Planning the Service:
The process of planning a funeral or memorial service for a loved one can be an emotional and confusing time. At Fairfax Community Church (FCC) we want to help and guide you in the planning of a service that will be both a meaningful tribute for your loved one, and a comfort to family and friends. A well thought out service is not only a final good-bye but it is also the start of a healing process for those who will attend. We pray that the journey through grief and the process of healing and reconciliation will bring renewed faith in Jesus Christ.
If FCC is your church home, or has been the church home of your loved one you will meet with a member of our Community Life Team and the presiding pastor to assist you in planning the service. Your individual family circumstances will help in deciding if the funeral or memorial service will be held at the church or at a local funeral home. In either case, the pastor will be available to be present at the interment following the service. Funeral and memorial services may be held at the church building (located at 11451 Braddock Road in Fairfax) on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, as well as some Saturday mornings. Availability depends on that week’s church calendar. We are not able to host services for those who are not connected to FCC.
Some of the things that can be included in your loved one’s service to make it more personal may include readings of scripture or a favorite poem read by a family member, or brief words of remembrance spoken by a family member or close friend. Hymns or other appropriate music that is meaningful can also be included. If you wish to have a slide show of photographs depicting your loved one’s life you will need to provide that on a flash drive, to the staff member assisting you with planning at least two days prior to the service.
The staff member assisting you with planning will work with your selected funeral home to coordinate times and logistics as necessary. Some people choose to have the deceased’s body present in open casket for viewing just prior to the funeral/memorial service while others prefer to have the casket closed. Those who have chosen cremation may wish to have the urn placed on a table with a photograph of the deceased.
If the service is held at FCC, you may choose to have a gathering in our Great Room area. We will by happy to provide light refreshments and coffee for your guests.