First Presbyterian Church

Funerals & Memorial Services

Remembering Your Loved One

Funerals and memorial services are services of worship conducted in witness to the resurrection and in remembrance and celebration of the life of the one who has died. Such services usually include praise and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life, affirmation of our trust in God’s gift of life eternal in Jesus Christ, words of comfort to those who mourn, and the remembering of the life that has ended. The minister of music, if available, will play for all weddings. Exceptions to this must be cleared by him and the pastor, and a Bench Fee will be applicable in such situations.

The body of the deceased, in a closed casket, is present at a funeral service, which is usually conducted shortly following death. The body of the deceased is not present at a memorial service and such services may be conducted at any time. In most other regards, memorial services and funerals are the same.

For whom funeral and memorial services are conducted

Services are conducted for all members of First Presbyterian Church and their immediate family. In special circumstances, funerals or memorial services may be conducted for non-member Christians.

Time & Place

Funerals and memorial services are conducted in the sanctuary or chapel of the church. The sanctuary seats approximately 500 people, the chapel as many as 75. Services are usually scheduled for mid- or late morning, or early afternoon. Services are not conducted on Sundays or on major Christian or civil holidays.

Music

Music often plays an important role in a funeral/memorial service of marriagel. The minister of music, if available, will play for all weddings. Exceptions to this must be cleared by him and the pastor, and a Bench Fee will be applicable in such situations. The church reserves final say as to what music is appropriate.

Arrange Funeral or Memorial Service

To arrange a funeral or memorial service, please call the church office at (203) 324-9522. The pastor conducting the service will normally meet with the family or friends of the deceased to plan the service and offer pastoral care.

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