Sundays: 9 & 11am LATEST MESSAGE

MEMORIAL SERVICES AT FELLOWSHIP GREENVILLE

Our desire at Fellowship Greenville is to serve with compassion and excellence to families grieving the death of a loved one. This page offers frequently asked questions about memorials at Fellowship Greenville.

WHO CAN HAVE A MEMORIAL SERVICE AT FG?

Memorial services are held for members of the church and immediate family of members of the church (parents, children, siblings, spouse). A member is someone who has completed our membership class, been interviewed by an elder or pastor, and signed our membership covenant. There may be times and circumstances that may warrant the church to offer some services to non-members. However, they will be on a case-by-case basis.

WHEN ARE SERVICES HELD?

Services occur on weekdays between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, excluding Tuesday mornings. Because memorials are major events in a family’s life, the church makes every effort to give the memorial service our highest priority during the week. Special arrangements can be discussed for Saturday services. It is Fellowship Greenville’s policy not to host memorial services on Sundays or major holidays.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

  • Initial planning session and ongoing service coordination with the Care Ministry Team
  • Memorial Service held at Fellowship Greenville
  • Fellowship Greenville A/V staff to run all technology components of the service
  • Live stream and video recording available in Auditorium 1 and 2. The recording will be available within two weeks post-service to use however you like.
  • Design and printing of standard programs (You upload 1-5 photos indicating which one you would like on the cover)
  • Composition of a cloud-based photo slideshow. (You upload 60-72 photos and select the music, we’ll do the rest if desired.)
  • Tables, linen, and chairs needed in the service or reception space
  • The church provides an optional reception following the service for family and out-of-town guests. This is generally for up to 50 people. It can be a catered meal or dessert reception provided at the church or delivered to the family’s home. 
  • Fellowship Greenville does not provide childcare for memorial services or traffic control. (If the family wishes to use the nursery, they will be responsible for providing the nursery attendants and the associated fees.)

WHAT SPACES ARE AVAILABLE?

Typically the services are held in either Auditorium 1 or Auditorium 2, as these locations offer live streaming and recording options. If a smaller memorial is desired, we can accommodate a different space without live streaming and recording provided.

DOES FG PROVIDE A PASTOR FOR THE SERVICE?

Most typically, a Fellowship Greenville pastor who has a relationship with the deceased and/or family through ministry or serving will officiate the service. Suppose you do not have a relationship with a Fellowship Greenville pastor or involvement with a ministry team that might supply a pastor. In that case, the Pastoral Care Team can help identify an available pastor. The officiating pastor may need to meet separately with the family to plan content for the message. We welcome pastors from another church; however, if a non Fellowship Greenville pastor is involved in the service, they must agree to Fellowship Greenville’s statement of beliefs

DOES FG PROVIDE A MUSICIAN FOR THE SERVICE?

We have many talented musicians here at Fellowship Greenville who can provide music for memorial services. Depending on the size of the service, one or two musicians may be a good fit or an entire band may be more appropriate. If you’d like music included in the service, the Care Ministry Team can help identify and schedule musicians for you. You can choose your favorite songs, or the Worship Team can provide a list of songs for you to consider.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL ORDER OF SERVICE?

Below is a guideline to help you and your pastor to plan the service. Friends and family can share in the roles. Elements can be added or moved as your family desires. Possible elements include:

  • Welcome and Prayer
  • Congregational Song
  • Remembrances Shared
  • Song
  • Message
  • Video (Option to play video during memorial service or during visitation and reception only)
  • Congregational Song
  • Closing Prayer

CAN LOVED ONES SPEAK AT THE SERVICE?

Yes, many families will choose to include a portion of the service where loved ones provide remembrances. We highly recommend each individual write out precisely what they’d like to say, keeping their sentiments to one page or less. This way, their sharing remains clear and impactful, and if their emotions prevent them from making it through to the end of their remembrance, the pastor or another loved one can step in and finish sharing on their behalf. Remembrance speakers must be selected ahead of time and their names printed in the program.

DONATIONS/FLORAL REMEMBRANCES

  • Flowers need to be delivered on the day of service as there is no refrigeration available.
  • Flowers need to be removed following the service. In lieu of flowers, do you wish to designate a charity people can donate to?
  • Designate a family member or friend to oversee making sure flowers and any personal family belongings/memorabilia have been gathered to take home.

WHAT IS THE COST?

There is no fee charged for active members at Fellowship Greenville. (*Except for additional music request)

OTHER QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS WITH THE PASTOR

  • Is there a favorite verse, quote, or poem to be incorporated into the memorial or program?
  • Would you like a visitation?
  • Will there be a graveside service?
  • Would you like a memorabilia table?

WHAT IS MY NEXT STEP?

If you've lost a loved one, please contact the Care Coordinator or a pastor with the relationship to your family so we can determine your immediate needs.