Funeral

“In Life, in Death, in Life Beyond Death”

The death of a loved one is a time to recall the miracle of life, to give thanks for the life of the deceased, and to mourn the loss. The Bible reflects many emotional responses to the reality of grief, including anger, denial, guilt, lament, resignation, thanksgiving, and trust.

At Chalmers-Wesley we console the bereaved and celebrate the life of the deceased. During a funeral, the promise of hope is proclaimed: “In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone.”

Our minister will meet with you before the funeral or memorial service to prepare the order of worship. You may participate during the funeral if that is your wish. There is no pressure on family or friends. However, you are offered the chance to select hymns and recommend favourite scripture passages. The minister will ask you if anyone would like to read from the Bible or sing a solo. You may also want someone to offer a recollection of the life of the loved one. As you make these choices you are personalizing the Order of Service. We strongly encourage a personal dialogue between our church and those who grieve. Kindly note that your visiting elder is most welcome to participate and will attend, if able, at your request.

Worship is always enriched by the symbols of faith available in the community’s usual place of worship. Choosing photograph(s) of the deceased or other symbols of his or her life is appropriate.

Rituals of remembrance, such as bringing or placing cut flowers, providing a musical selection or performing specific tasks within the service, such as reading scripture, distributing the communion bread or carrying the urn of ashes, can give family members the opportunity to express their grief through simple actions. In these ways we affirm our belief that there is hope in death as in life, and that there is renewed life, in Christ, after death.

Please call the church office at (418) 692-2640 or e-mail us at the link below. The Clerk of Session, Joan Shea, is also more than willing to help with your needs. She can be reached at (418) 651-3647.

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