Celebrating the Life of a Loved One

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

A funeral is used to mark the end of a person's life here on earth. Family, friends and loved ones come together to express grief, give thanks for the life lived and commend the person into God's keeping. It can be a small, private ceremony or a large occasion in a church full of friends.

Planning a Funeral

When someone we love dies we are thrust into uncharted territory; the average person, thankfully, plans very few funerals. Some people find planning the funeral with family and friends helps in their grieving. Perhaps you already know something of what your loved one wanted. You may even have planned the service together some time ago.

There are many decisions to be made as part of the planning for funeral. The Clergy at Christ Church are here to assist you in any way possible, to offer pastoral care to all members of the family, to offer counsel in planning the service, to help with arrangements concerning the funeral home, visitation, reception, etc.

Some Considerations

If you would like to have a service at Christ Church, we invite you to contact the parish office as soon as possible after the death has occurred. You will be invited to come to Christ Church to make arrangements for the service, including choices of passages from scripture, hymns and musical selections.  

Please consult with the parish office about the date and time before any public announcement is made.  The Clergy will be as accommodating as possible in finalizing a time that is suitable to you and your family.

If you wish to have someone offer brief words of tribute to the deceased, including family or friends our Clergy would be pleased to assist with planning and communication. 

Please advise us if you would like a soloist, instrumentalist, piper or the parish choir to participate in the service. Also, if you would like a reception following the service in the Great Hall please speak to the parish office about availability and catering options.

When you are ready, please contact the parish office to arrange for a time to meet with us.