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Funerals and Thanksgivings
“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.”
If someone you know and love has died, a funeral led by a Church of England vicar can be held in church, in a churchyard, by a graveside, or at a crematorium. Everyone is entitled to a Church of England funeral, regardless of what their religious beliefs (if any) were. The vicar will be there to support you every step of the way.
The service can be soon after death, or perhaps a thanksgiving a bit later (or on an anniversary or another poignant date). The clergy will always start with what sort of service you are looking for. Each person is unique – in personality and in life experience. A Church of England funeral allows you to give thanks for the unique person you knew and loved in a way that gives comfort and hope.
Holy Trinity hosts Requiem Masses, where the funeral includes Holy Communion, and the use of incense and Holy Water, or can be a simpler, traditional service with Bible readings, prayers and hymns. A funeral can also be completely ‘non-religious’ (with secular music, poems, readings, tributes, and perhaps candle-lighting or other use of symbols).
Christians believe that when we die, God takes us to be with Christ until the Day of Resurrection. On this day, all will rise and live in a very different form, in a very different way, on a recreated Earth where death and pain are gone forever and God dwells in our midst. Whatever the circumstances of death, these words of hope are a great comfort to those who attend a Church of England funeral.
The first step is to contact Fr Godfrey who will be privileged to support and guide you. The church is here for you as:
A place to pray: you may want a space away from home to sit quietly or pray or light a candle.
A place to talk: sometimes a funeral prompts big questions about life and death. The clergy are here to listen to your thoughts, and help you make sense of what has happened. The Church of England has centuries of experience in thinking about life and death, so it’s a good place to take your questions.
A place to go: Every Sunday, and at other times in the week, our diverse community gathers to give thanks to God, to pray, and to know God’s strength for the week ahead. Everyone is welcome.