Thank you…
…for considering Tea Gardens Baptist Church as the venue for your celebration of the life of your loved one.. We look forward to helping you through this time reflection.
First, to put your mind at ease…
Planning a Funeral
A Christian funeral 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. This practical and spiritual guide is designed to alleviate some of the burden and offer steps to help you plan your loved one’s Christian funeral service.
First, before making any plans, ask family members if your loved one left specific directions for their funeral. If so, this will greatly ease the load of making decisions and guessing what your loved one would have wanted. Be sure to find out if your loved one has a funeral or burial insurance policy or prepaid arrangements with a funeral home.
Preparation
Start by arming yourself with the right attitude.
Making the funeral arrangements will be less of a weight if you recognize that it can actually help you and your loved ones work through the grieving process. Begin thinking of the service as a celebration of the person’s life. It should be dignified and respectful without being depressing and morbid. Along with mourning, there should be room for expressions of joy—even laughter.
Planning the Service
Once you have a plan for the service, you should sit down with the minister and go over the details:
- Any special songs or music you would like to include.
- Any poems, stories, Bible verses, or readings you would like to include.
- Any special speakers or singers you would like to participate.
- Any specific photos of your loved one or family you would like displayed.
- Is there a charity or a benefit you would recommend to mourners in lieu of sending flowers?
If guests are invited to the grave side service, an announcement should be made at the end of the service.
Fees
The regular fee for a funeral service is generally arranged through the Funeral Home and is generally included in their costs.
This includes the use of the church, pastor, the organist or sound.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide floral arrangements for the church. Your family may organise them themselves or you may choose to use a professional florist.
Photography and videotaping may take place inside the church, but those appointed will need to liaise with the pastor.
Preparing an Eulogy
A typical eulogy is about 5 minutes in length.
It is recommended to leave the emotional elements for the end of the eulogy. Any additional tributes given by family or friends should be limited in length to keep the service from going too long. Young children and family members may want to write down a few sentences to be read aloud by the minister or the person giving the eulogy.
- They can be a delivered as a more formal speech which includes the person’s
history, career and achievements - They can be more personal through the sharing stories, memories and anecdotes.
The most important thing is to write from your heart and express what means the most to you.
Special Remembrances
A table is often provided for the family to place special remembrances, photographs and other memorabilia during the service.
Be sure to think about what you might want to display. Take some time to gather these items and make arrangements with the funeral coordinator.
Guest Book
This record of attendance is usually very meaningful to family members. Most times the Funeral Home organises a guest book.
Service Handout
Because most memorial services are planned in a relatively short period of time, this detail is often overlooked. If you would like the guests to have a memento or remembrance, you can provide a special printed handout or bookmark. This can be as simple as a picture of your loved one with their birth and death dates, the order of service and a cherished Bible verse. Check with the funeral home or coordinator, as they may provide this for you upon request.
Length of Service
The entire length of the funeral service often depends on the number of guests. Time should be allowed either before or after the service to greet your guests and give them a moment to say their good byes to the deceased. It is recommended to keep the actual service length anywhere between 30-60 minutes.
Memorial Service and Burial
Memorial services and burials may be conducted together or separately, according to the wishes of the family. During the memorial service, prayers and eulogies may be offered. Remain quiet and respectful to the religious customs of the deceased, even if yours are different. If you are asked to participate in the service, don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you are unsure of before the funeral. The director at the funeral home or person officiating the services will provide you with what you need to know.
After the Funeral
In many cultures, family and friends gather after the funeral for a meal or refreshments, symbolizing life and how it continues, even after the death of a loved one.
Please contact our pastor for more information.
(Download the printable brochure as a PDF)