Funerals & Memorial Services
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Grief is a heavy burden to bear. When one adds to it the stress of planning a memorial service, organizing arrivals of out-of-town guests, and all the other details, the weight is sometimes unbearable. The Deacons of Forest Hill Church offer a ministry of relief during your time of bereavement. While no one can remove the sadness of a loss or diminish the pain of separation, it is hoped that we can provide you with some practical help to lessen the load and answer the most common questions.
Notifying the church
When death occurs, the pastors should be informed as soon as possible, in order that they might provide appropriate consolation and support to the family and friends. Contact the church office (216-321-2660) during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.). If the loss occurs outside these times, please contact the pastor, John Lentz, directly (216-371-8470).
Types of service available
The service for a Christian is normally held in the church, under the direction of the pastor, at a time when the congregation can be present. This joins the service of death with the faith community’s continuing life and worship.
The pastor will meet with the family to discuss the type of service desired, scripture passages, music selections and the participation of others who might wish to eulogize the deceased. Typically, services are held in the Sanctuary or a funeral home, but other arrangements can be made. Ceremonies and rites of fraternal, civic, or military organizations should occur at some other time or place.
Funeral Services
These services of worship are intended for use with the body or ashes of the deceased present. In order that attention in the service be directed to God, the coffin should be closed before the service begins. The coffin may be covered with a white funeral pall or with flowers, as the family directs.
Memorial Services
These services of worship are similar to the funeral services except that the body or ashes of the deceased are not present. The committal of the body may follow or precede the service, as preferred.
Interment
This is a service of committal, usually held at the burial site. It generally accompanies either a funeral or memorial service, but may also stand alone, as the family prefers. Sentences of scripture are read, and the body is committed to its final resting place.
Time Needed
It usually takes a minimum of two days to finalize arrangements for a memorial service or burial. The bulletin can be prepared and provided by the church.
Things to Consider
Arrangements If you do not have arrangements for a funeral home, florist or burial plot, the pastoral staff can advise you.
Documents Information about the type and number of official documents you may need is generally available through the funeral home; banks often can advise you in the number and types of forms they will need. Your attorney, accountant or social worker can also be of assistance.
Newspaper Announcement Funeral homes will usually assist you in preparing the obituary. Donations to a charity or to the Forest Hill Church Endowment Fund are ways of having an ongoing memorial to the deceased; this may be mentioned in the announcement.
Housesitting If you need this during the service, let the church office know and the CARE group or the reception coordinator will assist you.
Fees
A fee for the pastor is not required. If you wish to make a monetary gift to the pastor(s), the minimum honorarium for each is $200. In lieu of a cash gift you may make a donation to the church.
The fee for the organist is $150 (add $25 per extra rehearsal with soloists). If the church provides a vocalist or instrumentalist, the additional fee is $75. Musical participation by family or friends is welcome. Questions about music may be directed to Anne Wilson, organist (216-371-9508).
Grief Counseling
The pastor of Forest Hill Church is available to talk with you and to help you through this difficult time. The Hospice of the Western Reserve (216-383-2222) regularly sponsors Grief Support Groups.
Receptions
Reception following the service: Receptions for individuals are not provided by Forest Hill Church; however, we do have a team of funeral reception coordinators and the church facilities are available. The Office Administrator can schedule the church use and put you in contact with one of the coordinators.
Many grocery stores have the ability to provide food trays, including fruit, cheese and crackers, sandwiches, and sweets with 24 hours notice. The following local stores are able to provide this service:
Zagara’s, 1940 Lee Rd, Cl. Hts. 216-321-7917
Dave’s, Severance Center 216-291-2300
Alesci’s 4333 Mayfield 216-382-5100
Giant Eagle
Shaker Hts. 216-371-3700
South Euclid 216-382-6500
Cleveland Hts. 216-421-9063
Heinen’s
University Hts. 216-382-4144
Shaker Hts. 216-921-6638