Funerals

We want to be helpful in whatever ways we can when a loved one dies. 

 

The Service of Death and Resurrection expresses gratitude to God for the life of the one who has died and bears witness to our conviction that because Christ has been raised from the dead, we too will be raised to new life. We worship in the assurance that nothing – not even death itself – can separate us from God’s love.

 

WHEN DEATH OCCURS:  Please call the church to reach one of the pastors. After office hours, your call will be forwarded to the pastor on call. He or she will provide comfort, prayer, and guidance in making plans for a funeral or memorial service.

 

SERVICES AT GLENN:  Because a funeral or memorial service is an act of Christian worship, the most appropriate place for people to gather is in the sanctuary or The Little Chapel.  On weekdays there are some limitations created by the Glenn School carpool lineups and the availability of parking in Emory’s Fishburne Parking Deck, but they can be worked around.  For further information, please contact Nelia Butler by email or at 404-634-3936, ext. 106.

 

SERVICE AT OTHER LOCATIONS:  If you request that the service be held at another location, the pastors’ administrative assistant will work with you and the funeral home of your choice. Our pastors are accustomed to conducting services at funeral homes.

 

MUSIC:  It is appropriate to sing hymns at a funeral or memorial service. The pastor assisting you, and the church organist, can talk with you about hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and other details of the service.

 

WITNESSES TO LIFE:  As a way of giving thanks to God for the life of the person who has died, one or more family members or friends are welcome to share their personal words about the one who has died. We recommend that you select these persons carefully after talking with the pastor who will be conducting the service. At the family’s request, the pastor may also open the service for brief words of witness from the congregation. Family members or friends may also participate in the service by reading the scripture lessons.

 

CREMATION: United Methodists do not insist on burial as the only appropriate means of committing our earthly remains to God.  We are open to cremation as a viable alternative.  In some cases burial or entombment simply is not an option, either because of the costs involved or a lack of cemetery space.  Ultimately, this is a decision that individuals and families make. Our pastors are available to talk with you about this.