Funerals at st John’s
As you’re here reading this, we assume that someone you love has recently passed away, or it is expected that this may happen soon. We’re truly sorry for your loss. At such a time grief, sorrow, and bereavement are both natural and appropriate.
We would love the opportunity to hold a service with you to remember your loved one, and to share the hope we have in God’s grace and power over death.The funeral and associated pastoral care is an important ministry for St John’s in the City and our Minister welcomes inquiries for having a funeral service at St John’s, regardless of church membership.
We offer a traditional Christian service framework, and work with you to modify it to fit your family and loved one. Our Minister will meet with you and your family to plan the funeral service and explain the various options that you have to make it a special and meaningful farewell.
Immediately following the funeral service refreshments can be served in the adjacent St John’s Centre (subject to availability). Catering recommendations can be provided by the St John’s Office staff or your Funeral Director.
Church
The main sanctuary has a capacity of up to 550 using both floors (ground floor and balcony). Most funerals use the ground floor only, which has a maximum capacity of 375 people. Smaller groups may wish to use just the centre pews, or the Mackay Chapel.
The inside of the church is beautiful and requires very little decoration but you are welcome to organise flowers and/or candles to place on the Communion Table or on stands at the front of the church and in the foyer.
Mackay Chapel
Adjacent to the main church sanctuary we have a beautiful chapel that can seat up to 40 people. It is a special space within St John’s and well-suited to intimate, special farewells.
The main feature of the Mackay Chapel is the magnificent Aitken stained glass windows depicting the Last Supper. The windows were made in Edinburgh in 1903 and installed in a church in Campbeltown, Scotland until it was demolished and the windows brought to St John’s in New Zealand.
St John’s Centre Hall and Meetings rooms
If you’d like to host an afternoon tea following the funeral service, the St John’s Centre next to the church has a number of spaces for hire and a kitchen (for catering and serving purposes, not cooking as the kitchen is not commercially licensed). You can organise a caterer or bring in your own food to serve. The MacKenzie and Fellowship rooms are good options for groups of up to 35 people, while the hall is best for larger groups.
MUSIC
There is a range of instruments and equipment available for use by (competent and careful) musicians as part of the hire of the church.
Electric organ
Grand piano
Electric keyboard
Drum kit
Wireless microphones
Sound system with a 3.5 mm jack to connect to your device
We also have a built-in hearing loop for hearing aids (these areas are signposted in the church)
Organist: We have organists available to meet with you beforehand to discuss your options if you would like the organ played as part of the funeral service.
Sound desk operators: If you need someone to operate the sound-desk, please let us know.
enquiries
To discuss your special farewell event, or if you have any questions, please contact us and our Minister will be in touch with you soon.
More information
When should the funeral take place?
We recommend scheduling the funeral service at a time that will allow for the greatest number of people to attend, taking into account work, childcare, and other common obligations. Weekday services before or after the lunch hour are good options, allowing people to be away from their workplaces for an extended time around noon and to be concluded before schools finish in the afternoon.
Do I need to organise a Funeral Director?
Yes. The Funeral Director is responsible for most arrangements outside of the actual funeral service and coordinates closely with the Minister.