SALT Parish FUNERAL/MEMORIAL SERVICE GUIDELINES
(Faith Lutheran Church, Culver; First Lutheran Church, Meadowlands;
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Saginaw; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Canyon)
Introduction:
We at the SALT Parish extend our deepest sympathy and support to you in this time of loss. These guidelines are intended to be helpful to you in planning your loved one’s service. We hope to provide a measure of comfort in the process and invite you to call Minister Dave Erdmann at 218-391-7951 if you have any questions or concerns.
Important: Funeral home staff will assist you in the planning process. If there is no funeral home staff to assist, it is up to the family to make the arrangements.
What To Do:
- Contact the funeral home or cremation service.
- Contact Minister Dave Erdmann at 218-391-7951 to set a date/time for the service, reception, and burial. Minister Dave presides at all funerals held in the churches of SALT Parish. By request of the family and the approval of Minister Dave, visiting clergy may assist in the service.
- Write the obituary and provide a copy to the funeral/cremation service, Duluth News Tribune and Minister Dave. A bulletin or program can be provided and printed at a small fee.
- Contact SALT Parish pianist, Stacy Johnson at 218-391-2286 if you wish to have music during the service. Use of another pianist must be approved by Stacy and Minister Dave. The churches of the SALT Parish do not have the equipment to broadcast prerecorded music.
- The family is responsible for providing food including dessert and serving unless prearranged with the caterer. You will also be asked to provide an approximate number of expected guests.
- Please keep in mind, the churches of SALT Parish do not have the capability of showing a video before or after the service.
- Consider whether you wish to display photo boards, floral arrangements or significant articles during the visitation or service. The churches do not have floral stands available. You may need to make these arrangements with the funeral home and/or florist.
- If the funeral/cremation service does not assist with arrangements for the committal, you will need to make those arrangements with the cemetery.
- Arrange for military honors (presentation of flag, taps, gun salute) by contacting the American Legion. Honors may be done at the church or cemetery but must be coordinated with Minister Dave.
- Meet with Minister Dave to plan the service. Minister Dave will help you select scripture readings, music, and other meaningful resources to make the service more personal. You will be asked if you wish to invite others to speak, in addition to Minster’s sermon.
- Designate someone to be your personal assistant on the day of the funeral. This person can fulfill several roles, including driving, coordinating child care, carrying flowers, food and cards from the church after the service.
Approved 4/2024