We worship each Sunday for about an hour. Lay leaders assist the pastor, reading the prayers and scripture. The pastor’s sermons, while based on scripture readings, are relevant to today. There is time to share congregational announcements, joys, concerns, and prayers.
Music is important to us: eclectic, rich and varied, it may include traditional Protestant hymns as well as anthems and contemporary hymns sung by our choir, music provided by organ, piano, virginal, or guest musicians who sing or play guitar, flute, violin, or harp.
The prelude, postlude, offertory, and other portions of the service provide musical offerings ranging from Bach or Handel to John Williams, Bob Dylan, Irving Berlin, the Beatles, The Sound of Music or The Wizard of Oz, spirituals, Shaker tunes, jazz, and more.
Our members come from varied religious backgrounds, and as a congregation, we embrace that diversity, enjoy learning about it, and will always welcome anyone to worship with us.
We are a United Church of Christ congregation, a community of faith that seeks to respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. The UCC denomination was founded in 1957 as the union of several different Christian traditions: from the beginning of our history, we were a church that affirmed the ideal that Christians do not always have to agree to live together in communion. Our motto “that they may all be one” is Jesus’ prayer for the unity of the church. The UCC is one of the most diverse Christian churches in the United States.
We are a warm and friendly group — new visitors are welcomed and encouraged to attend our after-service fellowship. We draw people (from 30 to 50 on any given Sunday) from Kenwood, Glen Ellen, Oakmont, the Sonoma Valley, and the Santa Rosa area.
Members greet each other warmly as old friends would, as many of our members are just that and have been worshiping together for many, many years. Our congregation is very tolerant and we love to laugh and enjoy life.
Each and every Sunday immediately following the worship service we retire to the social hall for coffee and refreshments. It is here that many visitors and new members truly begin to feel part of the family. This is a time of great joy, laughter, friendship, and love and it renews our spirit for the week ahead. Potluck dinners occur on the second Sunday of every month and are a much-anticipated event. We are very enthusiastic about community involvement and the congregation offers full support to church events.
The congregation enjoys the non-intrusive style of the church and shows reverence and respect for each individual’s search for further spiritual knowledge and a closer relationship to God. Our moments together are a calming presence in what can be otherwise hectic lives.
Introduction
A Funeral or Memorial Service is a unique and sacred opportunity to intentionally pause in the midst of our mourning for the loss of a loved one. A service that draws together family and friends provides a time to celebrate the ways in which God’s grace was made manifest in the one who passed away, and to remember the promise that in Jesus Christ, death itself has been overcome.
Our goal here at Kenwood Community Church is to honor and celebrate the life of your loved one in the context of God’s power to sustain us; to bring the hope that comes from the promise of eternal life; and to provide support, assurance and comfort to you during your time of loss and grief.
Our church building is available for Funerals or Memorial Services of congregants, friends, and community members; all are welcomed here. Our Pastor will handle the details of the service with you, and your wishes will be of paramount importance.
Where To Begin
Upon the death of a family member, our Pastor should be notified as soon as possible, so that we may assist you and provide you with appropriate support and care.
Our Pastor will meet with you and your family to discuss your wishes for the Funeral or Memorial Service. What date and time will work for most members of your family? Who might give the Eulogy or offer some stories, memories, or poems about your loved one? What kind of Scripture would be appropriate? What music and hymns would be comforting? How about flowers, photos, and a guest book? Might there be a reception afterwards at a nearby venue? Where should Memorial Donations be sent? These are all questions that you and your family will be considering.
You will receive assistance in your planning from the Pastor, Music Director, Memorial Committee, and Church Secretary as you design an event that is fitting for your family.
The goal is to help you create a service for family and friends that honors your loved one in faith and with gratitude.
Planning the Service
Our Pastor will officiate all Funerals and Memorial Services held at Kenwood Community Church, though another pastor is welcomed to assist. Family and friends are also invited to be part of the service through delivering eulogies and sharing stories and memories. All this adds to the beauty of the service and helps honor the life of your loved one.
While every Service is unique, most Memorials and Funerals include the following elements:
*Musical Prelude
*Words of Greeting
*Hymns and Songs
*Scripture Readings
*Eulogy, Words of Remembrance
*Prayers, incl. the Lord’s Prayer
*Words of Commendation
*Benediction
*Musical Postlude
Bulletins for the Memorial Service or Funeral can be prepared in the church office.
Flowers in the Sanctuary should be tastefully placed, with final approval by the Pastor. Additional flower arrangements may be placed in the Narthex / Lobby.
Photos or other memorabilia may be displayed on a table in front of the altar or in the Narthex. Display easels are available for your use during the service.
The principal use of Music during the service shall be religious. Secular music may fit more appropriately at the reception; please discuss this with our Pastor or Music Director. Here are some musical examples:
*Classical Music: Air (J.S. Bach)
*Psalms set to music:
The Lord Is My Shepherd
*Traditional hymns:
Amazing Grace, Beautiful Savior
*Contemporary Hymns:
On Eagle’s Wings, I Will Rise
*Patriotic Hymns:
Eternal Father, Strong to Save.
Guidelines and Fees
Kenwood Church is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted in the building or on church grounds.
Sanctuary capacity is 75 guests.
Payment prior to the service is greatly appreciated, so that no one has to worry about this afterwards.
Pastor Honorarium $ 400
Organist/Pianist $ 300
Sanctuary Use $ 400
Bulletin Preparation $ 150
Zooming the Service $ 200
YouTube Posting $ 100
For church members, the use of the facilities is free of charge, and the pastor honorarium is optional.
Contact Information
Memorial Committee
Dorothy Green - 707-536-6561
and [email protected]
Church Secretary
Taija Aguirre - 707-833-1087 and Email [email protected]
