Funerals, Memorials, Celebrations of Life

We take comfort in these words from the United Church creed. And we take them to heart in that we do our best to accompany and support one another through the various stages of life’s journey. When a loved one dies, we look to find ways to honour the life of the one who has passed on. It is good to know in the midst of our grief that there are those who are willing to accompany and assist us in this important task.  We are an Affirming Ministry of the United Church of Canada, and encourage the participation of people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, sexual preferences, and economic circumstances. We honour your relationships as they are.

A Message from: Rev. Dr. John Joseph Mastandrea

As the Minister at Manor Road United Church, I am honoured to offer pastoral support as we work together to create a service that is respectful of the person who has died, as well as sensitive and meaningful to those who remain.

We believe that God desires us to comfort those who grieve whether or not you, or the person who has died, is a member of the congregation or is a person of faith. If you are preparing in advance and you or a loved one needs pastoral care in the time before death; or if you or someone in your family would appreciate support following the funeral/celebration of life, please let me know.

The location of the service is up to you. Generally, you can plan to hold your service at Manor Road United Church, at a Funeral Home or other venue, or at the graveside. Often a funeral/ celebration of life is held at the church or funeral home, and then following a catered lunch, a service of interment is held at the graveside/niche. If the death occurs in the winter and there is to be an interment, the graveside service is sometimes held in the spring.

Meetings

In planning a funeral/celebration of life, I generally meet as soon as possible with family members and others who have been closest to the person who has died. I will want to know about the person, what he/she was like, who was his/her nearest and dearest, what was most precious to them, etc. I will ask about the person’s beliefs. If he or she was a person of faith, I will ask if there are any scriptures or hymns that might be favourites. We might also consider poetry, readings, or other music that might be appropriate. Upon request, I (or the music director) will make suggestions regarding the above. We will discuss who will be included in the ceremony, and how they will participate. We will discuss whether and what kind of musical support you would like. After our meeting, I will put the service together, and if appropriate, put you in touch with our music director. Together we will create a ceremony that will honour the life of your loved one.

With every blessing,

Rev. Dr. John Joseph Mastandrea

Cost

Generally the cost of a funeral at Manor Road United Church is:
• $100/hour for the Church (including set-up and take-down)
• $300 for the Minister ($400 if offsite)
• $150 for the Organist/Pianist ($200 for specific requests)
• $100 for the Soloist (if requested)
• $125 for the Custodian (first 5 hours, $25 for every additional hour)

If the cost will create a hardship upon your family, please let us know and other arrangements can be made.

Deposit

To reserve the church, we request a 25% deposit for the room rental. The balance will be due in full 4 weeks before the event. The minister, organist, soloist, and custodian should be paid individually.