Funerals and Memorial Services
We are honored to assist you and your family during this time of loss. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call the Director of Care Ministry, Allison Vines, at 629.200.7216. To download a pdf of the information below, click here.
- What is the difference between a funeral and a celebration of life?
- The terms “funeral” and “celebration of life” often overlap. Traditionally, a funeral has a more somber tone with formal customs and typically includes a casket or urn. A celebration of life is more uplifting and may not involve a casket or urn. At Providence Church, we offer a worship service designed to worship God and celebrate and honor your loved one’s life.
- Who can have a service at Providence Church?
- We extend God's love to all people and are committed to supporting anyone who has lost a loved one. We invite guests, visitors, friends, non-members seeking a church home, and members to inquire about holding a service at Providence Church. We strive to accommodate families based on the availability of our pastors and facilities.
- Is there a fee for using the church?
- There are no fees for using Providence Church, or for our pastors and worship team, for a funeral or memorial service for any Providence Church member or regular attendee. While honorariums for the pastors, care team, worship team, and tech team are not required, they are appreciated and at the family's discretion.
- When are services held?
- Services, including a time for visitation, are typically scheduled between 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and 10:00 am - 3:00 pm on Saturdays. We cannot hold services on Sundays due to church worship and ministry events. Scheduled activities and seasonal ministry events may also affect availability during the week.
- How much advance notice is required?
- To ensure adequate planning time for your family and our staff, we request a minimum of three business days from the start of planning to the day of the service.
- What is the process for planning a service?
- Planning typically involves three meetings:
- Initial Meeting: The family meets with the Director of Care Ministry and possibly one of our pastors to set a date and time for the service. This can occur at the funeral home, the church, or at home.
- Detail Meeting: We will discuss the specifics of the service, including music, scripture, and order of worship.
- Message Preparation: The family meets with the pastor to share details and stories about their loved one, helping the pastor prepare a message for the service.
- Planning typically involves three meetings:
- Church Responsibilities vs. Funeral Home Responsibilities
- Church Responsibilities:
- Provide a pastor
- Offer live music from our worship team
- Coordinate setup, hospitality, and teardown with the Providence Care Team
- Option to livestream the service
- Print programs for the service
- Communicate the loss to the greater church community when appropriate
- Funeral Home Responsibilities:
- Select a casket or urn
- Coordinate with the cemetery
- Order flowers, guestbook, and notecards
- Manage the processional to the cemetery for burial
- Submit an obituary to local newspapers
- File death certificates
- Church Responsibilities:
Next Steps
Contact the Director of Care Ministry to confirm the availability of our church and pastors before planning the service.
Providence Church Office: 615-773-7862
Director of Care Ministry: Allison Vines
Pastor On Call: 629-200-7216
After Care
We want you to feel supported after your loss. We offer grief counseling and resources for individuals and families. For information on current grief support groups, contact Allison Vines, Director of Care.
Next Steps
Contact the Director of Care Ministry to confirm the availability of our church and pastors before planning the service.
Providence Church Office: 615-773-7862
Director of Care Ministry: Allison Vines
Pastor On Call: 629-200-7216
After Care
We want you to feel supported after your loss. We offer grief counseling and resources for individuals and families. For information on current grief support groups, contact Allison Vines, Director of Care.
We are honored to assist you and your family during this time of loss. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call the Director of Care Ministry, Allison Vines, at 629.200.7216
- What is the difference between a funeral and a celebration of life?
- The terms “funeral” and “celebration of life” often overlap. Traditionally, a funeral has a more somber tone with formal customs and typically includes a casket or urn while a celebration of life is more uplifting and may not involve a casket or urn. At Providence Church, we offer a worship service designed to worship God and celebrate and honor your loved one’s life.
- Who can have a service at Providence Church?
- We extend God's love to all people and are committed to supporting anyone who has lost a loved one. We invite guests, visitors, friends, non-members seeking a church home, and members to inquire about holding a service at Providence Church. We strive to accommodate families based on the availability of our pastors and facilities.
- Is there a fee for using the church?
- There are no fees for using Providence Church, or for our pastors and worship team, for a funeral or memorial service for any Providence Church member or regular attendee. While honorariums for the pastors, care team, worship team, and tech team are not required, they are appreciated and at the family's discretion.
- When are services held?
- Services, including a time for visitation, are typically scheduled between 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. We are unable to hold services on Sundays due to church worship and ministry events. Scheduled activities and seasonal ministry events may also affect availability during the week.
- How much advance notice is required?
- To ensure adequate planning time for your family and our staff, we request a minimum of three business days from the start of planning to the day of the service.
- What is the process for planning a service?
- Planning typically involves three meetings:
- Initial Meeting: The family meets with the Director of Care Ministry and possibly one of our pastors to set a date and time for the service. This can occur at the funeral home, the church, or at home.
- Detail Meeting: We will discuss the specifics of the service, including music, scripture, and order of worship.
- Message Preparation: The family meets with the pastor to share details and stories about their loved one, helping the pastor prepare a message for the service.
- Planning typically involves three meetings:
- Church Responsibilities vs. Funeral Home Responsibilities
- Church Responsibilities:
- Provide a pastor
- Offer live music from our worship team
- Coordinate setup, hospitality, and teardown with the Providence Care Team
- Option to livestream the service
- Print programs for the service
- Communicate the loss to the greater church community when appropriate
- Funeral Home Responsibilities:
- Select a casket or urn
- Coordinate with the cemetery
- Order flowers, guestbook, and notecards
- Manage the processional to the cemetery for burial
- Submit an obituary to local newspapers
- File death certificates
- Church Responsibilities: