The passing of your loved one is a significant life-changing event for you and your family. Funeral planning is very important in honoring their life and your memories of them.
BOOKING YOUR LOVED ONES FUNERAL AT GIBSON
When someone from our congregation has passed away, the area funeral homes will generally reach out to our church office to inform us. At this time, they may indicate that your family is interested in holding the funeral service in our church sanctuary; and we will do our best to secure the sanctuary, minister, organist, and support volunteers on the date selected for the funeral service.
THE MINISTER
The church administrator will contact the Pastoral Care Minister if not already contacted by the family, and confirm their availability. The Minister may ask to meet with family members in preparation for the service.
CLERGY RECORD
The Minister will provide a Clergy Record (death certificate) for our United Church records. This information will be recorded in our Church Register For Burials.
FUNERAL SERVICE
The funeral service will be in keeping with the liturgies of the United Church of Canada. It is important to remember that your church funeral is a service of worship to God, and all that is done should be appropriate to that context. You may personalize the service of your loved one with this in mind.
MUSIC
Music is an essential component of your funeral service so it is important to select it with care. Our church organist plays for all funerals within our church, and you will be asked to contact her immediately following your initial contact with the Minister. She will guide you in music selections, that may be commonly used for this occasion. If our church organist is unavailable on the date you have chosen, we may be able to assist you in choosing an appropriate substitute. In addition to the organist, you are welcome to personalize the service by asking a person known to your family to do a music solo.
BULLETIN
The funeral homes will provide ‘in memorium’ cards for the service; and upon request, we will provide a bulletin for the order of service.
Gibson will announce the passing of our past and present congregation members in our Sunday bulletin, as well as, any donations made in loving memory.
FLOWERS
Arrangements may be made through the church administrator to accept flower deliveries for the funeral service during office hours. GMUC does not provide flowers for funerals. Flowers, photos, or acceptable memorabilia on display should be removed following the service.
ZOOMING
In recent times, some families have elected to zoom or tape funeral services for loved ones that are unable to attend the day of the funeral. The funeral home generally provides this service, and so may be arranged through them. The church does not provide this service.
RECEPTION
If you would like to hold a reception following the funeral service, it may be organized by our GMUC volunteers. The cost of sandwich, fruit, vegetable, cheese or meat trays will be the responsibility of the family. Generally, the volunteers will provide/donate sweet trays for congregation members that have passed. Otherwise, volunteers will be available to facilitate the reception.
FEES AND HONORARIA
Funerals are not included as part of the regular duties of any of our church staff, including the Minister. Consequently, this will require remuneration for their services. The following fees and honoraria have been approved by our Church Council:
Minister Honorarium – $150
Organist – $100
Custodian – $50
The funeral home may distribute the fees, or you may wish to pay them directly to the church through the Office Administrator the day of the funeral or prior to.
