Memorial services to honor loved ones who have passed on are often very personal occasions. In Unitarian Universalist congregations, we usually customize the service to the individual we are memorializing. It will typically include the following elements:

• A eulogy
• Poems and other readings
• Prayer or meditation
• A time to remember the deceased with stories and memories
• Hymn singing or other music
• A time for personal reflection

Memorial services can be held in a range of settings, and can take place any time after someone’s death: from a few days to months later. We may also include non-traditional activities to specially honor the memory of the individual:

• A release ceremony
• A Memorial Stone Station
• Handing out living memorials
• Themed clothing

An Experienced Religious Professional Can Help

Even if families wish to “celebrate” the life of a loved one, memorial services are often occasions when the complexities of grief and family dynamics arise. Because these are tender and powerful dynamics, it’s advisable to invite an experienced religious professional to help plan, and lead, the service.

Our minister is available to assist you in designing and officiating a memorial service to reflect your loved one’s unique personality and values. This service is offered at no cost to our members.

Non-members can inquire as to our minister’s schedule and fees by contacting Rev. Juniper Meadows at minister@2uomaha.org. You may also visit our rental page to learn about our space for a variety of events, including a memorial service, a post-memorial meal, or a reunion.

Preplan Your Service

A memorial service is often developed by the family of the deceased and the presiding minister. Other times, the deceased would like certain things said or sung at the service and may plan for that ahead of time.

Preplanning your memorial service is not only a meaningful exercise for yourself, but a very touching gift and comfort to your loved ones in their time of loss and grief. If you wish to preplan, Second Unitarian has created a set of questions to help you personalize your service. Make sure your family is aware of your plan so this information will be accessed when the time comes. Even if you are not a member, you are welcome to use these questions to create your own plan.

We offer the same set of questions in two different formats:

My Memorial Service – Google form (Your responses will be sent to your email inbox. You may revise your plan as needed.)

My Memorial Service – Copy & Paste (You may copy and paste the questions into your own word processor.)

If you wish to inform Second Unitarian of your completed plans, please email them to info@2uomaha.org or send them to our office at:

Second Unitarian Church of Omaha
Attn: Office Administrator
3012 S. 119 St.
Omaha, NE 68144