The Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home is pleased to announce that staff member Jim Smart recently completed Insight Institute’s Certified Celebrant Program hosted by the National Funeral Directors Association located in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
Owner Randy Danielson stated; “This program is facilitated by Insight Institute founder, Doug Manning and his daughter Glenda Stansbury. Doug’s mission is direct and simple, Helping People, Help People. This has evolved over the years, expanding from grief care books and seminars across the country to include Celebrant training and certification of over 3,000 celebrants to date.”
“The presentation, training and certification was a rewarding learning experience that inspired me with a goal to provide a service to the community that assists families in need, with compassion and professionalism in a special and meaningful way.”, said Smart.
Danielson has witnessed the societal changes in the numbers of people who are no longer connected to a mainline church or organized religion. “There are those who do not wish to have a traditional religious funeral but are still seeking an event that recognizes a loved one’s life in a special and caring way.” Jim’s role as a celebrant is to work closely with the family and funeral director to prepare and present a totally individualized service that honors the deceased and the needs of the family. This not only pays tribute to the deceased but gives the family and friends support for a healthy grief journey and recovery.
“Jim and I have been friends since high school and I know him to have a servants heart throughout the community. Eleanor and I are pleased to have Jim’s professionalism representing our funeral home.”, stated Danielson.
Smart is currently in the process of Discernment to become an ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church. “My role of Deacon (if it is God’s will) will be to serve both the Church and the community, especially the poor, the sick, the dying, and the un-churched. I believe the combination role of a Celebrant and the role of the Deacon will provide a valued service to the community.”
