Funeral
A Christian funeral is a worship service to remember the deceased and bring comfort and the hope of eternal life to the bereaved family. There are no Buddhist customs such as offerings, incense burning, or posthumous names. The deceased is sent off with gratitude and praise to God.
In 2019, the number of deaths in Japan was 1,376,000.
That is 3,769 people per day, 157 per hour, and 2.6 per minute.
Death is a reality. And where do people go after death?
From "The Coffin" by poet Kawaji Ryuko
Where is that coffin going? To the crematorium.
And then where? To the grave.
And then where? I do not know.
The Bible clearly teaches about physical death and the judgment that follows. At the same time, it teaches about eternal salvation alongside eternal judgment.
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
— Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)
Sin is what destroys the relationship between God and people, leading them to destruction.
It cannot be resolved by money, religion, or good deeds.
The "salvation" that God prepared out of His love and mercy for humanity is Jesus Christ.
God's Son, Jesus, came into this world as a man.
Though sinless, He died on the cross as a substitute for all of humanity's sin,
was buried, and on the third day rose again, conquering the power of death and hell.
Now, anyone who simply believes in Jesus as their Savior
can be forgiven of their sins and receive God's salvation.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
— Romans 6:23 (NKJV)
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."
— Acts 16:31 (NKJV)
We lay the body to rest and remember the life of the deceased.
We reflect on death together and worship God.
We comfort and encourage the bereaved family.
For those who believe in Jesus, their soul is in heaven even after physical death.
Therefore, Christian funerals do not include Buddhist customs such as offerings, incense burning, or posthumous names.
Here is the process from passing at the hospital to the funeral service.
*The body may be transported to the family home or to a funeral hall prepared by the funeral company. Currently, many families choose the funeral company's hall, as it is less burdensome for the family.
The funeral service is held at the church either before or after cremation. The service can be conducted at the funeral company's hall, the church sanctuary, or the family home, adapted to the situation.
Our church columbarium is located within the Odate City Kogarasawa Cemetery. It features a design combining white granite and stainless steel. Remains are pulverized and placed into an urn for interment.
| Church Members & Family | Others | |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 120,000 yen | 220,000 yen |
| Pulverization fee | 50,000 yen (includes pulverization, engraving, shipping) | |
| Cemetery maintenance fee | 70,000 yen (3,500 yen/year x 20 years) | |
| Church donation | — | 100,000 yen |
| Church Members & Family | Others | |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 150,000 yen | 250,000 yen |
| Pulverization fee | 60,000 yen (includes pulverization, engraving, shipping) | |
| Cemetery maintenance fee | 70,000 yen (3,500 yen/year x 20 years) | |
| Church donation | 20,000 yen | 120,000 yen |
*After 20 years, the cemetery maintenance fee will be covered by the church.
*Non-church members are subject to review by the cemetery management committee.
*If you already have a cemetery plot, interment will be done there.
*Please consult with the pastor regarding the interment date.
Bank: Hokuto Bank, Odate Branch (Branch No. 031), Savings Account 8126632
Account Holder: Religious Corporation Midori no Makiba Church Odate Chapel, Representative Noboru Muraoka
In Christianity, there is no 49th-day memorial (as in Buddhism).
This is because the soul of the deceased is promised to go to heaven at the time of death.
However, it is meaningful to hold a memorial service one year later to remember the deceased.
The pastor is invited to the home for prayer,
followed by a family meal where memories of the loved one are shared.
30,000 yen
Includes: funeral planning, memorial service, cremation ceremony officiation, and administrative costs
Most funeral costs are related to the funeral company.
A minimum budget of approximately 300,000 yen is required (reference: Hinai Funeral Home).
Additional costs apply if a floral altar, piano performance, or choir are arranged at the church.
Preparing a memorial photo in advance saves costs and produces better results.
Please prepare a memorial photo, cremation permit, bouquet, and flower petals for the casket. The funeral company can arrange these if notified in advance.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Please feel free to contact us
for any inquiries about funeral services.
TEL: 0186-42-8363
makiba@cocoa.ocn.ne.jp