Funerals, Thanksgiving, Memorial and Burial of Ashes Support at the end of life
Most of the preparation will be done through a funeral director chosen by the family. The undertaker has details of the up-to-date costs involved with the different types of services. They will also liaise with the Parish Administrator on burials and headstones, including the burial of ashes and memorial plaques, if this is to be in the churchyard rather than at a crematorium.
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The funeral service can be held at one of our churches, a crematorium or other suitable venues. If it is at a crematorium or another venue, with just close family, this can be followed immediately by a Service of Thanksgiving at the church for a wider congregation. Memorial services are usually held a while after a funeral so that people who were not able to attend the funeral or Service of Thanksgiving can celebrate the life of the deceased. If the deceased's remains are to be cremated, the burial of the ashes can be led by a member of the clergy with a brief Christian ceremony. This can be at the church or at the crematorium, depending on where the ashes are buried.
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The clergy team in the Parish will liaise closely with the family of the deceased once the date, venue and service format(s) have been decided by the family and their undertaker. They will discuss the service(s) with the family and what they would like to be included in the service(s) chosen.
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The parish church may ask for contact details of the next of kin so you can be invited to a special service held annually for people to remember loved ones. The Parish also provides bereavement support within the church community.