The death of a loved one is an overwhelming experience. Not only must we deal with the feelings of grief and loss, but we must also deal with the pressure of planning a memorial service. First Baptist Tulsa is honored to serve you in developing a meaningful time of remembering your loved one. Call (918) 594-5000 to speak with us.
If planned appropriately, a memorial service should be between 30-45 minutes. A memorial service may include the following elements:
Eulogy
Perhaps the most meaningful part of a memorial service is a friend or family member speaking directly about a person they love. We would recommend you choose one, or at most two people, to share their thoughts. Generally four minutes per speaker is appropriate. We ask that each person write out their thoughts, not only to stay on track, but also to equip the minister to finish reading the comments should the speaker be unable to continue.
Music
Your family will want to select two or three songs that are meaningful to you or were special to the deceased. Recorded music is acceptable as is congregational singing. First Baptist Tulsa will also assist in providing vocalists and accompanists. We would encourage the family to remember the musicians and sound engineer in their gifts of appreciation. All musical selections are subject to approval by the worship ministry office.
Video
One video per service is appropriate. We recommend that a video composed of pictures and music not exceed the length of two songs (about 6 minutes). If the family wishes to produce a longer video, we recommend the video be shown as people are entering and leaving the memorial service. Because of technical considerations, the video must be delivered to the church 24 hours before the memorial service.
Message
A funeral message given by our ministerial staff will be about ten minutes in length. We would like to meet with your family in order to listen to your stories and to plan the memorial service.
Other Considerations
Family Room
If the memorial service is hosted at First Baptist Tulsa, we will make a room available to your family to provide privacy before or after the service.
Cost
If the memorial service is planned during normal operating hours, there is no cost for the memorial service. However, if a memorial service is scheduled after normal hours or during weekends, there may be a nominal fee for security and janitorial personnel.
Funeral Services
First Baptist Tulsa has a good relationship with funeral homes in the area. Once you have selected a funeral home, please inform the church (918)587-1571 so that we can be in communication with them. We specifically request that all flowers delivered to the church be received by the funeral home or the family the day of the service. Otherwise, they will be disregarded.
We are here to serve. Our goal is to honor your loved one and Jesus Christ through the memory of a life well-lived.
Suggested Songs for Congregational Singing:
• Amazing Grace
• Great Is Thy Faithfulness
• What a Friend We have in Jesus
• How Great Thou Art
• Because He Lives
• Old Rugged Cross
• It is Well
• My Jesus I Love Thee
• How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
• In Christ Alone
Suggested Songs for Solos:
• How Great Thou Art
• Great Is Thy Faithfulness
• I Can Only Imagine
• Be At Rest
• I Will Rise