Funerals
Funeral Planning Guide for Families & Loved Ones
When someone dies, or when death is near, there is often a great deal to hold at once. Our hope is that this guide offers reassurance and simplicity. You do not need to have all the answers right away. We will walk with you, step by step, and do everything we can to support you and your family with compassion and flexibility.
First, You Reach Out
Please contact Islington United Church (IUC):
- For information about funeral planning
- If a loved one has died
- If a loved one is palliative, and you would like to plan ahead
- If you are working with a funeral home and considering a service at IUC
Phone Number: (416) 239-1131 ext. 221
Email: ministry@islingtonunited.org
What Happens Next?
Once you reach out, a member of our experienced Ministry Team will connect with you to:
- Offer care and pastoral support
- Gather some initial information, as you feel ready
- Help you understand the next steps
You may hear us ask whether you are reaching out for early notification or to begin funeral planning. Both are welcome, and neither requires you to have all the details right away.
To help care for your family, this is the information we need:
Required information for Funeral & Obituary Notice
It is most helpful to provide an obituary early in the process so that people can be notified. Please use the form above to share information as you feel ready. Alternatively, please phone the Ministry Coordinator at (416) 239-1131 ext. 223 to provide the necessary information over the phone.
The funeral home typically works with your family to write the obituary. If you need some assistance, the Toronto Star has an excellent resource to help those writing obituaries.
The Funeral Service Itself
- Typical length: 45–60 minutes
- Ordinarily, eulogies are usually 5 -7 minutes each, depending on how many are being shared. If you’d like some resources, please reach out to the Ministry Coordinator at ministry@islingtonunited.org.
- Other family members may join planning conversations by Zoom if helpful
Our Spaces
- The Sanctuary seats approximately 400, and includes a family-friendly area.
- The Chapel seats approximately 40.
- All of our spaces are accessible; the elevator is located at the back entrance.
Because IUC hosts a weekday school, funerals and receptions are most often held on Tuesdays or Fridays at 11am. We do our very best to be flexible and accommodating.
Music & Sound
Live music is coordinated in consultation with your family. This includes:
- A pianist/ organist
- A soloist who leads congregational singing and provides a musical selection
- Sound technician & Livestreaming or audio recording if requested (for an additional fee)
Service Order & Bulletin Preparation
In consultation with your family, the Officiant and Minister of Music will compile the content and set the order of the service. The bulletin is prepared and printed by Islington United Church, in colour. It helps to have an idea of some elements you’d like to see in the service before you meet with the Officiant.
Relationship With the Funeral Home
DAY OF
If a funeral home is coordinating the service at IUC, they will provide ushers (commonly 2). It can be helpful if a few trusted people, close to your family would be willing to hand out bulletins. We have 4 doors where it’s helpful to have people welcoming.
If a funeral home is not coming to the service, it’s essential to have a few trusted people of the family arrive 30 minutes before the service to hand out bulletins and welcome attendees.
PARKING
We have a close partnership with Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, who often provide parking. Please note that we have limited parking on-site. Click HERE for more information.
It is important to inform family and attendees of the parking situation before arrival.
Common Elements of a Funeral or Memorial Service
If you are unfamiliar with a typical order of service, here are some things you can think about in planning this day.
Gathering Music: A musician will play the piano or organ as guests gather to set the tone of the service.
Lighting Candles of Memory: The minister or members of your family can light the candle of memory in honour of your loved one. Candle is provided.
The Words of Welcome: The minister will offer words to welcome guests to the service. This could include words that are important to your family or your loved one.
Centering Prayer: A prayer is offered by the minister or a family member. You could select a prayer, write one, or ask for the minister to share it.
Words of Scripture: A scripture reading selected by the family to be read by the minister or a family member
Hymn or Song: Selected by the family
Time of Remembering: Eulogies often provided by family members or friends
Solo or Song: A family member could offer a song or you could select a song to be sung by one of our staff singers
Scripture: Option to include a second scripture reading
A Celebration of Life: Minister honours the person’s life and speaks into hope beyond the grief
Pastoral Prayer/ The Lord’s Prayer: Prayer of thanksgiving for loved one’s life
Commendation: Words of letting go, blessing your loved one to God’s care
Hymn or Song: Song selected by family
Changing of the Light: We remember that the light of Christ never goes out but is changed to be in all placed and all times as we leave this space
Blessing: Minister blesses guests into the world
Postlude: Music is played to bless people on their way out
FLOWERS
- Flowers may be delivered to the church during office hours (Monday – Thursday, 9am – 4pm) or 1.5 hours before the service
- Flowers may be moved to the reception following the service
- If your family does not wish to keep the flowers from the service, you are more than welcome to leave them in the space and donate them to the church. We will ensure that they are used in Sunday worship, or delivered to homebound residents.
VISITATION OPTIONS
Depending on availability and your wishes, a visitation may take place:
- One hour before the service
- Immediately following the service
- At the funeral home
We can help you discern what works best for your family.
INVOICING
Once a service is booked, the Ministry Coordinator will reach out to the funeral home or family regarding invoicing.
If you are working with a funeral home, they will coordinate the cheques and roll it into your overall funeral fees.
If you are not using a funeral home, please note that on the day of the funeral, cheques are required for the following:
- Officiant
- Minister of Music
- Reception (if applicable)
- Church Fee (includes Soloist and AV Technician if applicable)
Reception & Hospitality
Our Hospitality Team offers receptions as an expression of care and welcome.
- Typically held in Stewart East Hall (child-friendly space)
- Silver tea service, sandwiches, pickle tray, squares, and light refreshments
- Gluten-free and dietary options available upon request
- Slideshow and/ or memory table welcome (65″ TV available with HDMI cord, families must provide their own laptop)
- Invoice amounts available upon request
Next Steps
After gathering the necessary details, Rev. Maya (or another trusted IUC minister) will be in touch to plan the service with you. You are not alone; it is our privilege to walk with you during this time.
Memorial Giving
For over 200 years, people in this community have been making donations to honour loved ones and offer support to families by making donations in their memory to the Islington United Church Memorial Fund. These gifts continue the legacy of care appreciated by your loved ones.
Often when people die, we donate to what they died of. Please consider donating to things they lived for. Naming Islington United in the obituary or Estate planning of your loved one will continue their care for this place and God’s world.