Funerals
In Life, in Death in Life After Death:
The death of a loved one is a time to recall the miracle of life and, to give thanks for the life of the deceased and to mourn our loss. Empowered by the promise and hope of new life in Christ St. Andrew’s United faces the event of death with strength and encouragement offering thanks for the gift of the life of the one who has passed.
Almost assuredly all of us will be faced with planning a funeral or memorial service for a loved one at some point in our lives. In this most difficult of life's transitions the reality of loss must be acknowledged. At St. Andrew’s we face the reality of human mortality with a deep compassion and a faithful hope.
In the event of a death of a loved one the minister, staff and entire congregation of St. Andrew’s are here to help you through this difficult time in your life. As a Christian church we are here to offer our consolation and ongoing spiritual care to the bereaved, to celebrate the life of the deceased and to offer thanks to God for the gift of life.
The Service:
At St. Andrew’s we believe the participation of family members and friends in the planning process to honour of the life of the deceased is essential. We will help to facilitate a meaningful experience during the most challenging of times in the life of your family. Funerals and memorial services are considered part of the minister's pastoral care to our congregation and an outreach to the wider community. Usually services will be conducted in the sanctuary space of the church.
Much of the planning and preparation for the service will occur with family members or friends designated to meet with the Minister prior to the service privately either in their home, at the church offices or the funeral home under certain circumstances. The format and outline of the service is flexible and will usually include prayers, scripture readings, hymns and other musical selections, a brief Christian reflection and memorial words by family members or friends. Selection of other appropriate or unique elements for the service meaningful to the family is encouraged.
In a celebration of life either through a funeral (which means a casket containing the person’s body is present) or memorial service (with or without an urn with the ashes present) the message of Christian hope is proclaimed for those who have gathered. The service will also support and honour the life and unique contributions that the individual has offered their family, friends and to the wider community through “words of remembrance” commonly known as the eulogy.
Preparation of a bulletin for the service is also supported by the staff team at St. Andrew’s.
The Music:
Musical accompaniment and participation of the choir or soloists is arranged and confirmed in conversation with the Minister and Director of Music. Our music director will play for the service and provide musical consultation for appropriate hymns, solos and other musical selections at St. Andrew’s unless there are other specific requests by the family.
The Reception:
In consultation with our Office and Property Coordinators we are able to support the opportunity for your family to have a time of refreshment and remembrance following the service. Usually this event will occur on the third floor of the church in the Old St. Andrew’s and St. Enoch rooms of the Church and will incur some cost associated with space usage and catering fees as required.
Fees and Logistics:
For members and contributing adherents of the congregation there are no associated fees for use of the sanctuary and Minister. There are costs associated with the music director and choir members, elements of a reception and related custodial fees.
In circumstances of funerals for those outside of the membership of St. Andrew’s United Church the fees are as below. These fees may be handled directly through the church office or with the funeral home managing the arrangements;
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Minister $200.00
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Music Director $200.00
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Sanctuary Use $200.00
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Piano/Organ $125.00
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Reception Negotiated as required
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Choir/Soloist Negotiated as required
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Custodial Negotiated as required
We provide the above information so we might be able to best support you and your family in your time of need. Please feel free to contact the church office for more information at any time related to the arrangement of a funeral or memorial service.