Many of us are bewildered by approaching death and confused by the possibilities presented to us when we are faced with the need to plan a funeral.  This section attempts to help those in either situation.

Ministry at the Time of Death
Clergy in the parish work in a number of nursing homes, The Rowans and the hospital as do our trained lay people.  They are all willing to support the family of those who are with their loved ones at the time of death, either by just being there, or by offering the prayers of commendation.  Families can help the clergy by asking the staff at the hospital or the nursing home to call them.

Before the Funeral
The family will usually have visited a Funeral Director of their choice.  They will then call the Vicar to make arrangements about the time, the place, and who will conduct the funeral. If the funeral is to be held in church, the Vicar will arrange the organist and Verger for the service. If the service is held either at the crematorium or the cemetery the Vicar will conduct the service.  All other aspects should be discussed with the Funeral Director, The Vicar will then visit the family.  She will offer help and support in this difficult time as well as making the necessary preparation for the funeral service.  She may wish to rehearse the story of how the person died and  pick up information about what  Matters to be considered include:Is a service sheet to be prepared?
What music is to be played or sung?
What readings are to be used?
Is someone close to the family going to pay a special tribute?
Are there any particular circumstances to be aware of?

After the funeral
Two services can be held after the funeral. The first is the burial of the Ashes.  This is a short service and may happen quite soon after the funeral when the family are still gathered, or at a later date when the family wish to remember the person who has died.The arrangements will usually be made with the Funeral Director who will contact the Vicar.  If the Ashes are to be interred in the Churchyard, arrangements about the date and time should be made with the Churchwardens or Verger.  Verger@stjohnspurbroook The second is a memorial service.  This can take one of three forms.  The first is a service close to the cremation and in Church.  Here the funeral service will be used without the Committal.  Secondly a service can be held in Church several weeks after the funeral to enable those who wish to be present to make the necessary arrangements.  The family will be involved with the Clergy conducting the service in arranging a fitting tribute.All arrangements for a memorial Service should be made through the Churchwardens. Every year, on All Souls Day, November 2, a service is held in church and the names of those who are to remembered are read out in the prayer time.  Those who have been bereaved in the past year are encouraged to attend. It is not always appropriate for the church to offer pastoral support.  Many people are sustained by the love of family and friends. but if you would like a visit from the church please contact