First United Methodist Church of Champaign, Downtown

210 West Church Street • Champaign, IL 61820 • (217) 356-9078 • Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

Memorial services and funerals are services of Christian worship that are an integral part of the ministry of the church to the families and friends of those who have died. Ideally, these worship services arise from within the context of a broader and more comprehensive lived experience of the persons involved, which extends far beyond the fragile boundaries of the ritual itself. The liturgy of the memorial service or funeral reflects the symbols of life and hope in the midst of death and dying. Additionally important is the presence of the Christian community with those who are facing the death of someone they know and love.

One of the pastors should be notified immediately upon the death of a member or constituent of the congregation. Pastoral care and prayer are crucial with the bereaved at the time of death.

The pastor in consultation with the family, usually within a day following the death, makes plans for the service and all other ministries following a death.

The pastors would be honored to discuss any questions you may have, and assist with funeral and memorial service planning.