At some point in our lives, we will be faced with planning a funeral or memorial service for a loved one. Fairlawn Avenue United Church is here to help you through the process. We hope that this information will help.
Minister
Our minister is available for funeral services. If you would like a guest minister to assist in the service, please make this request to the Fairlawn church minister.
The minister will want to meet with family members or close friends to plan a service that is meaningful, and to obtain details about the person’s life. This meeting may take place at the church, in your home, or at the funeral home.
The Sanctuary
The service may be held in the Sanctuary, in the Chapel for small gatherings, at the funeral home, at the graveside, or off-site. You are welcome to provide flowers, candles, a guest book, photos, and memorabilia.
Music
Music should be selected which is appropriate to a church service. Our Director of Music, Eleanor Daley, is available to play the organ. Arrangements for music or soloists from the church are made with the Director of Music. You may wish to include pre-recorded selections that will enhance the service in a meaningful way.
The Service
The service may take the form of a funeral (meaning that a casket containing the person’s body is present) or a memorial service (with or without an urn with ashes present). The casket is normally crossways in front of the chancel before the service, open if the family chooses, but is closed during the service.
The minister will plan the service with those who are gathered to do the planning. The service normally includes scripture readings, a short meditation, prayers, a time of remembrance about the person’s life, and often hymns. Family and friends may participate by sharing memories or reading scripture.
An order of service bulletin will be prepared by the church office if so desired. Greeters may be family or friends. The funeral home will discuss pallbearers if there is a casket.
A brief service of committal may also take place at the time of interment of the body or ashes at a cemetary or crematorium.
Sound and Video System
It is possible to use the Sanctuary’s sound / photo / video system by arrangement with the Church Administrator. It may only be operated by a church-approved, trained operator.
Reception
We are pleased to have receptions following the service. Although we do not have people to prepare food on-site, we are happy to recommend local caterers and to provide servers as available. There will be a fee for this service; please consult with the church office for particulars.
Reception Rooms
- George Birtch Memorial Room
Holds 100-125 standing - Fellowship Room
Holds 20-25 standing - Kimmel Room
Holds 70-75 standing
Fees
Please obtain the current fee schedule from the church office or the minister. You may wish to have the fees paid on your behalf by the funeral home or choose to look after them personally.
Contact
Please discuss arrangements through the church office
416-481-6848, ext. 21
