As people of faith, we live each day trusting in God’s promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Even as we celebrate the gift of life here and now, we also hold fast to the assurance that “neither death, nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:38–39). During the All Saints Day services at the Brighton Campus we heard a personal testimony from our Director of Music Susan Kimball about the importance of doing advance planning.

One of the most meaningful gifts we can offer to our loved ones and to our church family is to make our wishes known for how we would like our lives to be remembered and celebrated when our lives end. To help with this, our congregation is offering an Advance Planning Form for Your Celebration of Life Service.

This form gives you the opportunity to:

• Record your favorite hymns, scriptures, and special readings
• Share reflections or personal messages of faith
• Indicate any preferences for your service location or participants
• Ensure your loved ones know your wishes, offering them comfort and clarity in a difficult time

Completing this form is a way of living out our Methodist belief in grace by caring for others through thoughtful preparation. If you do not feel comfortable completing the form in its entirety, it is fine to leave answers blank. It’s also a way to witness to your faith, leaving a message of hope and trust in God that will speak to those who gather in your memory.

Forms are available in the church office or online. Once completed, you may keep a copy for your records, share it with loved ones and, if you wish, you can share one with the church office so it can be kept securely on file.

If you would like guidance or simply wish to talk through your choices, any of the pastors would be honored to meet with you. Together, we can help ensure that your service reflects your faith and the story of God’s grace in your life.

Thank you for considering this important and faithful step. May God bless you with peace and assurance as you reflect on the gift of your life and the eternal hope we share.

Rev. Jon Reynolds