Funeral Ministry
of
Pastor Patrick A. Fleming
Pastor Fleming has a unique ministry that combines his gifts as a pastor
and a New York State licensed funeral director. He is the current pastor of the
Amherst Church of the Nazarene where he has served since 1999. He is a former
professor and director of the Mortuary Science Department at Canton College of
Technology where he served from 1986-1995.
In our culture, many
families find themselves without pastoral care during one of the toughest times
they will face: the death of a loved one. When called upon by a local funeral
home, Pastor Fleming practices a "four contact" ministry. The first contact is
usually by telephone where he begins by getting a brief biographical sketch of
the deceased's life from the next-of-kin. The second point of contact is during
his attendance at calling hours where he meets with other family members for the
purpose of hearing their memories of their loved one and viewing the family
photos and memorabilia. The third point of contact is the day of the funeral
when Pastor Pat helps to celebrate the person's life in an honest non-judgmental
way along with the hope of the Gospel message. Family and friends are encouraged
to participate in the service. The fourth point of contact is personal follow-up
care as necessary.
Pastor Fleming has
assisted many funeral homes in Niagara and Erie Counties with dignified funeral
and memorial services that minister to the needs of grieving families. He is
usually available at a moment's notice for critical care and funeral needs, as
well as for providing workshop and seminar sessions for the community.
Pastor Fleming is a
native of Western New York and a graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School. He
and his wife Karen live in Amherst with their five daughters.
If you are a funeral director and wish to have Pastor Fleming serve with you,
please feel free to contact him.
Contact Information:
Pastor Patrick A, Fleming
Amherst Church of the Nazarene
849 N. French Rd
Amherst, NY 14228
716-691-7795
Cell 480-6599
Email:
pastor@amherstnaz.org
If you are a family in need of assistance, please call your local
funeral director, and he or she will contact Pastor Fleming. If you are looking
for a local church, you are always welcome at the Amherst Church of the
Nazarene, where we believe a church is not about the rules and regulations of
religion, but about relationships with God and with one another.
Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest
commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'