Online Funerals
At St. Luke Church, we offer online funeral services when circumstances make it difficult to gather in one place. The funeral service is an important way to appreciate our beloved and to grieve well. Though separated by distance, international borders, or inability to travel, we make it possible for family and friends to be together.
Streaming Technology
Our online funerals reveal the rich, time-honored Episcopal Burial service, personally adapted for each funeral. Seasoned officiants, expert musicianship, and clear and soulful readers give voice to sacred text and prayers.
As part of the 30-minute burial service, we include a community chat allowing attendees to communicate with one another, a funeral program, obituary, and space where attendees can share memories and condolences with the deceased’s primary family.
Funerals may also include recorded readings and reflections by loved ones, a Remembrance Video, Eucharist (communion) service, and other options.
Press and Testimonials
“Thank you SO VERY much for creating this beautiful, graceful, and moving celebration of my uncle’s life. I couldn’t have asked for anything better, aside from being there in person.” —Erin L.
“It was wonderful to be able to share with the whole family our grief of our brother’s passing. We all loved the pictures and the opportunity to share stories and happier times with us all together. Thank you so much for allowing us this final step.” —Judy G.
Featured in Episcopal News Service, the Renton Reporter, and The Living Church.
Care and Support
While we at St. Luke Church have the capacity to provide online funerals well, they are intended as a part of a larger journey of grief and loss and life. This work belongs to each of us, and it is best to do together and in person. Our times prevent us from this best practice. Please contact your local clergy or community support system for ongoing pastoral care.
Support pro bono funeralsWebpage
Each online funeral takes place on a personal, password-protected page on St. Luke Church’s website. After the service, St. Luke Church will host the funeral page for thirty days so those who could not attend the funeral may still participate in a way that better fits their schedule.
Readings
You may choose Scripture and/or poetry from our list of suggested readings, or you may offer other readings that reflect your loved one’s disposition toward the sacred or enlightened consciousness. If you would like to use alternative readings we will ensure they reflect the intended dignity of the service. Please be aware that many poems, especially contemporary poems, are copyrighted and require permissions and the payment of royalties.*
Music
Our funerals are rich with instrumental music selected and performed by our expert music staff. The music in a typical Episcopal funeral includes a prelude and hymn in the entrance rite, instrumental music between readings, before the commendation, and during the procession out. The music will be selected for the occasion by our Director of Music.
Should you wish to choose the music played or have more or less music than the typical service, please include the “Choice of Music” option below. You may select music that resonates uniquely to your loved one and/or community from our list of suggested music for the prelude, postlude, and other music during the service.
You are welcome to suggest alternative music selections. Please be aware that many musical pieces, especially contemporary or popular songs, are copyrighted and require permissions and the payment of royalties.*
You may also select a soloist, ensemble, or additional instrumentalists by including the “Soloist or additional instrumentalists” option below.
Additional Options
100+ attendees $100/$200
If you expect 100 or more attendees, St. Luke Church will increase the website’s bandwidth and chat capabilities to better accommodate high web traffic. $100 if funeral service only; $200 if funeral service and Zoom reception.
Choice of Music $300
The funeral service includes instrumental music selected by our Director of Music, variously played on organ, piano, harpsichord, viola, and piano. If you desire, you may choose particular musical pieces from our list of options. You may choose 2–3 musical pieces for prelude and postlude, 1–2 pieces for within the service, and 1 piece for the Remembrance Video (if applicable). Please be aware that many musical pieces, especially contemporary or popular songs, are copyrighted and require permissions and the payment of royalties.*
*RoyaltiesVaries
If you choose a musical piece or reading outside of St. Luke Church’s list of suggestions, St. Luke Church will contact the publisher and relay to you the costs of purchasing rights for the work you would like to include in the funeral. Most permissions take a week’s time to obtain; however, please be aware that depending on the publisher, the process of obtaining rights for a poem or piece of music may be prolonged and costly.
Soloist or additional instrumentalists$200/musician
St. Luke Church can provide soprano or tenor soloists and other instrumentalists: organ, piano, harpsichord, viola, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, trombone, trumpet, clarinet, and/or cello.
No Music/Said Service$0
Songs are omitted and/or chants are said.
Reflections or performances by loved ones $100 each
Reflections, readings, or musical performances by loved ones may be included in the funeral. All materials must be pre-recorded (audio and video) and sent to St. Luke Church at least 72 hours before the funeral. St. Luke Church’s can only provide minimal editing (raising or lowering overall volume, removing extra footage before/after the reading).
Personalized Sermon $300
After an email and/or phone conversation with you, The Rev. Kevin Pearson will prepare a homily specific to your loved one.
Eucharist/Communion $100
Funeral services often include the practice of communion or Eucharist (Mass) said in honor of your beloved. The deceased will be mentioned in the Offertory prayer and Communion will be taken by the priest and server, with spiritual communion extended to all.
Remembrance Video $300
A video of 20–40 photos that plays at the beginning of the funeral. The video will be 2–3 minutes long with instrumental music selected by St. Luke’s music director. If you would like to choose the music for the video, please select the option “Choice of Music.” You will receive a digital copy of the memorial slideshow. An example Remembrance Video is available here.
Recording $50
You will receive a digital recording of the funeral.
Schedule a Funeral
Feel free to read through the available options and jot down readings, music, and other selections you would like. When you are ready to schedule a funeral:
- Scroll down and select either a funeral service only or a funeral service with Zoom reception afterward
- On the following page, select Additional Options (“extras”)
- Reserve a day and time
- Provide your contact information, chosen readings, and other details
- Read and accept the terms and conditions
- Confirm and pay
- Your payment method will be charged, and your reservation will appear as “pending.” We will respond as soon as possible, usually within hours. If unable to accommodate the date you’ve chosen, special music selections, or reading selections, St. Luke Church will contact you with alternatives or provide a full refund.
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