Subject: Services

Christian Funerals/Memorial Services

Funerals obviously cannot be scheduled. The Ministers are usually available on short notice when needed. It is critical, however, for the family to discuss the details with the Minister(s) prior to making other arrangements as there are particular guidelines to be followed in the United Church. We can help you to minimize the stress at such a difficult time.

In some circumstances, families may wish to have the services of a lay funeral celebrant. Linda Mulhall, an adherent of our congregation, is a trained funeral celebrant and is available to conduct services at the church or elsewhere.

Before a loved one dies, we can provide counseling as well as forms and plans which you may complete and have ready long before the sad event. A funeral service or memorial is most meaningful when it reflects the interests, values and beliefs of the deceased in the music, readings, and prayers chosen. You may choose to do this for yourself or with the help of the ministerial staff. Not only will this spare your survivors some grief, it will ensure that your own wishes are known and respected.

Services may be held in the Sanctuary, chapel or sometimes in another location. A reception or memorial tea following a service may be held in the Doreene McLeod Room, the Social Room or in the Fellowship Hall by prior arrangement with the Hospitality Team.

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Marriage Services

We celebrate weddings for couples of all orientations who are in committed relationships. Couples need not be members of First†Metropolitan United Church, but should desire a spiritual marriage ceremony in which God’s blessing upon the commitment of the partners is sought. If you do not regularly attend worship, we suggest that you attend a Sunday service prior to your wedding so that you are comfortable with a church service. Couples must apply for a provincial marriage license and bring this to the church office at least a week before the wedding.

The church can provide a chapel seating up to 50, a sanctuary seating up to 700 and reception space in the Doreene McLeod Room or the Fellowship Hall. Together with the Minister(s), you can plan this special day so that it reflects what you wish to express in your wedding ceremony.

Reprinted courtesy of Bright Photography

The Ceremony

While there are some portions of the ceremony that are required due to legal reasons, there is considerable flexibility to choose music, prayers and readings that reflect your special love and commitment for one another. You may also request the assistance of the music director, who can suggest suitable music for the processional, at the signing of the register and for the recessional. We are open to inter-church and inter-faith weddings in which someone from another faith community shares in officiating.

In order to allow time for the required pre-marriage counseling and to ensure the availability of the church, please contact the Church office at least six months in advance of the desired date of the wedding.

Depending on the size and formality of the wedding, either the chapel or the Sanctuary may be booked. In some circumstances, Ministers may perform weddings in other locations chosen by the bridal couple. In addition to the actual service, the church may also provide facilities for a wedding reception. Fees apply for the use of space, the services of Minister, Pianist, and custodians, and for the use of reception spaces. Please ask for these details.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are usually held the Thursday or Friday before your wedding and last no more than an hour. Decorations including pew bows and flowers may be discussed with the Minister and put in place during the hour prior to the wedding ceremony. Confetti and rice are not permitted as they are too difficult to clean up. Photographs may be taken during the processional, the signing of documents and the recessional. Videotaping is permitted from a fixed position in the Sanctuary to be arranged prior to the ceremony.

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