At some point in our lives, almost all of us will be faced with planning a funeral or memorial service for a loved one.  Our Minister is here to help you through this process. Funerals and memorial services are considered part of the minister’s pastoral care to our congregation and, at times, to our community.

Interview
The minister will want to meet with members of the family and/or close friends to plan the service and learn details of the person’s life story.  This meeting may take place at the church, in a family member’s home or at the funeral home that is handling arrangements.

The Service
The service may be a funeral (which means a casket containing the person’s body is present) or a memorial service (with or without an urn with the ashes present).
A brief service of committal may also take place at the time of interment of the body or ashes at a cemetery or crematorium.
The minister will outline the service with those gathered to do the planning. It normally includes scripture readings, a short meditation, prayers, a time of remembrance about the person’s life, and music, often hymns.  Family members or friends may be asked to share remembrances or read scripture.  An order of service bulletin will be prepared if desired.  Ushers may be members of the church or family and friends.  The funeral home will discuss pallbearers with you if there is a casket present.

Music
Our Music Director, Daniel Rubinoff will play for the service, if available, and is open to finding appropriate hymns, music, soloists or instrumentalists to fit the occasion.  If you would like a friend or relative to add their musical talent to the service, please feel free to discuss this with Daniel.  More information: Daniel Rubinoff, 416-444-8444; Click here to email

The Setting
The service may be held in the sanctuary (comfortable for groups of 75 to 300), at the funeral home chapel or graveside.  Flowers, candles, a guest book, pictures and memorabilia are welcomed.  Memorial cards for donations to be made to the church in the deceased’s memory are also available.  Arrangements for donations to other charities or organizations should be made through the funeral home or the organization itself.

Accessibility
The Donway Covenant is equipped with a semi-circular drop-off driveway, a gently sloped sidewalk, and wheelchair-accessible doors. We also have hearing assistance devices.  If there will be people in attendance with sight problems, a large-print order of service can be supplied with advance notice.

Reception
We are pleased to have receptions in our church auditorium following the service.  Our Church Administrator will work with you to find appropriate caterers or reception team volunteers (members only).  The serving of alcohol is not permitted.

Fees
Our Church Administrator, Jaren McLeod, will be glad to give you fee guidelines. She can be reached at 416-444-8444; Click here to email

After Care
The minister will be in touch with you in the weeks and months that follow the service as you work through your grief.  Our church library contains several publications that may also help you through the process.