Out of respect for bereaved family members and all members and friends of Epworth, our pastors and staff use the following policy guidelines to communicate death and funeral information to the congregation:
- Our lead pastor will announce the death of a member, regular attender, or former pastor of the congregation at the beginning of the first Sunday worship after our staff learns of the death.
- Our Caring Staff Lead will include death information in the Joys and Concerns section of the bulletin (electronic and printed) on the first Wednesday after our staff learns of the death - included as a link in the Constant Contact the next Thursday
- Our Pastor of Media and Communication will include a link to the obituary and funeral information on the Sunday Announcement Page (including a link to the Announcement Page in the Constant Contact Thursday email) when the family and funeral home releases the obituary to the public
- Once our staff arranges funeral plans, if they are to take place at Epworth UMC, the staff will communicate the funeral (and repast, if one is planned) information and schedule with Epworth preschool staff, Boys and Girls Club staff, Food Ministry leaders, and other building users