Our Presbyterian tradition affirms that in life and in death, we belong to God. (From the Book of Confessions, A Brief Statement of Faith)
When a death has occurred or is imminent, please contact the church as soon as possible so that we can provide pastoral care as needed. The information below is here to assist you in this time. There are answers to questions you may have, as well as questions listed you may not have thought of. We are here to help in any way we can.
How Presbyterians view funerals
We believe and acknowledge that “death brings loss, sorrow, and grief to all. In the face of death, Christians affirm with tears and joy the hope of the gospel. Christians do not bear bereavement in isolation but are sustained by the power of the Spirit and the community of faith” (Book of Order W-4.10001). Therefore we gather together for a service of worship, remembrance, and witness to the resurrection.
In the Presbyterian Church, even a funeral or memorial service is a service of worship and witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When a loved one dies, the pastor will meet with the family to provide pastoral care and plan a service that celebrates the life of your loved one and glorifies God.
Planning your loved one’s service
Please contact the church office to schedule a service date and time by calling 718-625-7515 or sending an email to info@lapcbrooklyn.org
Who can have a service at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church (LAPC)?
The deceased does not have to be a member of LAPC to have their funeral here. However, if the deceased is not a member of LAPC, an honorarium for the pastor and a rental fee will be required (an honorarium for the organist is typical in all services). The church administrator can discuss costs with you.
Capacity: Please note that our sanctuary is currently unavailable due to construction. The worship space has a capacity of 125 people, and the reception hall has a capacity of 70.
If the deceased is a member of LAPC, our practice is to share service information with our community. Please let us know if you do not want the information to be shared.
What kind of service
A funeral typically takes place within days or weeks of death and the remains are present (in a casket or an urn). A memorial service can take place at any time that is convenient for the family and remains typically are not present. A service of committal may take place at a gravesite, columbarium, or at a location where ashes will be scattered.
The casket (if applicable)
In Presbyterian services, the casket is typically closed in order to allow the congregation to focus on worship. However, many families choose to have a viewing before the service. You may choose to have flowers placed on the closed casket and/or have a photo of your loved one present at the front of the worship space.
Meeting with the pastor
Once a date has been scheduled, the pastor will meet with the family to discuss the service and will ask about any scriptures or hymns that were meaningful to the deceased (if the church does not already have the deceased’s wishes in writing). The pastor will also ask about some stories from your loved one’s life that demonstrate who they were, what was important to them, and what their faith meant to them. The pastor and music director will ultimately plan the service, but any input you would like to give is welcomed.
Music
Usually, our music director is available to play organ. If he is unavailable, the church will work to find another organist. It is typical to sing congregational hymns. If there is a hymn that is special to the family and/or deceased we will work to incorporate it into the service. The family is welcome to suggest hymns but not required to. The music director is available to make hymn suggestions or make selections.
Some families also choose to have “special music,” or a solo piece of music. If you would like to have a solo vocalist who requires piano accompaniment, the accompanist needs the music at least three days in advance and a rehearsal must be scheduled between the vocalist and accompanist.
Typically, all music is live (i.e. no recorded or “piped in” music).
Creating the service bulletin
Often, a funeral home will offer to create the bulletin for the funeral service. However, unless otherwise agreed upon with the pastor, LAPC will create the bulletin for the funeral service and can include an obituary and photo of your loved one if you would like to provide those elements. In order to format and print the bulletins on time, we will need the information at least four (4) days in advance of the service unless otherwise arranged with the pastor.
Planning a repast
For members of LAPC, the Deacons will provide coffee, tea, and light refreshments after the service. If the family wishes to have a fuller meal, the church administrator can recommend some local caterers who we have worked with before and who know the church. If you do wish to have a fuller meal catered, we ask that the caterer also provide servers.
If you would like to plan your own service
It is meaningful to some people to think about their funeral service before death is imminent. The pastor is available to meet with you to talk about your wishes for your funeral, meaningful scriptures and hymns, and / or people you hope to be involved in your service. Planning ahead can bring comfort to your loved ones in knowing that you would feel honored by the service. If you do meet with the pastor, the church will keep a record of your wishes.
