Our Ministry to Families, Loved Ones and Friends
The church provides the facilities and support in time of loss within a Christian environment. In a time of death we rejoice in God’s promise of ever-lasting life through our savior Jesus Christ. The First Christian Church of Decatur is grateful for the opportunity to provide pastoral services, counseling, worship and leadership at such a time.
The Date
Contact should be made with the church secretary or pastor as soon as possible to clear the date for funeral / memorial services. You will then be put in contact with our pastoral staff. They will work with your funeral directors to assist with arrangements.
Facilities
The sanctuary, chapel, minister’s study, parlor, fellowship hall and kitchen facilities are available to meet your specific needs. The facilities may be heated or air-conditioned. A fee schedule is included.
Senior Pastor Performs All Services
All funeral / memorial services are performed by ordained clergy on our church staff. We have this policy in order to insure the theological integrity of the ceremony. If the family desires another ordained clergy person to assist, the host minister is to be consulted. Although we will strive to meet the desires of the family, our senior pastor retains final say on the order of the service, the theological and appropriate musical content, and who is responsible for assisting and leading the ceremony.
Pastoral Counseling
The senior minister and our pastoral staff are available for grief and spiritual counseling.
Music
The organist of the church is expected to play for all funerals / memorial services. The family my also involve other musicians or recorded music. The church organist has the final say on all music.
Flowers and Mementoes
Flowers may be placed in the sanctuary or chapel prior to services. We asked that they not be placed in a manner that might pose a safety hazard. The family’s personal mementoes are permitted as long as they are dignified and do not hinder the reverence of the ceremony. The communion table should not be used for this purpose and its appointments should not be removed. Do not block the view of the organist. All personal items and flowers should be removed from the church as soon as possible following the ceremony.
Reception Facilities
The fellowship hall and kitchen facilities are available to the family to meet their specific needs. The church will furnish tables and chairs upon request. Caterers will provide other items, according to the family’s preference. Protective coverings shall be placed under all candelabra with every precaution made against possible fire. All flowers and personal mementoes shall be removed as soon as possible from the fellowship hall. If the family chooses to have a simple receiving line the church’s narthex may be used.
Additional Policies
The church will not be liable for any items that are lost, stolen, or damaged. Also, the use of alcohol in any form is forbidden within the church facilities or church grounds. Church facilities are smoke free.
Fee Schedule
| Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary | none | $500 |
| Chapel | none | $100 |
| Study | none | none |
| Minister* | none | $250 |
| Organist | none | $175 |
Custodial Fees
| Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary | none | $75 |
| Chapel | none | $50 |
| Social Hall | none | $75 |
*Includes pastoral counseling
The Senior Minister and/or Moderator of the Congregation will determine Church membership status.
Our Request of You
Keep in touch with us after your time of good-bye. Since you have entrusted us with the care and spiritual well being of you and loved ones, we will continue to be concerned for your home and family. If you are not yet members of this growing faith community, please feel free to visit us in worship when you are in the Decatur area.
Call us if you need help. Our doors are always open to you, and if you need further pastoral care please contact our minister.
May the Blessings and Peace of Christ be with you