Faith Presbyterian Church

ABOUT FUNERALS

Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, 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."

 We believe that the bereaved are to be upheld by the Christian community. The pastor, staff, and members of Faith Presbyterian are here to extend concern and sympathy and assist in making arrangements.  The Board of Deacons may provide a repast for the family and friends of a church member, if desired.  Please call the church when a loved one is critically ill or has passed away.  The pastor will want to support you with prayer and counsel.  The pastor will also help you determine an appropriate time for a funeral or memorial service and assist you in its planning.

Funeral or Memorial Service?                                                                                                                  

At a funeral, the body of the loved one is present in a casket.  At a memorial service, the body is not present.  Presbyterians believe both internment and cremation are equally acceptable.  The choice between a funeral and a memorial service is a matter of personal preference.

Both the funeral and memorial service are services of worship.  Either is a witness to God's love for all people, a love which strengthens and supports even in the midst of grief.  Emphasis is placed on the reading of Scripture and the declaration of hope that comes from the Scriptures.  Words about the life of the one who has died and thanks to God for that life may also be included.  Prayers for the family and friends of the deceased are intrinsic to this service.  In the event a casket is present, it will be closed during the worship service so that attention may be directed to God alone. 

When?
Funeral services are generally held a few days after death has occurred.  Memorial services may be held several days to several months after the death. For both kinds of services, a day and time is selected according to the needs of the family, and the availability of the church.  Because Faith Presbyterian hosts a preschool on its premises they will need enough lead time to reschedule their classes for the day of the service.  Services may be held in the morning, afternoon or evening.

Music:
The singing of hymns of faith is appropriate in this worship service as is the playing of other forms of music. Let the pastor know if you have any special requests with regard to music. Choosing to not have any music is also appropriate. It is a matter of personal preference.  Our church musicians generally play for all church services, but we can accommodate music on CDs as well.  If a service is held at a funeral home, those arrangements will need to be made with the funeral director. 

Scripture:
Passages that are especially meaningful to your family may be read. When you meet with the pastor, you will be asked for your preferences.  If you have none, the pastor will offer to make some appropriate selections.