A Sacred Gathering
The Journey Home
Funerals are among the most sacred moments — times when grief and hope stand side by side. In the face of loss, we gather not to deny the reality of death, but to meet it honestly, supported by the love of community and the promises of God.
A Christian funeral holds together this holy tension: we name the sorrow of separation and commend our loved one to God’s care, even as we proclaim the good news of resurrection. Grounded in God’s Baptismal Covenant with us in Christ, these services bear witness to a deeper truth — that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God, and that in Christ, life is changed, not ended.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“
Romans 8:38–39
Most funerals take place in our Chapel, providing a peaceful and sacred setting for worship, remembrance, and commendation.
Primary Setting
The Chapel
Our Chapel provides a peaceful, intimate, and sacred space for funeral and memorial services — a setting where your family and those who loved your loved one can gather in quiet dignity, surrounded by beauty and the presence of God.
The Hope We Carry
Grounded in Resurrection
A Christian funeral is an act of worship — not just a memorial, but a proclamation. These are the truths that anchor every service we hold at First UMC.
Grief is Holy
We do not ask people to put their grief aside. Tears are welcome here. The psalms of lament, the raw honesty of loss — these are part of faithful worship. We grieve as people who have hope, not as people who pretend loss doesn't hurt.
Life is Changed, Not Ended
The central proclamation of a Christian funeral is resurrection. In Christ, death is not the final word. We commend our loved one into God's care with confidence — not because we have earned it, but because God has promised it.
We Do Not Grieve Alone
Community is one of God's greatest gifts to those who mourn. When we gather for a funeral service, we surround a grieving family with the body of Christ — with prayer, presence, and the shared witness of faith. No one walks through this alone.
“Grounded in God’s Baptismal Covenant with us in Christ, these services bear witness to a deeper truth —
that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God, and that in Christ, life is changed, not ended.“
We Are Here for You
Begin Planning a Service
To begin planning or to speak about arrangements, please reach out to Pastor Brett directly. He will listen, answer your questions, and walk with you and your family through every step of the process — with care, gentleness, and no pressure.
Additional selections may be requested. All music must be approved by the Music Fine Arts Director. Contact Michael Stuart to discuss your musical vision.
Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church of Sarasota. Pastor Brett is available to speak with you at any time about funeral and memorial service arrangements. Please don’t hesitate to reach out — a phone call is always welcome.
- [email protected]
- (941) 955-0935
- Office hours: Mon – Thu, 9:00am – 4:00pm