Funerals in Bath & Wells
A funeral is the opportunity for friends and family to express their grief, to celebrate and give thanks for the life which has now completed its journey in this world, and to commend the person in God’s keeping. It is of huge importance for families, friends and loved ones, and this has been the case throughout our history.
The family do not need to be regular church goers to bring their loved one in to church, and it can be a less hurried way of commemorating a person’s life than just the short services allocated at crematoriums (usually just 20 minutes). A service in a church prior to the committal service allows for a less hurried service as there are no time restrictions. In addition there are not normally any additional costs in coming in to church. There is also the option of having a memorial service after the committal service.
The service should always be incredibly personal and meaningful, reflecting the person being commemorated, and as such a Church of England funeral service can be tailored to the family’s needs and wishes. It can be simple, quiet and peaceful, with just a few family members present, or an occasion of great solemnity with music, hymns and a great gathering. It could also be set within a celebration of Holy Communion if wished. You can read more about the orders of service available here.
Of course, if the family prefer, they can go for just a crematorium service and ask their vicar to lead a short service there.
It is never easy making the arrangements for the funeral of someone you love. But the funeral and burial/ cremation are as important to you as the person who has died, and can really help in the future as a way or remembering. The words and actions in a Church of England service all speak of a loving God to whom every human being, including your loved one, is precious.
Arranging a funeral
The clergy are used to helping people at times of distress and they will want to help in preparing for the funeral and burial of someone much loved. Your vicar will want to match your particular wishes with a memorial that is worthy and lasting and must approve of what is finally chosen. Share your ideas with the vicar before any arrangements are finalised if only to avoid any misunderstanding which may add to the distress of your bereavement.
People generally contact a Funeral Director (undertaker) first. They play a very important role in the arrangements, and will want to know if the funeral is to be in the parish church or if the vicar is to take the service in the crematorium. You will find that they’ll know the local clergy, cemeteries and crematoria, so will be able to give lots of advice. But it is fine to contact your local vicar first, and they will always endeavor to offer you the help and support that you need, from the moment of death to making the arrangements, to at the service itself and of course afterwards. You must never hesitate to ask.
Who can be buried in a churchyard?
As long as the parish church has a churchyard with available space, anyone who has lived or died in the parish can be buried. It doesn’t matter if they were a churchgoer or not. Occasionally special permission can be granted to bury ashes in a churchyard even if it is officially closed, subject to legal requirements of course. You would need to check with your parish vicar to see what is possible. Some churchyards now have a Garden of Remembrance set aside for the burial of ashes. Some still use gravestones, but some use a Book of Remembrance to record details instead.
Useful links
For general information and guidance online:
Government advice on what to do after a death
Church of England information on funerals
For books and other resources in planning the service:
Guides and services from Church House Publishing
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