FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the Christian Burial Fund (CBF)?

  • The CBF was created by The Christian Immigration Society so that Christians, as a group could "Carry each other’s burdens..." (Galatians 6:2) and assist its membership in managing the cost of funerals.
  • Simply stated, rather than bereaved families incurring large funeral and burial costs, the CBF as a Society would cover such costs over time.

 

2. Why join the CBF?

  • For most people, death is often something we would rather not think about, but planning for the inevitable is a wise thing to do for yourself and your fellow members.
  • Membership is very affordable (see Q#4 below).
  • You are following God's plan to "Carry each other's burdens".
  • Convenience and peace of mind.


3. Who can join the CBF?

  • Anyone over 18, and a resident of Alberta may apply for membership.
  • Any member who is also member of a Christian church, has the right to vote on matters that may come before a meeting of the Society.


4. What are the fees to join?

  • Membership fees are $11.55 ($11.00 + GST) per billing period (twice/year) plus an additional levy for each member that has deceased during that billing period.
  • Over the past 10 years, the average yearly charge per membership has been approximately $157.00.


5. Can I join the CBF at any time?

  • Yes, however it is recommended that you join before your 30th birthday.
  • Those joining after age 30 are levied an entrance fee which varies with age and marital status.
  • Membership applications can be obtained under the Forms page on this website or at the CBF's office (see Q#13 below).


6. Is my whole family covered?

  • Yes. You, your spouse (if applicable) and your children living in your household, are covered. Children are covered until the age of 20 years, after which they need to take out their own membership to continue coverage.


7. What are the cost savings by joining the CBF rather than

    paying my own funeral costs?

  • For all practical purposes, funeral costs in 2021 ran upwards of $12,000.00/death.  By comparison, the CBF members have paid about $1974 in fees over the previous 14 years (2008-2021). That works out to about $141/year total. Going even further back, a 70 year old married couple, who have been members for 40 years, would have paid no more than $3500.00 total. That would add up to over 85% savings for 2 funerals/burials given 2021 costs. Even a single person would realize about 43% savings.


8. If a member of my family becomes deceased, what do I do?

  • Contact Foster & McGarvey Funeral Home at 780.428.6666. Inform them you are members of the CIS Christian Burial Fund and they will assist you through the necessary steps.


9. If I become divorced, is my ex-spouse still covered? 

  • No. You must notify the CBF to remove this individual from your family coverage. The membership will be split into separate "single" memberships.
  • Notification should occur ASAP and within 90 days of your divorce to prevent "re-admittance fees".
  • The removed member may continue to pay normal membership fees noted under Q#4 to continue their coverage.
  • Note that failing to notify CBF of your divorce and continuing as a "married membership" constitutes fraud. Both members may lose their membership.


10. If I get married or remarried, is my new spouse covered? 

  • No. You must notify the CBF to add your spouse to your family coverage and a pro-rata entrance fee (amount varies with age of new member) may be levied (see Q#5).
  • Notification should occur ASAP and within 90 days of your marriage.


11. If I do not use all of the services, can I expect a refund?

  • No. Contracts have been set up years ago with Foster & McGarvey, Westlawn Memorial Gardens and Little Mountain Cemetery for their services/products. The contract fee is the same whether all or a portion of the provided services are used so we are unable to provide credit for unused services or products.


12. Where are the cemeteries located?

  • Westlawn Cemetery (163rd Street and Stony Plain Road)
  • Little Mountain Cemetery (160th Avenue and 50th Street)

 

13. Are there any other savings?

  • Check out the Further Savings tab on this website. 


14. Who do I call if I have any questions?

  • Contact the Society Administrator at 780.964.7165 or email at cis@christianburialfund.com (do not call to report a death see Q#8)
  • Society mailing address is the Emmanuel Home building*

             13429 57 St NW | Edmonton, Alberta | T5A 0T8

        

* Although charter members of the Christian Immigration Society founded the Christian Credit Union in 1952, the Christian Credit Union only provides Administrative Services for the Christian Burial Fund.

 


2022-3-15