will be sent on behalf of the church when a nuclear family member (spouse and children) passes.  In the event that a member’s parent or sibling passes the church will send a Letter of Condolence.

Revised 2.21.2020

Effective January 2020