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We’ll always be here to help you through one of life’s most difficult times.
A Church of England funeral is available to everyone,
giving support before, during and after the service,
for as long as it’s needed.
Wherever you choose to have a funeral, i
t will reflect the unique life of the person you knew.
In the following lines we will give you an idea about what do you need to think
of when you are thinking of funeral service, whether in church or another place.
To talk to our vicar you could contact him
Music, hymns, readings, tributes, even the type of coffin – can be part of a Church of England funeral.
Talk to your minister about what is possible.
We’re with you every step of the way.
The arrival
When everyone has arrived at the funeral venue, the coffin will be carried by the pall-bearers, (who could be family or friends), into the church building (or depending on where the funeral is to take place). If the funeral is in a crematorium or in a church, your choice of music can be played as the coffin is carried in. It’s totally up to you – it’s also fine to have no music at all. The minister may also say some words of comfort and hope as the coffin is being carried.
If the funeral service is taken place at our parish church you have two options of arrival music:
Live music (by the organist)
CD-Recorded music
Choosing hymns
Depending on how much time you’ll have, especially if the funeral is taking place at a crematorium, to keep the service within a short reasonable time the usual choice is 2 hymns in addition to the arrival and exit music (one or both of which could be a hymn).
You can find a selection of hymns to help guide your choice here.
Remembering a unique life
In the service there is time to listen to the story of the person you knew and loved. You, another friend or relative, or our church minister can do this. It may include readings and/or music which reflect the character or interests of the person who has died.
There are some popular readings for funerals here
(taken from https://churchofenglandfunerals.org/stepbystep/)
A message of hope
You can choose a Bible reading for this part of the service if you would like to. Some popular choices are offered here. The minister will speak about God’s promises – of the hope that death is not the end.
Whatever your beliefs at the moment, hearing these words can bring a sense of hope and comfort, even at this very difficult time.
Reflecting and remembering
In a time of reflection, music can be played, or silence may be kept. Prayers will be said too. At this point it might be appropriate to lay flowers on the coffin, or express your sadness and loss in another way.
Talk to our minister about any ideas you might have. Tell them all about the person you knew and loved and they can offer suggestion for a special way to make it personal.
Saying goodbye
It will then be time for the farewell. The minister will pray, asking God to keep your loved one in his care, using words that have been used for centuries:
“…earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust: in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ”
This may be a very emotional moment. It may be possible to have some special music played at this point. The minister will say a blessing and music may be played as the mourners leave the venue.
After the funeral
Going through grief is sometimes described as a journey.
Like a journey, it is a process and so involves changes over time. But, unlike most journeys, it doesn’t really have a clear end point and even its starting point can sometimes be vague.
To read more about this please visit https://churchofenglandfunerals.org/after-a-funeral/journey-through-grief/
Also facing loss can make us think about our own death, and other big questions about life and death.
As community of St James church we have many members who have been through or are going through this journey in their different ways. As God cares and loves us we are very passionate to care and love for others especially those who are in our community. We would like to accompany you on this journey in a way that suits you and your circumstances. Prayer, friendship and a warm community are some of gifts we would like to share with you especially in this time. You could let us know and one of our ministers will come and visit you to know more.
We also have an annual MEMORIAL SERVICE in November of each year.0
If you would like to be contacted about this service every time it happens please let us know.
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