Funeral and Memorial Services are an important part of the ministry of our church community. These services vary in order to meet the needs of the family. With the help of the presiding, Bethany-appointed pastor, we take special care to provide guidance, to personalize the service, and to assist the family in this difficult time. Such a service is first and foremost a worship service, and involves the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Choosing to hold your loved one’s end-of-life service at Bethany or under the leadership of a Bethany pastor indicates your agreement to be guided by the presiding pastor in accordance with basic Christian beliefs, liturgy of the Methodist Church, and specific procedures of this particular church.
Services on campus are normally held Monday through Thursday during business hours. Services may also be held on Fridays or Saturdays before noon, depending on space, pastor, and staff availability. Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings and Sundays are reserved for worship and other ministry activities and therefore are not available for funerals and memorial services.
Honorariums and fees:
- Facility Usage Fee - $400 (Member rate is discounted)
- Pastors Presiding and Assisting at Services – no fee is required since pastors understand funerals and memorials to be a part of their ministry. Often an honorarium is provided by the family as an expression of thankfulness for pastoral support. Honorariums may range from $200-$400 depending on the extent of the pastoral support which has been provided. If travel out of town is involved, please consider covering the pastor’s travel expense.
- Musical Support: Accompanist, Song Leader, Special Music – $150 pre musician. Availability varies. Options may include: voice, organ, piano.
- Sound/Multi-media Technician – $50 for operating sound and multi-media such as slide or video tribute. The fee will be increased to $100 if the technician develops the tribute as well. An mp4 slide show must be provided at least two days in advance to guarantee it can be used during the service.
- Support or Custodian/Set-Up Staff – $75 facilities fee.
- Reception Services - $150-$300 for services and materials. Availability varies.
Payment: A single check may be made to the Bethany UMC Memorial Fund and mailed or dropped off at the Finance Office at Bethany UMC (10010 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, TX 78750)