If you find the need to plan a funeral or memorial service, allow us to say how very sorry we are for your loss.
We know that gathering in the midst of the death of a loved one can be among the most challenging of moments any of us face in the journey of life. We hope that, in the words and actions we share together as we worship at a funeral or memorial service, not only will your mind and heart feel free to express the sorrow, grief, and other emotions they carry, but that your spirit will be lifted up in gratitude and even joy as we celebrate the life of a beloved child of God.
Moreover, we hope that by what we do together, you will hear and experience something of the gracious embrace of God and the good news of our ultimate hope in God’s victory over death and promise of new life. After all, in the Christian church it is our purpose and our privilege in such moments to witness to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit... to celebrate and give thanks for the gift of life and for the gift of life eternal... and to comfort all who mourn with the assurance that nothing in all creation, not even death itself, can ever separate us from the love of God.
The following provides some practical information that we hope will assist you and answer any concerns you may have.
To ensure that the funeral service goes smoothly, we provide a funeral host to assist with the funeral. The host will ensure that the worship space is open and closed, as well as provide guidance on setting up flowers and displays, along with other assistance.
Our all-inclusive fee for a funeral or memorial service is $900, which includes:
To ensure that the date of the funeral is secured, we require a $100 deposit. The remainder of the fees should be paid no later than 5 days prior to the date of the funeral.
Our church hall is generally available for receptions following a funeral or memorial service.
For those with pre-existing connection to our congregation (i.e., members and adherents), our United Church Women unit can set up, provide refreshments (tea/coffee and sweets), and serve. The fee for this type of reception is $225 + $10/person in anticipated attendees.
For others in the wider community without previous connection to Cloverdale United Church, we are happy to make our hall(s) available for use with family-provided or outside catering at $30/hour per space. The team from our United Church Women unit may be able to cater and host, depending on volunteer availability, but we cannot guarantee this in all cases.
Please contact Office Administrator Lily Lee, by phone at 604-574-5813 or email at office@cloverdaleunitedchurch.ca for details. Information about the worship service itself for a funeral or memorial service can be discussed directly with our Lead Minister, the Rev. Matthew Emery (matt@cloverdaleunitedchurch.ca or 604-574-5813).