The death of a loved one is a grief-filled and difficult time. It is also when our belief about God and the promise of our faith revealed in Jesus Christ most needs to be heard. And it is a time when we witness the strength a community of faith can bring to the family as it walks with and supports them. That is why we understand a funeral as a worship service:
- to give thanks to God as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of life
- to celebrate the life of the deceased as a witness to Christ’s resurrection
- to aid family and friends in the mourning process
- to draw on our faith and the promise “…that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
At the time of death, our pastor will work closely with family members to plan the details of the funeral service and to extend the care of our congregation. While funeral homes can accommodate funeral services, we encourage you to hold the service at the church.
Although people tend to shy away from discussing death or planning for it, it is a reality for which we must in some measure prepare. How your family and friends will be affected by your death is due in large part to the care and foresight with which you have made your preparations.
When you plan and prearrange your own service, you make a gift of love to your family. Experience has shown that advanced directives can be a final gift to loved ones by relieving them of difficult decisions.
A funeral or memorial service guide for planning your service is available in the church office. Consider the wisdom of writing down your wishes and instructions and sharing them with your family. They will know your wishes and you will have peace of mind.