Funerals
With you every step of the way.
If someone you know and love has died, a funeral led by a Church of England minister can be held in church, in a churchyard, by a graveside, or at a crematorium. The minister will be there to support you every step of the way.
Remember you don’t have to be religious or a churchgoer to have a Church of England funeral – it is open to all.
Planning the service
The minister will guide you through planning the service. We know how difficult it can be to make decisions on music, bible readings, hymns, tributes etc so we take you through the service step by step, guiding and advising as needed. Our aim is to support you in creating a service that reflects and honours the person we are remembering and saying farewell to.
Hope
Christians believe that when we die, God promises that we will be with him in a wonderful place where death and pain are gone forever. Whatever the circumstances of death, these words of hope are a great comfort to those who attend a funeral.
When someone dies, although we can’t see the person we love anymore, Christians believe that through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will see that person again. It might be in a very different form, in a very different way, but that is the Christian hope, and that is the message everyone will hear when they come to a Church of England funeral.
Ongoing Support
Wherever you live, wherever the funeral takes places, whatever your link to the person who has died, the Church is available for you afterwards. Whether the funeral has happened recently or many years ago, we are here for you.
A place to be: sometimes after a funeral all that is needed is a place to sit and think. Churches are a place where we can know peace and quiet. Your church is here for you, it is a place for you to come and be whatever you need to be.
A place to pray: Churches are a place of prayer. This can include a place to light a candle, or even write a short note to leave so others can also pray for you and your needs later that day or week. Prayer is when we pause for a moment and hold your needs before God.
A place to talk: sometimes a funeral prompts big questions about life and death. The vicar or other minister in your church is there to listen to your thoughts, and help you make sense of what has happened. If this is something you would like to do, please CONTACT US.
A place to go: Every Sunday, and sometimes in the week, we gather to worship to God, to pray, and to know God’s strength for the week ahead. Everyone is welcome to come along. You might find new friends as well as the peace and comfort of God’s presence.
First steps in arranging a funeral
Meet a Funeral Director and Register the death.
At the request of the family the Funeral Director will contact the church to arrange date and time for the funeral service. Once this has been agreed the minister taking the service will contact the family to arrange a visit. During this visit we will listen to the story of the person you knew, and will go through all the details of the funeral service itself.
If you need to contact at us at any point, please do, we are here to support you.
