Mennonite Burial Society


Frequently Asked Questions:

** [Please note that we may change our policies and procedures from time to time, and therefore some of these answers may change.  For the most current information, please email us at faq@mennoniteburialsociety.com ] **

What information was included or excluded from the mailing?

To reduce costs and conserve trees (less paper), the annual mailing includes basic information. At the annual general meeting (normally held 2nd Saturday each January), the members of the society are provided with a significant amount of information, including List of Deceased Members, Membership Information, Financial Statements, etc, so this information is available to those in attendance.  


How are the levy rates and funeral benefit amounts set?

At the annual general meeting (normally held 2nd Saturday each January - i.e.  Jan 12, 2008), the members of the society that come to the meeting normally review, discuss, debate and vote on the levy amounts. These revised levy rates and funeral benefit are not set by the board, treasurer or any others. Various options can be discussed by the society's members, and the members can decide to go with lower or higher increases, based on how they believe the # of funerals may increase in the future, how much reserves the society should have on the balance sheet, etc. It is difficult to convey all the debate / discussion of the members at the annual general meeting, and if you wish to come to one of the next meetings, please contact us near end of Dec / early January with the annual general meeting details.

When are the Annual General (Membership) Meetings?

Normally the 2nd Saturday in January, at a location in the Niagara Region.  Local church bulletins highlight the date, time and location, or you can email us at info@mennoniteburialsociety.com or call us at 905-934-9649 near the end of Dec / Jan to find out the details.

What does the levy (member) fee cover?

In the event of death, a funeral benefit (in 2008 it is $5,686, if member is covered at 100%) is paid out that is set by the society each year.  The funeral benefit is normally based on a modest funeral, including the funeral director services, plot, basic casket, etc.  Some funerals may cost more (or less) than the benefit payout.  For more details / clarification, please contact us at funeral@mennoniteburialsociety.com


What does the % coverage mean on my levy invoice?

The % coverage indicates what % of the funeral benefit would be paid, in the event of death.  This % is based on which age a member joins the society.  For more details, see the Constitution on the Information tab of this web site, Article 5.2

Is there any "cash value" for members in the society, who wish to leave the society and receive some cash value payment?

Since all levies are paid on an annual basis, to allow for a funeral benefit payment in the event of death in that year, those levies contain no cash value.  Since the society operates within an annual budget / levy revenue, there is no cash value available to members who leave the society.


Do members have a choice of cemetery plot, location of funeral home, casket purchase, etc?

Members can choose from any funeral home, and they can arrange for the cemetery plot, casket, etc, as they wish.  The society has no restrictions on these choices, which can be made by the members and/or their families (next of kin).