Funerals
In times of Bereavement
Preparing for a funeral and dealing with the death of one we love is a difficult time.
Grace United Church is here to support you and your family, who are dealing with the death of a loved one, as part of our pastoral and outreach ministry.
The community of faith can be an important support in the grieving process and in planning the funeral service. It reminds us that we are not alone and we have companions with us on the journey. It is an opportunity to call upon God to give us strength and courage.
A funeral or memorial service is a service of worship to give thanks for the life as we grieve our loss. Drawing on our faith we are empowered by our hope of resurrection, which enables us to face death, offer thanksgiving for the gift of life and celebrate our Christian hope.
We offer this information in the spirit of respect and cooperation. In being clear about what we can offer, our traditions and our expectations, we can make the preparations for funerals and memorials.
First step
Please contact the Minister to begin coordination of details.
Please contact the Office Administrator at 905-335-0090. She will give you the contact information for the Funeral Coordinator who can arrange for a video and sound operator, bulletins, ushers, receive the flowers for the funeral/memorial service, supply information on catering and rentals and arrange for use of the reception facilities and servers.
We offer our Minister
The most common request received from a grieving family is for our minister to assist in preparing and presiding at a funeral or memorial service.
The minister will always respectfully receive requests to prepare and preside at a funeral or memorial service for members, and adherents of Grace United Church, and also for members of the wider community.
If there is a request for a funeral to be held at the church, it is expected that the minister of Grace United Church will preside. All arrangements are to be made through the minister and funeral team, including the time and date of the service, the order of service, the choice of hymns and the participation of others. The minister welcomes participation of family members and friends.
We offer our Facilities
Our minister is happy to preside at funeral and memorial services in any funeral home or suitable facility.
We also welcome requests for funeral and memorial services to be held in the Sanctuary, we can accommodate a maximum of 250 persons. It is expected that when our Sanctuary is requested our minister will preside at the requested service.
We offer Our Musician
We have a Music Director who is available. Music at a funeral of memorial service is optional. When there is a request for a musician it is expected that our staff musician will be given the first opportunity to provide music. All music must be appropriate to the service and agreed upon by both the Minister and the Music Director.
We also offer our choir and soloist (when available) for services at the church.
We offer Sound and Video Operators
We use only our own trained people to operate our sound and video system. We can deliver PowerPoint slide shows upon request and need 24 hours’ notice for this service
We offer reception facilities
Arrangements for a reception can be made for either the rear of the sanctuary (if fewer than 150 funeral attendees) or the loft of the church. Grace United Church does not offer food services but can give you names of reliable caterers. We will be responsible for set up of the tables. Family is responsible for table cloths, catering, and table arrangements. Upon request servers may be available.
Family Responsibilities
The family is responsible for purchasing of Bulletin covers for the service. The inside service will be printed in black and white. You are also responsible for flowers that are to be in the sanctuary or reception area. The family is responsible for catering, rental of additional furniture elements (tall tables) tableware and tablecloths.
If a photo display is desired the family is responsible for set up and take down of display.
Thank You
It is our honour and privilege to serve those who call on us in time of need. We hope this information made clear our traditions and expectations for funerals and memorial services at the church and helped to make a difficult time easier for your family.
Donations to the Church
Memorial gifts from family and friends in memory of the deceased may be made to Grace United Church. Donation cards will be made available for use. Income tax receipts will be offered to all persons making a donation of $20 or more.
Suggested Funeral Costs/Honorariums
Minister: $ 250 minimum
Musician: $ 200
Choir: $100
Soloist: $100
Sound and video: $100
Sanctuary use: $200-400
Custodian: $100
Loft: available
Bulletins: available
Funeral Group
Minister
Music Director
Funeral Coordinator: member of Worship Committee
Worship Committee: ushers
Property Committee: set ups, elevator
Communications Committee: sound and video
CCN: support
In order to help you make your plans please refer this helpful planning guide