Whenever a member or friend of the Steel Lake Presbyterian Church worshipping community dies, this congregation wants to reach out with love and hope to all who grieve.  No one needs to bear bereavement alone.  But all can be sustained by the power of the Spirit and the community of faith.  

Planning Ahead: Because it is difficult under emotional stress to plan wisely, the session encourages members to discuss and plan in advance the arrangements which will be necessary at the time of death.  These plans should provide for arrangements that are simple, which bear witness to resurrection hope, and in which the Christian community is central.  Steel Lake Presbyterian Church maintains a confidential file for those who wish to submit service plans to the church office or pastoral staff.  A funeral or memorial service planning sheet is included at the end of A Guide for Planning Memorials and Funerals to help members in making these plans.

When Someone Is Near Death: The pastoral staff will also wish to be engaged in ministry to the terminally ill and their families. Whenever someone is near death, Pastor Brent Anderson should be notified without delay. He can be reached at the following phone numbers: (office) 253-839-1210 or (cell) 206-653-6169.The pastor and/or deacons are available to pray with family and friends before, during, and after the time of death. Formal prayer services, and informal prayer and support, are available at all times.  Our deacons are ready to assist all families in need.

When Someone Has Died: Call the church immediately.  No one should be forced to face the event of death alone. When death is unexpected, it is an even more debilitating experience. The Christian community is a sustaining and uplifting resource. Before anything else is done, the Session strongly urges that the pastor be notified.  The pastor and deacons stand ready to assist the family with any of the details which need to be attended to.  The pastor and/or deacons are available to go with the family to the funeral home and aid in the arrangements. Upon receiving the call, the pastor will initiate a network of care, contacting the deacon and other appropriate people with the information so that proper care of the family can be extended on behalf of the congregation.