Created in Canva
FUNERAL & MEMORIAL SERVICE GUIDE CORINTHIAN BAPTIST CHURCHA Guide for Families & Church Leadership COMMITTEE DRAFTPrepared for Review - June 2026
On behalf of the Corinthian Baptist Church family.... A Letter from the Pastor -Frederick L. Turner Senior Pastor, Corinthian Baptist Church
Our Commitment to Families At Corinthian Baptist Church, we recognize that everyone, sooner or later, will find themselves dealing with the grief that comes from the passing of a loved one. Even for Christians, the death of a loved one is a difficult experience. We grieve the loss of one who has been close to us, but we do not sorrow as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). It is through the Word of God that we have hope at the time of death of a loved one (Romans 15:4). While funerals and memorial services at Corinthian acknowledge our grief in the loss of a loved one, our focus is on celebrating that person’s life and legacy, and his or her new life in Christ. Our first goal for every service is to inspire joy because we are privileged to know the deceased. Our ultimate goal is to proclaim hope as we affirm God’s promise of eternal life. We strive to create a meaningful worship experience that celebrates a life well lived, supports those who mourn, and glorifies God. This guide has been prepared to provide information regarding funeral services, ministry support, facility usage, and available resources. Our desire is to ease the burden of planning by providing clear guidance and compassionate assistance every step of the way. As a church family, we count it a privilege to walk alongside you during this time. We are committed to serving with dignity, respect, excellence, and Christian love. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4
When a Death Occurs The loss of a loved one can be overwhelming. During this difficult time, Corinthian Baptist Church is committed to providing spiritual support, guidance, and compassionate care to you and your family. The following steps will help begin the planning process: STEP 1: CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE Please notify the Church Office as soon as possible following the death of a loved one. The Church Office will: • Notify the Pastor or his designee • Provide initial guidance and support • Assist with scheduling arrangements • STEP 2: SELECT A FUNERAL HOME The family should make arrangements with the funeral home of their choice. The funeral home will assist with: • Transportation of the deceased • Preparation of the deceased • Death certificates • Burial/cremation/memorial service arrangements • Coordination of funeral service logistics STEP 3: MEET WITH THE PASTOR A meeting will be scheduled with the Pastor to discuss: • Funeral, Committal or Memorial Service options • Date and time of service • Special requests • Repass arrangements Please note that funeral service dates and times are finalized only after consultation with the Pastor and confirmation of facility availability.
When a Death Occurs STEP 4: PLAN THE SERVICE During the planning process, families will have the opportunity to discuss: • Order of Service • Obituary and acknowledgements • Speakers and participants • Musical selections • Audio/visual presentations • Family tributes • Repass arrangements STEP 5: SUBMIT MATERIALS To ensure adequate preparation, all service-related materials should be submitted by the deadline provided by the Church Office. This may include: • Obituary • Program information • Photographs • Video presentations • Musical selections • Special recognitions OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU Our goal is to provide a meaningful worship experience that honors your loved one, supports your family, and proclaims the hope found in Jesus Christ. "“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Service Options Throughout the centuries, Christians have marked the end of life with a service of Worship. Three kinds of services are offered: Traditional Service, Committal Service and Memorial Service. FUNERAL SERVICE A Funeral Service is a service of worship with the body present in the sanctuary of a church edifice. MEMORIAL SERVICE A Memorial Service is a worship service held anytime, anywhere after burial or cremation. The deceased is not physically present during the service. COMMITTAL SERVICE A service at the gravesite or in the crematorium immediately preceding burial or cremation. A committal service usually follows the funeral service, but it can also be the sole service marking an individual’s death. SELECTING THE APPROPRIATE SERVICE The Pastor will work closely with the family to determine the most appropriate service option based upon the family's wishes, funeral arrangements, and individual circumstances. Our goal is to provide a meaningful and Christ-centered service that honors the deceased, supports the family, and glorifies God.
Eligibility & Scheduling Corinthian Baptist Church considers it a privilege to serve families during times of bereavement. Although funeral services may be held in funeral homes, the best place for conducting a funeral or memorial service upon the death of a Christian is in the sanctuary of the church to which he or she belonged. By having the service at the church, tall who attend will be reminded of our hope and assurance in Jesus Christ. ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICES Funeral and Memorial Services may be provided for: Active members (**add what constitutes active member from bylaws) Immediate family members (parents, spouse, siblings and children) Former members, subject to pastoral approval Non-members, subject to pastoral approval and facility availability The Pastor reserves the right to approve all funeral-related services conducted at Corinthian Baptist Church. OFFICIATING CLERGY Pastoral ethics require that Corinthian’s Pastor conduct all funeral services held at the church. Requests for guest clergy participation should be discussed with and approved by the Pastor on a case-by-case basis. FACILITY USE All funeral-related services conducted on church property must comply with church policies regarding facility usage, safety, and ministry operations. Additional information regarding facility use, repass arrangements, and ministry support is provided in the following sections of this guide. "“Let all things be done decently and in order” 1 Corinthians 14:40
Planning Your Service During the planning process, families will work with the Pastor and designated ministry representatives to coordinate service details and discuss available options. A funeral service held in the church is a service of worship, celebrating the deceased life and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Consequently, all parts of the service are to be consistent with the present worship practices of the church. Sample Format: ORDER OF SERVICE {Insert sample format} or SAMPLE ORDER OF SERVICE: Musical Prelude Processional Scripture(s) Reading Prayer of Comfort Selection/Solo Acknowledgements / Reading of Obituary Remarks (2–3 minutes each) Selection Eulogy Recessional The final Order of Service will be developed in consultation with the Pastor and the family. OBITUARIES AND PROGRAMS The family is responsible for preparing and printing the obituary and funeral program unless other arrangements have been made. The Church should receive a copy of the final program prior to the service.
Planning Your Service MUSIC/MEDIA GUIDELINES During Funeral and Memorial Services conducted at Corinthian, it is customary for one of the church musicians to play; however, special requests can be made during consultation. Families may request participation by guest musicians, singers, or other performers. Costs associated will not be covered by the church. Our Pastor and Minister of Music reserve the right to be selective in Christian ethics displayed within Corinthian’s sanctuary. Media presentations should be submitted to the Media Ministry at least 24 hours prior to the funeral service for review. SPECIAL REQUESTS Families wishing to include special presentations, recognitions, military honors, fraternal tributes, or other acknowledgements should discuss these requests during the planning process. Every effort will be made to accommodate reasonable requests that are consistent with the purpose and spirit of the service. CASKET GUIDELINES Caskets may be open during the family visitation period preceding the services based on the family’s decision. The casket will be closed before the ‘life celebration service’ begins. When the casket is closed, the floral blanket, flag or coverlet covers the casket. The casket remains closed throughout the service and will not be reopened at Corinthian Baptist Church for anyone. MEMORIALS - In certain circumstances, the family might request a contribution to the church or a charitable organization in lieu of flowers. Unfortunately, it is not within church policy to manage, receive or distribute designated funds for an outside institution. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15
Repass Information It is the policy of Corinthian Baptist Church to offer receptions and/or a repass in our Lower Fellowship Hall for active Corinthian members and their immediate families. FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES Providing an estimated attendance count Licensed Catering Options: Jackson 5 Star Catering CJ’s Catering xyz NOTE: Unfortunately, food prepared or supplied by family members, friends, or other individuals may NOT be served during repast events held at the church. FEES AND COSTS Applicable fees, meal costs, deposits, and other charges will be discussed during the planning process. The church pays for a maximum of 50 guests, for active members. A fee will be charged for additional guests, current fee schedules are available through the Church Office. POTENTIAL QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS DURING PLANNING • Will the church prepare the meal or which caterer be utilized? • What is the estimated attendance? • What fees apply? • Are there special accommodations needed? Our desire is to provide a welcoming environment where family and friends may gather in Christian fellowship and support one another during a time of loss. "Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Romans 12:10
Additional Information {Insert information}
Planning Checklist BEFORE THE SERVICE □ Contact the Church Office □ Select a Funeral Home □ Meet with the Pastor □ Confirm the Service Date and Time □ Determine the Type of Service (Funeral, Memorial, or Committal) □ Discuss Family Participation □ Select Scripture Readings □ Select Musical Selections □ Identify Speakers and Participants □ Discuss Special Presentations or Recognitions SERVICE MATERIALS □ Prepare the Obituary □ Prepare the Funeral Program □ Submit Photographs for Tribute Presentation □ Submit Video Tribute (if applicable) □ Submit Musical Selections □ Review and Approve the Final Order of Service REPAST PLANNING □ Discuss Repast Arrangements □ Confirm Facility Availability □ Confirm Food Service Arrangements □ Estimate Attendance FINAL CONFIRMATION □ Confirm All Participants □ Confirm Arrival Times □ Review Service Details with the Pastor □ Notify Family and Friends of Service Information May God grant you comfort, strength, and peace as you honor the life and legacy of your loved one.
Contact Information Corinthian Baptist Church 1725 Caniff (Joseph R. Jordan Street) Hamtramck, MI 48212 Church Office: (313) 868-7664 Email: corinoffice@yahoo.com Website: corinthianbaptistchurch.org Pastor Frederick L. Turner Funeral Ministry Contact: Emergency/After-Hours Contact: The Corinthian Baptist Church family extends our prayers, love, and support to you during this difficult time. "Cast all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7