We extend our sympathy in your loss and want to walk alongside you in this season. Take the first step by contacting our office. Our staff will help guide you through the process of planning a meaningful celebration of life (memorial) service. We can host your service on our campus and our pastors can also provide interment services, graveside ceremonies and can also officiate an off-site service.
If the venue is available, we do host memorial services for people outside of our church community.
Our venues memorial services include:
The Sanctuary
Bay Shore Church in Long Beach, California, has a traditional sanctuary with stained glass windows, mahogany paneled walls, mahogany pews, and burgundy carpeting and flooring. The main floor has a center aisle and seats 300. The balcony seats an additional 150 people. The church has a pipe organ and a Steinway grand piano. String quartets or harpists may also be used for music.
Gabrielson Chapel
Gabrielson Chapel, adjacent to the sanctuary, is available before and after the wedding for use by the wedding party for pictures, signing the marriage license, etc. Gabrielson Chapel can also accommodate smaller weddings, up to 50 guests.
Fellowship Hall (can also be used for receptions)
Tables and chairs can be set up for up to 100 guests in our fellowship hall. A large screen on the stage is perfect for video loops of pictures. A large commercial-grade kitchen is perfect for serving meals. Most people choose to cater a reception for a time of fellowship and sharing after a memorial service.
Contact the Church Office for prices and details.
Meeting with a Pastor
The officiating minister will set up a time to meet with you to learn more about the deceased and to put together the service. This is an excellent time to bring family members together to reminisce and to contribute to the planning of the service. If you have materials such as letters, poetry, readings, or other items to be included in the service, bring them to this meeting. Think about passages of scripture that are especially meaningful to you at this time. If you are going to ask people to share a few words about the deceased it is best to ask them well in advance of the service and tell the minister of your plans. Instruct those who share to keep their remarks brief.
Remembering Your Loved One
Tables and easels are available for you to create a display of photos and memorabilia. You will need to provide your own table coverings and make arrangements for someone to pack it up at the conclusion of the service. We have a projector and screen if you wish to have a video presentation projected in the Fellowship Hall.
Flowers and Memorials
If you are looking for help with floral arrangements for your memorial service, you may consider using Sweet Pea Florist on Naples, as the church uses them for Sundays and they can easily help find something appropriate for our setting.
At the conclusion of the service, you will need to decide where you would like the flowers to go. You may decide to leave them in the sanctuary for Sunday worship or have family members take them home following the reception.
In lieu of flowers, many people make a memorial contribution to the church or a favorite charitable organization. If you choose to make Bay Shore Church the recipient of memorial gifts it is helpful to state it in the obituary. The church recognizes memorial funds received by the church through a letter from the treasurer. Funds can be designated for a specific project or ministry of the church, which may be subject to board approval.
Resources
We can recommend a number of excellent resources to help you plan for memorial services and for getting through the grief journey.