If a member is married not under the care of the meeting, the overseers should either visit or correspond with the newly married couple, expressing the interest of the meeting in their new home. It should be assumed that the relationship of the member with the Society will continue, and the non-member will be made welcome and invited to attend meeting.
6 - MEMORIAL MEETINGS AND FUNERALS
When Friends suffer a loss through death, there is sustaining strength in the loving concern and helpfulness of members of the meeting. It is the responsibility of the overseers, or of ministry and counsel, to give such specific help as may be necessary when death comes to a family, and Friends are urged to seek their assistance. The monthly meeting may entrust these responsibilities to a pastor.
The sympathy and affection of Friends for their members who are in sorrow because of such a loss is best shown by a quiet, dignified procedure at funerals. Friends should keep to true simplicity and avoid excessive display or expense.
Individual Friends may have definite wishes concerning their own burials or cremations and the type of service they would prefer. Such wishes should be stated in writing and made known to the family. Membership in a memorial society has been found to be useful in planning a simple, dignified funeral. The type of service is determined by the family. If the family desires, the meeting house should be made available as the appropriate place to hold the meeting, but at times it may be more suitable or convenient to hold it at home or in a funeral home.
The attention of Friends is directed to the desirability of a memorial meeting, held after interment, as an alternative to the more traditional funeral. It has been noted that at a memorial meeting "attention was focused, not upon a lifeless form, but on a living spirit and a radiant faith." When such a memorial meeting is held, it is recommended that it be in the meeting house and within a week or two after the death.