Memorial Services
The ministers and congregation of the First Unitarian Church of Cleveland offer their condolences to you and your family upon the death of your loved one. It is a difficult time when you need to deal with your grief and also handle the various details of how to best honor that loved one - to celebrate their life and mourn their death. The ministers and staff of our church are here to work with you in creating a personal and meaningful service as well as providing whatever counseling you need.
In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, memorial and funeral services are created in consultation with the family and close friends. The service will reflect the life of your loved one as it also celebrates "Life in its infinite continuity and Love in its enduring significance." Each of our services will vary, depending upon the individual and their family's wishes.
Making Arrangements
To make arrangements, call the church office at 216-751-2320. One of our ministers can assist you.
Reverend Daniel Budd, Parish Minister
Reverend George Buchanan, Minister for Religious Education
As needed, the ministers will involve other staff members. They are:
Ms. Fern Jennings, Director of Music
Mrs. Kathie Kitchingham, Membership Coordinator
Mr. Doug Aubin, Administrator Affiliated Clergy
In addition, Reverend Patricia Shelden, Community Minister Affiliated, is available to conduct your service. Rev. Shelden is the director of Miriam's Way, a ministry of support for all losses and grief in Cleveland Heights (216-371-2760).
Useful Information
Building: The building is wheelchair accessible. An elevator offers access to all floors. Smoking is not permitted in the building or near the entrances. The Baker Room is available to the family prior to the service.
Fees
Payable to the church
Fee Deposit: none
Sanctuary (non-members): $250
Fellowship Hall (non-members): $150
Custodian: $100
Payable to the individual Minister (whether service is at the church or a funeral home): $350
Payable to the Organist (minimum): $150
Flowers: Please advise your florist when the church will be open for floral delivery, then tell the church office when flowers will be delivered. Nails, tacks, wire or tape may not be used to secure decorations. Flowers not removed following the ceremony may be used for the next church service or otherwise disposed of by the staff.
Music: Many families plan memorial and funeral service music to reflect the life of their loved one. The music might include traditional and more modern elements and may include CDs or live music of various types. Music Director, Fern Jennings, is available to assist you with your choices. If the service is to include organ or piano music, please consult Ms. Jennings to secure her services or to request permission for another person to use the instruments. Fees for memorial and funeral services are negotiated directly with and payable to the musician(s).
Photography: Photography and videotaping are permitted during the service by agreement between the minister and the family.
Reception: Fellowship Hall is available for receptions after the service to Members and Friends only. Capacity is 102 seated for dinner and 219 standing. The Church does not provide catering.
Sanctuary: Total seating capacity is 438. Twenty-one pews on each side of the main floor seat 393. Three pews in the balcony seat 45. The Sanctuary is wheelchair accessible. The balcony is not.
To love what is mortal;
To hold it against your bones, knowing your life depends on it;
And, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go."
Mary Oliver