Funeral & Memorial Services

Our Christian faith boldly proclaims that not even death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

An important consideration for all Christians is proper planning for the end of life. The pastor of First Church Brooklyn is available for conversations about advance healthcare directives, planned giving opportunities, planning for your funeral or memorial service, and other concerns regarding this significant transition in the journey of faith.

Advance Directives

An advance healthcare directive is a legal document that specifies what actions should be taken for your health if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself because of illness or incapacity. A living will is one form of advance directive. Another is a power of attorney or health care proxy, in which you authorize a person of your choosing to make decisions on your behalf. One helpful resource is the popular Five Wishes. Contact the pastor to discuss these options.

When a death has occurred or is imminent, please contact the church as soon as possible so that we may provide pastoral care to the dying and to family and friends.

Planning Your Service

A funeral takes place within days following death, with a closed casket or urn present. A memorial service may occur at any time suitable for the family. Remains are not present at a memorial service. A committal service takes place at a cemetery or columbarium and may follow a funeral or take place separately. Please notify the church office to schedule a day, time and place for your loved one’s service.

The pastor will arrange to meet with the family and friends to discuss the flow of the service, and select scriptures, hymns and additional music. The pastor will also help you consider worship participants. This is an opportunity to share memories of your loved one and to prayerfully consider how best to honor and celebrate their life.

Because it is difficult to plan or act wisely in a time of grief, we encourage our members to make calm considerations about their wishes concerning an end-of-life service and final resting place before death is imminent. Our pastor is available to discuss your wishes and help with planning. We are happy to keep a record of your desires, as well as any other documents related to end-
of-life planning.

For more information, and an end-of-life planning form, download Witness to the Resurrection: Planning a Funeral, Memorial Service or Committal Service. This document also contains suggested Scripture and music for end-of-life services.

A funeral or memorial service at First Church Brooklyn does not require membership. The church will graciously accept donations in memory of the deceased. If you choose, you may direct your donation to a particular ministry of the church.

Planned Giving

Planned giving is a way that each of us can make a final return to God of some portion of all that God has given to us. The practice of planned giving encourages us to look beyond our monthly budget and our annual financial commitment to consider the gifts we will make to the church when our need for worldly assets is done. We hope you will consider First Church Brooklyn a part of your legacy—a blessing in your life, one that you want to ensure continues to be a blessing in the lives of others. For more information on remembering the church in your will and other forms of planned giving, visit our Planned Giving page. We recommend that you consult with your financial advisor to determine the most advantageous charitable estate plan for you.