Funerals – Celebrations of Life

Death is not the end

As Christians, we believe there is more to life than death – death is not the end. Jesus proved this by rising to new life on that very first Easter Sunday morning. However, that doesn’t mean when we lose someone we love that it doesn’t hurt – it does hurt and it does matter. Another thing that will matter to you as loved ones of the departed is how you celebrate their life and lay them to rest with Jesus in eternal life.

Saying goodbye to someone is never easy, so we have prepared some information for you that might help you in your preparations for that celebration of your loved ones life.

FAQ about Funerals

Do I need a service in Church?

No, there are lots of choices available to you – here are some –

One Service at the Crematorium

Perhaps your loved one would not wish to have a service in church. This option allows you to fulfil the wishes of the departed.

Church Service and Crematorium Service

You may have a large number of people who wish to say goodbye to your loved one and Christ Church can accommodate approximately 160 people. You and your close family and friends may then want to attend a small, private ceremony at the Crematorium where your loved one will rest.

Crematorium Service followed by Church Service

You may wish to hold the smaller, private ceremony at the Crematorium and then hold a church service for everyone to remember your loved one in the place where they will rest.

Service in Church and burial in the Churchyard

A celebration of your loved ones life in the church followed by the burial in the churchyard (cemetery) allows your to say goodbye to the departed at the place where they will rest.

Service at the Graveside

A small, private service at your loved ones resting place is a simple goodbye.

Service of Thanksgiving

You may wish to celebrate your loved ones life at a later date, when the pain of loss is not so acute and a Service of Thanksgiving is one way you can chose to do this. Our clergy can discuss all the options available to you and guide you through the choices you can make at what is a difficult time for you.

Why have a service in Church?

Funerals are not just for the person who we have loved and lost, but for us, too – they give us time and space to begin, however badly, to adjust to the loss we have experienced. Sometimes, a funeral at a crematorium can feel rushed, and time is limited, so things that need to be said or done can’t be. In church, there is time and space for you to say goodbye to your loved one and reflect in the glory of God and Jesus Christ as the departed is entrusted in their keeping.

What form of service can I have?
In today’s church, there is a lot of choice about what you can have that forms part of your funeral celebrations. You can include other people, read poems, speak about your loved one, have musicians and singers – you can talk through your wishes with our clergy, who will guide you through what you could include. In amongst all the choice, it is important that you include a Bible reading and prayers.
What about music?
It is quite alright to ask the clergy if you can include favourite musical pieces or modern songs that reflect or were important to your loved one. You can chose to have an organ, soloists, choirs or a string quartet – the church will work with you to ensure that the music you chose helps you through your grieving and reflects the wishes and personality of the departed.
How much does it cost?
Even at this difficult time, you do have to think about the cost of your loved ones funeral, and this will depend on what you want the service to include. In general, the church part of your loved ones celebration is often the least expensive of everything else you will have to arrange.
What about a burial of ashes?
If, at some point in the future, after the service, you would want your loved ones ashes buried in the churchyard, we can arrange this for you and we can arrange a small service for you. A funeral is seen as a last goodbye, and some people are not ready to part with their loved ones, so a burial service after the funeral celebration may be a way to achieve this.
Talk to us
We hope the above information is useful to you at this difficult time. Please do feel free to arrange a discussion with our clergy, who will help you through the various options open to you and will offer you comfort at this sad time.

Interment of Ashes Form

If you would like to arrange an interment of ashes, please download and complete the ‘Interment of Ashes Form’, and return it to Church during any Sunday morning service if you are able, or email it to the Churchwardens.

'Interment of Ashes Form'