Funerals

Planning a Christian funeral or memorial service is never an easy thing to do. Saying goodbye to a loved one is difficult. People grieve in different ways. Oftentimes family tension adds to the stress during an already emotionally burdensome period. We are aware of the difficulties and have tried to make the planning as easy and dignified as possible.

Planning the Service

We encourage you to work with a funeral director. The staff of the funeral home will expertly guide you through the process, from legal documents, preparing an obituary, choosing a casket or cremation, and many elements of the memorial service and burial. A good funeral director combined with a thoughtfully planned service makes the process of saying goodbye a rich experience that brings a sense of closure to the family of the deceased. The three we work with primarily in this area are:

Moss-Feaster. Dunedin location on corner of Main Street and Pinehurst.
Curlew Hills. Palm Harbor location on Curlew Road and County Road 1
Sylvan Abbey. Clearwater location on Sunset Point and US 19

To assist with the planning for a Christian service, we have prepared a planning guide. This guide will explain the parts of the Christian funeral and ask you to consider music, Scriptures, who to speak and other elements of the service. Click here to download the planning guide.

Officiating Pastor

One of the pastors of the church may be available to officiate at the service. Keep in mind that they are Christians pastors whose hope for the future is in Jesus Christ; they generally do not officiate at services for people of other faiths or no faith at all. Guest pastors may be invited, but that is a decision that ultimately rests with the elders. Speak with the pastor about this.

Musicians

We have a variety of worship musicians available for services including, organists, vocal soloists, and contemporary band members. Each of these are skilled in proclaiming the majesty and love of God through their music. Please contact Rita Rostron (organ music) or Craig Coyle (contemporary music) to check the availability of the musician(s) you would like to use for your service.

Church Spaces

Services may be held on or off the church campus. The main space used on campus is the main sanctuary. However, for smaller or more intimate services we have a chapel in Kirk Hall and an outside Meditation Garden. Please contact the church Administrative Assistant to check the availability of these spaces.

Reception Afterward

Many families have found that rather than going to a home, restaurant or other facility, a reception on the grounds of the church allows for the best interaction with family and friends after a service. We have a team of persons who have a special heart for grieving families and would be eager to assist you with the details of your reception. Click here to contact someone with the Reception Ministry Team.

Spreading of Ashes

For members of the church, we have a Meditation Garden on the North side of Kirk Hall where the ashes of the departed loved one may be spread. If desired, a memorial wall plaque may be installed in the garden. Please contact the the church Adminstrative Assistant for more information.