Planning for a Christian Funeral/Memorial Service
Empowered by it’s faith in the promise of the Resurrection, the Church confronts the reality of death, consoles the bereaved, offers thanks to God for the gifts of life, and commends that life to God. While we grieve the loss of one who has been close to us, we also celebrate our Christian hope in Jesus’ Resurrection over death.
Jesus said,
“I am the Resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
– John 11:25
The funeral or memorial service is meant to be a celebration of life. It recognizes both the pain and sorrow of the separation that accompanies death, and the hope and joy of the promises of God to those who die and are raised to new life in Christ. God’s word is read and proclaimed, prayers are offered and the sacrament of Holy Communion may be shared.
The service can take the form of a funeral with the casket present, or a memorial service with or without the ashes. The traditional order has been to follow the funeral or memorial service with committal at the cemetery. However, the committal may be held first, followed by the service.
Memorial rituals of an organization in which your loved one was a member may be held as part of the funeral or memorial service, or at the committal service.
One of the Pastoral Charge Ministers will preside at all funeral service held. Participation by others (laity or ministry), organist/pianist, soloists, or other special music will be arranged at the discretion of the presiding minister.
Selection of music is done in consultation with the minster. A choir is usually present to assist with the leadership of music.
Recognition of Life
There will be an opportunity early in the service for brief words of remembrance by a family member of close friend. These words give genuine honour to the loved one by a faithful recollection of life.
You may place a photograph of your loved one in the sanctuary. Other photographs of meaningful symbols associated with the person’s life may be displayed in the church foyer or at the reception.
In Memoriam
Some may wish to make a donation to our church’s Memorial Fund or the United Church Mission and Service Fund in honour of their loved one. An acknowledgement of the gift will be sent to the family.
Refreshments
Refreshments may be served in the Church or other community facilities, depending on the availability of space. The following options are available for lunch:
Light Lunches
Your choice of:
a variety of breads, cheese, cookies and beverages.
Cost - $6.50/person
Full Lunch
Open face buns, cheese, cookies, coffee, tea and juice
Cost - $10/person (only available with late morning services)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God… And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. The holy one will dwell with them as their God; they will be God’s people, and God will be with them; God will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away… See, I am making all things new.”
– Revelation 21:1-5