Funeral & Memorial Services

“In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God”
Adapted from Celebrate God’s Presence, a book of services for the United Church of Canada (2000)

As a Christian community we believe that a funeral or memorial service should be a service of worship centered on life, faith, and the Spirit of God.

The death of a loved one is a time to recall the miracle of life, to give thanks for the life of the deceased, and to mourn the loss. The Bible reflects many emotional responses to the reality of grief, including anger, denial, guilt, lament, resignation, thanksgiving, and trust. Empowered by Christ’s promise of resurrection, the Christian church faces the event of death, consoles the bereaved, celebrates the life of the deceased, and offers thanks to God. In so doing, Christians affirm their belief that there is hope in death as in life, and that there is renewed life, in Christ, after death.

THE SERVICE OF WORSHIP

Funeral and memorial services are usually brief services of the Word. There may be 2 or 3 Scripture readings, hymns, a short sermon/reflection, and opportunities for additional gifts of music, personal words of remembrance or a eulogy. For services held in our church we will provide a written Order of Service, if requested.

We encourage family and friends to participate in worship through the reading of Scripture, sharing stories of the deceased’s life and faith, and offering gifts of music. The minister will be pleased to help you choose appropriate readings, songs, and hymns.

FUNERAL/MEMORIAL/CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICES

Use of Facilities: For members and adherents, no donation; for non-members, $300.00.

Minister: At their discretion for members; $300.00 for non-members.

Organist: $200.00, members and non-members.

Office Administrator: $50.00, members and non-members.

Funeral Hostess: $150.00, members and non-members. The Funeral Hostess/Office Administrator will work with the Caretaker to ensure that the Sanctuary is tidy and bulletins are put out. They will assist the funeral home staff with flower and picture arrangement as needed and will be available at the church as necessary during the service and reception.

Caretaker: $50.00, members and non-members.

Projectionist/Sound: $50.00 each, members and non-members.

Sentences from Scripture:

I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. (John 11: 25, 26)

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14, 1 – 3)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 38, 39)

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