End of Life and Funerals

Helpful Information and Resources

Support for Your Loved One’s Memorial

 We wish to walk with you and your family during this difficult time. Most importantly, we want you to know that you have a Savior who shares in your grief. During his lifetime, Jesus was unafraid to show his sorrow at the passing of others — whether for a friend, the son of a widow, or a sick young girl. Some he knew; others he did not. Regardless, he reached out with compassion in the spirit of Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

We want to ease the burden of making arrangements during this difficult time, so we are providing practical information or planning your loved one’s memorial service. In the side-bar, you’ll find content to help you through the planning process.

You are not alone in this time! We are here to help you. Please call us with any additional questions.

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Funeral Planning Checklist

  • Call the funeral home to find out which arrangements they will handle for you.
  • Decide location and times for calling hours and service. If you decide to use Grace, contact the Grace Church Facility Scheduler to reserve the rooms you’ll need. Specify if you’d like to have a luncheon and the number of guests you expect.
  • If you have a preferred officiant for the funeral, you may contact them or request the funeral home contact them on your behalf. If you have no preference, a pastor will be selected for you based on availability.
  • Choose the Scriptures, songs, and musicians you’d like to have included in the memorial service.
  • Meet with your chosen officiant to share your ideas for the service.
  • Decide who will print song lyrics, if relevant.
  • If services are at Grace, please submit your facility payment prior to the funeral service date.
Download Planning Checklist

Funeral Planning Guide

The funeral home will help you decide the number of hours and times. The service is often held in late morning or early afternoon on the day after calling hours. However, calling hours can also be held immediately before the service.

Because we have many events at Grace during the week, and we wish to prevent any disruptions to your family, we encourage you to have your loved one’s calling hours and service at a funeral home. If you prefer to use the church, please inform your officiating pastor so they can assist with the reservations.

Upper Level Chapel (seats up to 140)
Worship Center (seats over 200)

The message at the funeral service will combine comfort and hope as well as an explanation of how to become a follower of Jesus. Your chosen officiant will help you plan the service to suit the needs of family and friends. 

A typical Memorial Service will include the following, but may be customized for your family: 

  • Prelude
  • Opening Scripture and prayer
  • Remembrances
  • Scripture reading and prayer
  • Musical selection
  • Message
  • Closing Prayer

Music can be a meaningful expression of comfort and love and therefore is often included in the service. Congregational singing can be included as well as special music. If the congregation will be singing, you’ll need to make arrangements for the song lyrics to be printed. Recorded music is recommended, but musicians are also available. You may select your own musicians and inform your officiant at the planning meeting, or request musicians or vocalists from Grace.

Displaying photographs and items special to your loved one is a meaningful way to celebrate their life. The church can provide easels and tables upon request. If the family wishes to make a video of photographs, it can be shown before or during the service. It’s helpful to have two copies of the presentation on DVD or a flash drive. If they wish to incorporate this kind of video/slideshow, the family must provide these presentations themselves.

At the cemetery, a pastor may offer final words of comfort, Scripture, and prayer.

You may decide to arrange a luncheon at the location of your choosing. If you wish to host the luncheon at Grace Church, it can be arranged through the Facility Scheduling Director. Please email [email protected] or call the church office 440.243.4885 x 173 to determine space availability. The family may bring in food, hire an outside caterer or favorite restaurant catering.