Funerals

Let not your hearts be troubled.  Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:1-3

Funerals at The Falls Church

Please contact the church office at 571-282-0200 or reception@tfcanglican.org for more information concerning scheduling, clergy availability, or costs associated with funerals.

When Death Occurs
When the death of a member of the church occurs, one of the parish clergy should be called at once and arrangements for the funeral made in consultation with him.

Burial From the Church
Baptized Christians, having been nurtured in the Church, are properly buried from the Church. The Memorial Garden is available for the burial of cremains, if desired.

Music and the Service
It is appropriate to sing hymns at the Burial of the Dead. The selection of hymns, prayers, scripture, and other details of the service is done in consultation with the clergy.

Pall For the Coffin
A pall to cover the coffin during the service in the church is provided by The Falls Church Anglican. Therefore, flowers are not needed for the coffin. The pall reminds us of the equality of all people before God.

Memorials
Memorial gifts are inscribed in one of the permanent books of the church: the Book of Remembrance, the Book of Memorials or In Remembrance--the Memorial Garden." The Book of Remembrance records the names of those in whose memory gifts have been given to the church at the time of their death. From this fund, permanent additions are made to the church to enhance its worship and work.

Flowers
Flowers are allowed only on the Holy Table. If flowers are desired, please speak to our Altar Guild representative, Suzanne Harris, telephone 703-560-5847.

Funeral Expenses
While expenses in connection with the funeral are for the family to decide, please remember that it is fitting to keep funeral expenses to a minimum. Columbia Baptist Church is available for funeral or memorial services for TFCA families, either in Hoge Chapel or in the Main Sanctuary. There is currently no charge for the use of these facilities. There is a fee for the organist, and an honorarium to the clergy is encouraged. Please call the church office, 571-282-0200, to speak with one of our receptionists about costs associated with funerals.

Cremation
This is in keeping with the Church’s teaching about death. The service is held in the church, before or after the burial of the ashes. A portion of the churchyard of The Falls Church Episcopal has been set aside as a Memorial Garden for the burial of ashes. Such burial is without an urn, and the grave is unmarked. Our practice is to use only consecrated ground, either in the Memorial Garden or in a cemetery, for the burial of ashes.

Funeral Arrangement Form
We encourage you to complete two copies of this form: one for the church office and one for your own records.  Please call the church office at 571-282-0200 for more information..

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.  And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.  My heart faints within me!
Job 19:25-27