About
Funerals & Memorial services
The pastors and people of First Coral Gables extend their prayers and condolences to you upon the death of your loved one.
The passing of a loved one is a difficult time in our lives. No one is ever fully prepared. Even when the death is expected, we can have trouble thinking clearly. Making decisions can seem daunting. First Coral Gables will be here for you to help you plan a service that honors the deceased and serves to comfort you and your family.
First Coral Gables will provide a funeral for anyone. The family or the deceased do not have to be members of this church in order to have a service here. Everyone deserves to have a dignified remembrance.
What is the difference between a memorial service and a funeral?
A memorial service (also called a “celebration of life”) is a service of remembrance in which the casket or remains are not present during the service. This service can be held days, weeks or months after the person’s death and interment.
In a funeral service, the body is either present or is an integral part of the service. Usually, the body is laid to rest immediately after a funeral service.
Where will THE SERVICE be held?
First Coral Gables has two worship areas—the Chapel and the Sanctuary.
A memorial service may be held either in the Chapel, which seats about 70 people, or in the Sanctuary, which seats about 700.
A funeral service for cremated remains may be held in either the Chapel or the Sanctuary.
A funeral service with a casket present must be held in the Sanctuary.
what is involved in a service?
The first step is to contact a staff member of First Coral Gables, who can help set out some suggestions for a dignified ceremony to honor your loved one. We invite you to let us guide you in organizing the remembrance service.
During a service, an organist will play as people are seated. The pastor will facilitate the order of service, lead in prayer, and speak words focused on the worship of God and the Christian victory over death. Hymns are sung at intervals throughout the service. If the family wishes, a eulogy—words of remembrance—may be spoken by someone close to the loved one. Optionally, a soloist or instrumentalist may be asked to play during the service.
Planning the Service
A pastor will spend time with you and your family to help plan the worship service. You will want to consider the following aspects of the service:
Music: Are there particular hymns or special music you would like sung? We will be happy to suggest songs that are known to be comforting to those in attendance.
Readings: Are there scripture passages or quotations from other sources that are meaningful to you?
Participants: Is there someone you want to ask to participate by doing one of the readings or singing a solo?
Sharing: Do you prefer that only the pastor share thoughts about the deceased? Friends or family members? An open invitation to those attending?
Can I hold a reception afterward?
It is not customary to hold a reception following a funeral or memorial. However, for those families who feel it is appropriate, the church can offer a reception area. Provided its availability, the reception area can be offered for an additional fee.
In the event that a reception area is requested, the family must arrange for any catering, food preparation, displays, or decoration. The church is not responsible for making these arrangements. The fee for renting the reception area covers the use of the facility, the use of media/digital equipment, and set-up and tear-down of chairs and tables.
What is the cost to hold a funeral or memorial service?
There is a nominal fee for holding a funeral or memorial service at First Coral Gables. This standard fee helps to cover expenses such as the organist, the pastor, and the cleaning of the worship area before and after the service. Optional services, such as the use of a soloist or additional instrumentalists, or the renting of a reception hall, are listed separately. Please contact the church office for more information.