Coping with dying and death

Facing death, our own or someone else's, is something we all have to do, but coping with the often overwhelming feeling of helplessness and grief is something we all do differently.

Many people, whether they are church-goers or not, find tremendous support from contact with us at times like this, knowing that although we cannot restore life and health when it draws to its inevitable end, nor give certain answers to every question, nevertheless we are used to sharing with people in their sadness.

Funeral Arrangements

The more involved family and friends are, the more comforting they usually find the service. However not everyone feels able to be involved in yet more arrangements at such a difficult time, in which case we will do our very best to provide the kind of service we think will be most helpful to you.

After a death has been confirmed the first contact is usually with one of our local funeral directors, all of whom are very helpful and experienced. They will ask what sort of service you would like, and contact a priest to arrange a convenient day and time. Services may be held at St. John's Church or at the local Crematorium. Everyone who lives within the parish is entitled to a funeral service conducted by the local priest or lay minister - in their parish church or at the crematorium. It is NOT necessary to be a regular worshipper.

Sometimes people like to be involved in arranging their own funeral, and we are very happy to meet with you if this is the case to help you consider all the possibilities.

ALL SOULS DAY

This falls on November 2nd each year. Each year we hold an evening service in St. John's giving thanks for those who have shared our lives in the past and acknowledging our ongoing sense of loss and sadness. Those whose funerals have been conducted in the parish during the previous year are remembered by name and there is an opportunity for those present to add the names of other loved ones to the list of those remembered in this way.