Planning A Celebration of Life!
Countryside Funeral Services
The day a loved one dies can be one of the most difficult days of your life. In the days following, you will be faced with many decisions. We have prepared this information as a guide to assist you when making funeral arrangements. It is our hope that this information will help make the arrangement process easier and make your burden a little lighter. If you have any questions, please email or call 785-266-7541. We are always ready to help!
pastors & staff
Rev. Dr. Paul Wilke
Senior Pastor
Rev. Jeff Potter
Associate Pastor
Rev. Nancy Gammill
Pastor of Congregational Care
Pastoral staff at Countryside must be contacted prior to arrangements concerning service times, meals/receptions, or use of facilities.
Additionally, you may contact Heather Hoffmans, Office Administator for assistance.
dinners & receptions
Countryside United Women in Faith (UWF) coordinate and serve funeral dinners or receptions on the day of the funeral either before or after the service.
Dinners/receptions are offered for:
- church members/spouses
- any funeral held at the church
There is no charge, but donation towards UMW mission is greatly appreciated. Choose from a deli tray and salads or a cookie & coffee reception.
suggested honorariums
Pastor - $200
Organist / Pianist - $150
Vocalist / Instrumentalist - $75
Sound Technician - $50
Custodial - $50
w/dinner or reception (additional) $50,
Total Custodial - $100
Bulletins if requested, an appropriate cost will apply.
If a funeral home is not involved, the following additional will apply:
Funeral liaison- $150
Additional custodial - $50
Checks made payable to the individuals assisting with the funeral service may be given to the funeral home (if involved) or the Countryside Funeral Liaison for distribution. Ask for names of individuals assisting with funeral services if not given to you.
memorial garden
The Memorial Garden provides a final resting place in a sacred space. It is a place of quiet solace where family and friends can come and give God gratitude. The Garden is open to current members of Countryside and their immediate family.
Set north of the Chapel, the Memorial Garden offers a serene final resting place outdoors.
Burial is for cremains only, and plots may hold two family members (spouses).
Bronze markers with name, birth and death years may be ordered though the church office, 785-266-7541.
Memorial Gifts & Grief Support
Memorial contributions may be designated for Countryside United Methodist Church. All contributors will be acknowledged with a note of appreciation from the church. The family will receive a list of contributors for personal acknowledgement purposes, as well as a grand total of all memorial gifts and a list of suggested items for use of the memorial funds. For more information, contact Brenda Bauman Swank
Grief and Loss Support is offered by pastors and staff standing by to be of help to you in your time of sorrow. Do not hesitate to call on us when you have suffered a loss of a love one, whether it is a spouse, family member, or friend.
Workshops, helpful resources and other sources of information are available through our Care Ministry team. Contact the church office for more information, 785-266-7541 or cumc@countrysideumc.org.