Join us for worship this Sunday at 8:30 am & 10:00 am.

Click here to make your Commitment 2025 pledge!

  • Skip to social links
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Subscribe
LAUMC Home

Los Altos United Methodist Church

Connection. Compassion. Courage. So All May Flourish.

  • Home
  • New to LAUMC
  • About
    • Online Directory
    • Our Pastors & Staff
      • Staff Directory
      • Employment
    • Our Lay Leadership
    • Our Preschool
    • Links, Resources & Forms
  • News & Events
    • News & Events
    • Event Registration
    • Calendar
      • Newsletters
    • Prayer Concerns
  • Worship & Music
    • LAUMC Live!
    • Bulletins & Service Archives
    • Music & Choirs
    • Baptisms
    • Weddings
    • Memorials & Funerals at LAUMC
  • Grow in Faith
    • Children’s and Family Ministry at LAUMC
      • Sunday School
      • Children’s Center Preschool
    • gen2gen@LAUMC (Seniors/Wisdom Generation)
    • Youth’s Ministry
      • High School
      • Middle School
      • Confirmation
      • Scholarships
      • Forms, Fliers & Schedules
      • Starfire Tour Website
    • Scholarships
    • Adults
      • GroupLife Small Groups
      • Membership
      • Study Groups
      • Support & Care
      • Fellowship & Recreation
      • United Methodist Women
    • Find a Group
  • Serve
    • At Los Altos UMC
    • In the Community
      • Compassion Week
      • Hope’s Corner
      • Other Volunteer Opportunities
    • Our Neighbor’s House
    • The Changemaker Initiative
    • Front Porch
    • Beyond the Bay Area
    • Social Justice
  • Give
    • Donate Online
    • Special Offerings
    • Legacy Giving
    • My Giving
  • Contact
    • Maps & Directions
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Memorials and Funerals

Memorials & Funerals at Los Altos United Methodist Church (LAUMC)

Funeral, memorial casket, flowers grieving.

At LAUMC, we understand that the passing of a loved one is a deeply emotional and challenging time. Our community is here to walk with you in your grief, offering comfort, support, and a place to gather as we honor and celebrate the life of your loved one.

Our caring team is ready to help you create a meaningful service that reflects your loved one’s legacy, offering space for remembrance, connection, and healing.

Caring for You During This Difficult Time

We are honored to offer our church as a place of solace where families and friends can come together in support and love. Whether you are a member of our congregation or someone in need of compassionate care, LAUMC is here for you in this critical time. Our pastors and Memorials Ministry team are ready to offer the pastoral support and care you need.

Requesting a Memorial or Funeral Service

When you are ready, you can begin the process by contacting our Congregational Care Ministry team, who will walk alongside you as you plan the details of the service. You can reach us by calling (650) 948-1083 or by emailing [email protected]. We understand that this is a tender moment, and our priority is to offer you the guidance and space you need to make decisions that feel right for you and your family.

Planning the Service with Compassion and Care

One of our LAUMC pastors will guide the service, offering prayers, scripture, and words of hope. Should you wish to include another pastor, or invite someone close to your family to co-officiate, we are more than happy to accommodate those requests.

We will work closely with you to design a service that is personal and meaningful. You may choose to include favorite readings, music, and reflections from family and friends. Our Memorials Coordinator will assist you in every step, from selecting music to preparing a program and ensuring that the service is a true reflection of the life we are remembering.

Creating a Space for Healing

A funeral service typically takes place soon after the passing of your loved one, often with the casket or urn present. Memorial services, on the other hand, allow for more time and are often held weeks or months later, creating a space for shared reflections and stories. Both services offer the opportunity to honor the person’s life, surrounded by those who loved them.

Services can be scheduled at a time that works best for your family, and we will do everything possible to accommodate your preferences. We know how important it is to create a service that feels like a true celebration of life, and we are here to help make that possible.

Order of Service

Every service is unique, shaped by the life and spirit of the person being honored. A typical memorial service may include:
• Musical Prelude
• Welcome and Prayer
• Remembrances and Reflections
• Visual Tributes (such as a slide show or video)
• Readings (Scripture, poetry, or other meaningful words)
• Music (soloists, instrumentalists, or congregational singing)
• A Brief Homily or Message
• Closing Prayer and Blessing
• Musical Postlude

We encourage family members and close friends to offer reflections, keeping each one brief but heartfelt. Our team will assist you in finding musicians, creating visual tributes, and preparing a printed program for the service.

Additional Services and Support

We offer livestreaming of the service for those unable to attend in person, ensuring everyone can participate in this moment of remembrance. You are also welcome to arrange for flowers or other tributes to be delivered to the church, creating a beautiful and peaceful setting for the service.

Receptions and Gatherings

If you wish to host a reception following the service, we offer several comfortable spaces on our campus. The Memorials Coordinator will work with you to arrange a simple reception with coffee, lemonade, and light refreshments, or to plan a gathering that best meets your needs.

Primary Sidebar

News feed Categories

  • Adults
  • All Church
  • Changemaker Initiative
  • Children
  • Gen2Gen
  • Give
  • Serve & Social Justice
  • Uncategorized
  • Worship & Music
  • Young Adults
  • Youth

Recent News

  • gen2gen Annual Picnic
  • Fresh Produce Sunday
  • The Awe-Filled Music of LAUMC
  • Commitment 2025
  • Shasta Camp 2025

Explore more

Sign up for our newsletter

Stay informed by subscribing to one of our email newsletters.

Subscribe

LAUMC logo

Footer

All are welcome!

  • 650-948-1083
  • [email protected]
  • 655 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos, CA 94024
Member Login

Quick Links

  • Worship Services
  • Children
  • Youth
  • gen2gen (Seniors/Wisdom Generation)

More From LAUMC

  • Donate
  • News & Events
  • Newsletters
  • About
  • Maps & Directions

Copyright © 2025

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement