Jesus said to her,
‘I am the resurrection and the life. 
Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live...
- John 11:25 [New Revised standard Version]

Yvonne van Ede
5 January 1939 – 30 September 2021
Service held Wednesday 6th October, 2021
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Marking the End of Life

At Eastwood Uniting Church we hold the Christian conviction that while death is the end of mortal life,
it marks a new beginning in our relationship with God.
We are also here to share the sorrow of those who mourn, and to offer them our love and support.

The Christian recognition of death is a part of the Church’s offering of the whole of life to God. The Funeral Service is a time: 
  1. to worship God, celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that witness to the faithfulness of God in life and death;
  2. to give thanks for a specific person’s life and mourn that person’s death;
  3. to dispose reverently of the body.
The Funeral Service witnesses to the reality of death, and to the fact that death is a basic part of our common humanity that all must face. However, as each human life is of individual worth to God, the minister should make each funeral a unique occasion.

Normally, the Minister will meet with the Next of Kin to discuss Service arrangements, including inclusion of Eulogies/Tributes, Prayers, Hymns and Readings/Poems. Photographs are welcome. Funerals normally take a few days to arrange, but may take place some weeks after death, particularly where it is difficult to gather people together.

Eastwood Uniting Church offers several pastoral services:
  • Celebration of Life or Memorial Service
  • Funeral (with Commendation of the Deceased Person's spirit into God's care and Committal of their body to burial or cremation)
  • Disposal of Ashes (where the ashes are placed, buried, or scattered)
  • Dedication of Memorial (Some families dedicate a plaque, a seat or a tree, planted in memory of their loved one)  
  • All Saints' Service - 30th November annually
  • Blue Christmas - for those who may be missing someone during the Advent-Christmas season
  • Other culturally-specific traditions are also catered for (e.g. Fijian tradition of marking 100 days of mourning)

Note to Funeral Directors:
  • Civic Recognitions and additional Rites may take place after the formal service is concluded after consultation with the Minister
  • A memorial table may be used for the placing of memorabilia or flags or other symbols.