A Guide to Planning Online Memorial Services During a Pandemic

By Renee Ruchotzke

Roses laying on a laptop computer

A Funeral or Memorial Service is a rite of passage when people gather together to mourn and memorialize the person who has died. During a pandemic, when physical presence is not possible, we can still do our best to create time and space to gather in virtual space until such time that a physical gathering is possible.

It is important to hold yourselves gently in taking this on. There is no right way of doing this, and it can't possibly have the same richness of an in-person service. Think of this as an early step in a grieving process where there will be an opportunity to experience a deeper, in-person service in the future.

What follows are resources and ideas to help you plan while accommodating the limitations of not being in person.

About the Author

Renee Ruchotzke

Rev. Renee Ruchotzke (ruh-HUT-skee) is a Congregational Life Consultant and program manager for Leadership Development.

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