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Arranging a funeral
at Christ Church Croft
A funeral in church
A funeral is used to mark the end of a person's life here on earth.
Family and friends come together to express grief, give thanks for the life lived
and commend the person into God's keeping.
These can be a small, quiet ceremony or a large occasion in a packed church.
Everyone living in the parish of Croft is entitled to either a burial service (funeral) or to have
their ashes buried in the churchyard by one of the local clergy
(regardless of whether they attended church or not).
Planning a funeral
Some people find planning the funeral with family and friends helps in their grieving.
Perhaps you already know something of what your loved one wanted.
You may even have planned the service together some time ago.
If you are uncertain the member of clergy who will lead the service can help you choose
suitable readings, hymns and prayers. If they did not know your loved one well,
they will want to talk with you to build up a picture of the person's life,
this may take only one meeting but sometimes it can be more.
Some deaths will be especially traumatic, distressing or unexpected.
The Church has special funerals for children, or after sudden or violent deaths, including suicide.
Talk with the clergy about what is possible.
How do we arrange it?
The first thing to do is to speak to one of the local undertakers as they will help with much
of the organising. They will speak to the clergy on your behalf. The clergy will then arrange
to come and chat with you.
Arranging a funeral
Planning a funeral can be one of the most difficult things you ever have to do. To help you,
funeralmap.co.uk™ is a unique concept, bringing together independent advice
on the things you need to know in order to arrange a funeral, along with easy-to-find
contact details for the various organisations and services you will need to call upon at this time.
Their advice covers such issues as deciding between a cremation or a burial,
and finding a funeral director. There is also a useful list of organisations providing
bereavement support. The map enables you to search for the services you require
in your desired area, and see their exact location. The online map makes it easy to share
information with family and friends.
Attending a funeral
We understand that, for many people, attending a funeral is also very difficult -
there are often many questions to ask about funeral etiquette, particularly if you
have never before been to a funeral. The section 'Attending a Funeral' is a handy guide
through some of the range of frequently asked questions relating to going to a funeral.
A prayer for ourselves:
Support us, O Lord, all the day long
of this troublesome life,
until the shadows lengthen and the
evening comes,
the busy world is hushed,
the fever of life is over
and our work is done.
Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a
safe lodging, a holy rest,
and peace at the last;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
____________________
Psalm 23 (from Common
Worship)
The Lord is my shepherd;
there can I lack nothing.
He makes lie down in green pastures
and leads me beside still waters.
He shall refresh my soul
and guide me in the paths of
righteousness for his name's sake.
Though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no
evil; for you are with me;
your rod and staff, they comfort me.
You spread a table before me
in the presence of those who trouble
me; you have anointed my head with
oil and my cup shall be full.
Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell In the house of the
Lord for ever.
_________________
A prayer based on
Psalm 6
Our eyes, Lord, are wasted with grief;
you know we are weary with
groaning.
As we remember our death
in the dark emptiness of the night,
have mercy on us and heal us;
forgive us and take away our fear
through the dying and rising of Jesus
your Son. Amen.
Click here for further
prayers and readings