At one of the most difficult times in life, when the death of a loved one occurs, one of the first responsibilities of family members involves meeting with a funeral director to discuss arrangements for the deceased. Part of that discussion will involve deciding if there is a specific organization(s) to which memorial gifts can be donated by those wishing to remember your loved one in this way.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church has welcomed these gifts for many years and sincerely appreciates being the recipient of designated memorial gifts. Through the years, many of our worship items have been purchased and many enhancements to our facility have been made using money donated through these generous acts of remembrance. These gifts have enhanced our ministry and outreach.

When Prince of Peace is designated as a recipient of memorial gifts, families are contacted about a month after the funeral and provided with information which allows them to decide how they would like the money used. Families can request that the money be placed into one of five funds, so that as needs arise in the church, purchases can be made in a timely manner through the decisions of the Memorial Committee and/or Church Council. If a family has a specific idea for use of the money, that request is also given careful consideration.

The following are the 5 categories into which memorial money can be placed:

1) Music Fund: Gifts in this fund could be used for any item that deals with the Music Ministry at Prince of Peace. Examples would be: choir music, upgrading/replacing the recording/sound system, hymnals, choir robes, additional bells and chimes, musical instruments, and organ replacement/repair.

2) Youth Fund: Gifts in this fund could be used for any item that deals with the Youth Ministry at Prince of Peace. Examples would be: a video series for Christian Education of the youth, “camperships” for youth for summer church camp, scholarships for youth events, and programs to enhance the ministry for the youth.

3) Sanctuary Enhancements: Gifts in this fund could be used for any item that deals with the Sanctuary (altar area, actual worship space, and gathering area of the church). Examples of such items would be: wedding kneeler, refurbishing/replacement of altar ware, altar cloths, vestments, stoles, refurbishing costs, usher stands/tables, and acolyte supplies.

4) Special Projects: Gifts in this fund could be used for any special project at the discretion of the Church Council. It would be understood that monies in this fund would not be used to pay regular bills. Examples of special projects would be: painting, roof repair, lighting, and remodeling.

5) Ministry Fund: Gifts in this fund could be used to help sponsor special ministry associated with the congregational life of Prince of Peace. Examples would be: costs of special speakers, specific outreach ministries, and scholarships for attending an ELCA university and/or seminary.

Now is a good time to talk with your family about the decisions that will need to be made after you or your loved ones are gone. Remembering your church and designating Prince of Peace as a recipient of memorial donations can be one way to make that final loving gesture.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact one of the members of our Memorial Committee.

Norma Ballard
Barb DeLand
Carol Kamprath
Pastor Kerr