The death of a loved one, whether it is sudden or expected, is an emotional strain on the family. Our funeral booklet is designed to assist you and your family in planning a service that will be of comfort and strength. These arrangements can be made ahead of time or at the time of death. Contact information, scriptures, hymns, and other helpful information have been included.
Please feel free to call on our Director of Music + Worship at any time when dealing with the death of a family member. It is our desire to be your extended family during this time.
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC + WORSHIP, CATHERINE WILSON
404-378-4541 • cwilson@decaturfirst.org
In the death of a loved one, please contact the church. Contacting the church first for availability of the facility and the minister will save time and confusion when making arrangements with the funeral home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact when my loved one dies?
Please contact the church at 404-378-4541.
Can we have a reception at the church?
You can have a reception at the church subject to the availability of the church calendar. Depending on the expected number attending, the reception may be held in the Fellowship Hall or in another room. We strongly recommend you use a caterer and we are happy to share information about several caterers we have worked with in the area.
Can we have a visitation at the church?
While most families choose to have a visitation at a funeral home on a separate day, you may have a visitation at the church just prior to or immediately following a service at the church, subject to the availability of the church calendar.
Are there days/times we cannot schedule a funeral?
We try to schedule funerals at a day and time that will be convenient for the family, guests, and the programs that are already scheduled at the church. We often have preschool and childcare events going on weekday mornings during the school year, so afternoons are generally more open on weekdays. Because we are an active church with many different activities on different days and times, we take each situation into consideration to find the best solution for scheduling.
Will your pastor do a memorial service for a non-member?
Yes, our pastors are open to officiating a memorial service regardless of whether or not the deceased or their family are members of the church.
How many people will fit in the sanctuary?
Our sanctuary can hold approximately 600 people.
Is there any cost to have a service at Decatur First?
The use of the Sanctuary is offered at no charge; however, there are fees associated with a service at the church.
Soloist (if provided by the church): $125
Organist: $250
Porter: $150
Sanctuary tech: $125
Clergy for non-members: $250
As a service to you, the church will coordinate the payment to the participants. You may write one check to Decatur First UMC and we will distribute the funds accordingly.
Who do I contact about the Memory Garden?
Our Memory Garden is a quiet place for your loved one’s cremated remains. Ashes may be scattered or buried and a plaque on the garden wall honors those who are remembered there. If you prefer to have an interment only, the memory garden is limited to 12 people. For information, call the front office at 404-378-4541.
Do we need to provide flowers for the service? How many?
You are welcome to arrange to have flowers provided for the service, though this is not required. If you would like to have flowers, we recommend having two arrangements-one to go on either side of the pulpit. We have worked with several florists in the area and are happy to discuss some options with you.
Can you provide child care during the service?
We do not typically provide child care during a funeral service, but if you need childcare arranged, we can discuss this option. An additional fee would be involved to cover the cost of childcare. Contact the church office at 404-378-4541 to discuss arrangements.