Pastor Ken L. Birks, Funeral, Memorial Service Officiant

Thank you for inquiring about my services! I hope you find this site helpful as you research funeral officiants in the Sacramento and Placer County regions!

I am a trained and highly experienced Officiant who conducts services throughout the Sacramento region. These include Funeral and Memorial Services, Weddings and Renewal of Vows. On all occasions I work closely with you prior to the ceremony to ensure that the service is personally written, created and delivered exactly how you want it to be. I will help you say a personal heartfelt goodbye to your loved one.

My desire and commitment to you is that your ceremony will actually mean something that is not soon forgotten—something that you and your friends will remember forever.

The importance of Having a Seasoned Officiant or Pastor

A good funeral or memorial service requires the sensitivity and comfort only a minister can provide. A pastor or minister is vital during crucial times such as the lost of a loved one. No one is ever prepared when aloved one is tragically taken or has suffered through a long illnes.

No matter how old a person is or how long a family has prepared for the departure of their loved ones, it is still "too sudden" for many family members. Having a seasoned pastor or officiant is very helpful and comforting in the planning of a memorial or funeral service. There are many unknowns that the family may not be aware of.

The Role of the Officiant

As Your officiant, I will be as involved as you'd like. I will work with you to create a unique and personalized service that best reflects your desires including:

• Meeting with the family.
• Being available to the family for words of comfort and guidance during the planning process.
• Leading the service according to our meeting plan.
• Normally eulogizing the person who has deceased.
• Sharing a short message
• In most cases, inviting attendees to share something about the deceased loved one.
• Inviting attendees to any events after the funeral service (such as a burial or entombment at a cemetery, scattering of cremated remains, or reception.)

About Ken's Services

A memorial or funeral service is an opportunity for the family’s loved ones to honor and celebrate the life of their loved one, to acknowledge the loss, and to share the process of saying goodbye.

My intention in leading funeral or memorial services is to create an environment that allows you to be as present as possible for this important event, leaving the logistics and details to me.

I will meet with you and whoever you would like to be there before the day of the service. This meeting can take up to an our so you enough time to share in-depth information about your beloved. From the information gathered at our meeting, I will prepare a service (religious, or secular) that is aligned with the nature and spiritual direction of your loved one as well as what is comfortable for you.

I can guide you in writing a history of their life (eulogy) that includes significant events and their unique contributions to family, friends, and the world. This is read during the service, either by me, somebody you designate or you. The history sets a tone for others to share their personal stories and loving memories without repeating historical information. My experience as a published author helps me to capture the life story of your loved one in a brief yet meaningful, graceful, and, when appropriate, humorous manner. We will discuss how you can integrate music, readings, and speakers into the ceremony.