Guidelines for Funderals or Memorial Services

Scheduling a Funeral
If you would like to hold a funeral or memorial service at CPC, please contact the church office (908) 273-0441.

The Church's Responsibilities
The Bereavement Committee of the Board of Deacons of Central Presbyterian Church officiates at all receptions held after memorial and funeral services.

The Church does not provide food for funeral or memorial receptions. Receptions are held in the Fellowship Room which is set up by the Committee. This set-up includes a formal table with a floral arrangement, silver service, cups, saucers, spoons, coffee, tea, lemon, and cream or milk. Members of the Bereavement Committee also officiate at the table as servers and in the church kitchen.

The Fellowship Room can comfortably hold between 60 to 80 people, standing room only. There is a suggested donation of $100 for the use of this room. The church will be responsible for cleaning up after the reception.

The Family's Responsibilities
The family must inform the church of their plans, including number of guests expected and the kinds of refreshments which will be provided, at least 24 hours before the reception. This information may be faxed to the church at (908) 273-0444 or dropped off at the church office. The liaison for all receptions is the Administrative Assistant for Pastoral Care and Missions, at (908) 273-0441. Please address all correspondence to her.

The family is asked to provide the food and bring it to the church or have it delivered to the church prior to the service, or hire a caterer to cover the reception. If a caterer is hired, the church must be given their name and telephone number, along with a complete menu. The caterer must coordinate delivery of food with the church office before the reception.

It is suggested that the menu be kept simple: for example, small sandwiches, cookies, or a fruit platter. Cold beverages may also be included. If the caterer is not providing paper products such as plates, napkins, toothpicks, and cold beverage cups, the family must provide these. Caterers hired by the family may send assistants if they wish, to set up and help in the clean-up.

The Staff and Board of Deacons of Central Presbyterian Church hope that this information will assist you in the planning of a memorable funeral reception for your family.

Caterers in the area:

Cafe Beethoven
262 Main Street, Chatham
(973) 635-0005

Chez Barbara
3 Beechwood Road, Summit
(908) 522-9091

Kings Supermarket
784 Springfield Avenue, Summit
(908) 598-4502

Natales Summit Bakery
185 Broad Street, Summit
(908) 277-2074

Shop-Rite Supermarket
727 Morris Turnpike, Springfield
(973) 376-3028

Towne Delicatessen
810 Old Springfield Avenue, Summit
(908) 464-5400