Funeral & Memorial

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it”

Ecclesiastes 12:7 

As Christians we believe that God’s love and power extend over all creation, and every life is precious to God. We believe that there is hope in death as in life, and that there is new life in Christ Jesus after death.

It is never easy to say goodbye to a loved one. There can be a lot to think about and many factors to consider. A funeral service marks the close of a human life on earth. It can provide the opportunity to mourn, grieve and celebrate the life of the deceased, centred around God’s love and the hope that they will go to heaven, free from pain and suffering.

The funeral service can be simple and quiet or a great solemn occasion. Whatever the pattern of service, it characteristically includes funeral prayers, hymns, bible readings and personal reflections.

A Memorial Service or Service of Remembrance is an opportunity to mark death at a later date, in church. It is sometimes held instead of a funeral service.  A memorial service can take place on a specific date, such as your loved one’s birthday, or the anniversary of their death, or at any other time following their death. It is common for families to use this occasion to celebrate their loved one’s life and the joy that they brought to others.

Alternatively, there is a service held in November, often known as ‘All Souls’, when anyone who wants to remember someone they love who has died, can attend and light a candle and say special prayers.

At St Michael the Archangel Church, each funeral or memorial service is personal and reflects the wishes of the deceased and/or the immediate family. If you have experienced a loss or would like to honour the memory of a loved one, we will use our experience and wisdom to make planning, whatever service is most appropriate, as easy as possible.

Please use the links below to contact us or come along on a Sunday to talk to a member of the clergy.