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Funerals
At some point in our lives, we will be faced with planning
a funeral or memorial service for a loved one. The
shared ministry of Fairlawn Avenue United Church is
here to help you through the process. We hope that this
information will help.
Minister
Our minister is available for funeral services. If you would like a
guest minister to assist in the service, please make this request
to the Fairlawn Avenue minister.
The minister will want to meet with family members or
close friends to plan a service that is meaningful and to
obtain details about the person’s life. This meeting may
take place at the church, in your home, or at the funeral
home handling the arrangements.
The Sanctuary
The service may be held in the Sanctuary, in the Chapel
for small gatherings, at the funeral home, at the
graveside, or off-site. You are welcome to provide flowers,
candles, a guest book, photos, and memorabilia.
Music
Music should be selected which is appropriate to a
service of worship. Our Director of Music, Eleanor
Daley, is available to play the organ. Arrangements for
music or soloists from the church are made with the
Director of Music. You may wish to include pre-recorded
selections that will enhance the service in a
meaningful way.
The Service
The service may take the form of a funeral (meaning
that a casket containing the person’s body is present) or
a memorial service (with or without an urn with ashes
present). The casket is normally crossways in front of
the chancel before the service, open if the family
chooses, but is closed during the service.
The minister will outline the service with those who are
gathered to do the planning. It normally includes scripture
readings, a short meditation, prayers, a time of
remembrance about the person’s life, and often hymns.
Family and friends may participate by sharing memories or
reading scripture.
An order of service bulletin will be prepared by the
church office if so desired. Greeters may be family or
friends. The funeral home will discuss pallbearers if
there is a casket.
A brief service of committal may also take place at the
time of interment of the body or ashes at a cemetary or
crematorium.
Sound System
It is possible to use the Sanctuary sound system by
arrangement with the Administrator/Worship
Committee. It may only be operated by a church.
Reception
We are pleased to have receptions following the
service. Although we do not have people to prepare
food on-site, we are happy to recommend local
caterers and to provide servers as available. There
will be a fee for this service; please consult with the
church office for particulars.
Reception Rooms
George Birtch Memorial Room
Holds 100-125 standing
Fellowship Room
Holds 20-25 standing
Kimmel Room
Holds 70-75 standing
Fees
Please obtain the current fee schedule from the
church office or the minister. You may wish
to have the fees paid on your behalf by the funeral
home or choose to look after them personally.
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