Welcome to New Hope Baptist Church of Los Angeles!
newhbc@pacbell.net | Call us: (323)232-4326
New Hope Baptist Church of Los Angeles (NHBCLA) understands that death of a loved one is a difficult experience. We share in the grieve, but we do not sorrow as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4: 13). It is our desire and privilege to minister to the families of our congregation, inactive members, and non-members during their time of need. It is through the Word of God that we have hope at the time of the death of a loved one (Romans 15: 4). This pamphlet is provided to assist families in planning and providing a Christian funeral.
A funeral service held in the church is a service of worship, celebrating the deceased's life and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Consequently, all parts of the service are to be consistent with the present worship practices of the church. The family may suggest other items to be included in the service, with the approval of the pastor.
Funeral worship services will only be conducted in NHBCLA sanctuary. The NHBCLA Solace Committee will be happy to meet with the family to plan funeral worship services. Solace Committee is available Tuesday thru Thursday from 10:30am to 1:30pm. Call church office (323) 232-4326 to schedule a consultation with the Solace Committee.
All families are required to fill out a Rental Facilities Request to reserve the main Sanctuary and/or the B.O. Byrd Center and pay all fees associated with using the facilities. The Facility Request Coordinator will assist families in filling out the request properly and answering any questions regarding rentals. Dates and times for funerals are based upon availability of the church and the preferences of the deceased's family.
NHBCLA only provide food at a repast for active members. According to NCHHBCLA by-laws an active member is a member in good standing and pays tithes/offerings to the church monthly. The menu will consist of fried chicken, mash potatoes, string beans, rolls, salad, cake, punch, bottle water, and paper goods for 75 people. Of course, Active member's family can add food items to the set menu.
Inactive members and non-members are required to provide food, drinks, and paper goods for repast. However, NHBCLA Culinary staff will coordinate and serve the food provided by inactive or non-member's family. Inactive member is a member who haven't supported the church or attended the church in six months. A non-member is a person who never joined NHBCLA and only wants to rent our facilities.
Pastoral ethics require that NHBCLA pastor conduct all funeral services unless by agreement with another pastor, he is invited to share in the funeral or act on behalf of the pastor of NHBCLA. Any requests for another pastor or lay person to officiate or assist in the service must be approved by NHBCLA pastor. However, it does not exclude NHBCLA pastor's honorarium fee.
Conducting funerals for people who have no connection with the church is a normal part of the ministerial obligation. However, it is up to the discretion of the pastor to allow himself or the church to participate.
Only music appropriate to a worship service shall be used. All musical arrangements (pianist, soloist, etc.) must be arranged for and taken care of by the family. If possible, we will make every effort to help you, but please remember that time and date may affect the availability of NHBCLA musicians. Christian music would be appropriate. Taped instrumental and accompaniment music, soloists and solos, anthems, and guest musicians must have the approval of the pastor. The use of congregational hymns is encouraged and may be selected with the solace committee in consultation with the family during the service planning process. In cases where an outside organist/pianist is desired, permission must be secured from the pastor. Additional musicians or soloists may be utilized. Please note that the use of taped music or pre-recorded accompaniments is discouraged.
If the family wants to use a video presentation, it must be submitted to the church office 24 hours prior to the funeral service for review. All presentations should be in DVD format (not Power Point) and should not exceed five minutes in length.
Families may wish to display the deceased's remains, as well as certain mementos or photographs of the deceased and his/her family. The following guidelines would be applicable in these situations:
NHBCLA requires that the casket arrives to the church 1 1/2 hours before services start for viewing. Once family enters the church they may wish to do a final viewing. Once final viewing by the family is completed, the funeral directors will close the casket and it must remain closed during celebration of life and burial services. The funeral director along with the pastor will have direction over such matters as timing, closed caskets, music, flowers, etc.
The church does not provide a nursery or parking assistance for funeral services. If needed, the family is responsible for securing a nursery attendant and parking assistance is generally provided by the funeral home.
The church will do everything reasonably possible to accommodate a member's request for a family meal after a funeral service. The meal is prepared under the direction of the church's Culinary Staff. Only active members of the church and their immediate family (spouse, parents, children, siblings) will be eligible for this ministry. However, for inactive members and non-members are responsible for the family meal after a funeral service.
There is no fixed fee for the services of the NHBCLA associate minister; however, it is customary to give an honorarium to the officiating minister. Outside of NHBCLA musician and/or soloist, typical honorariums for them range from $75 - $150 per person. Checks should be made payable to the individual(s). For usage of B.O. Byrd Center and/or Sanctuary a deposit is required and remaining balance due three days before services check or money order payable to New Hope Baptist Church of LA.
- | Members | Non-Members |
Use of Sanctuary | No charge | $300 an hour |
B.O. Byrd Center | No charge | $150 for 4 hours |
Pastor | Honorarium | $250 |
Organist | Honorarium | $150 |
Drummer | Honorarium | $50 |
Culinary Staff | Free Will Offering | Free Will Offering |
Sound System | $50 | $75 |
Security/Parking Lot Attendant | $25 an hour | $50 an hour |
Maintenance (setup/cleanup) | $100 | $125 |