When someone dies, we understand how difficult this can be. There’s so much to think about, but we can help you say your final goodbye in a way that really helps.
We’re here for you. We can help you to celebrate the unique life of the person you knew and loved and give thanks to God for them. We can support you, your family and friends before, during and after the funeral with friendship and prayer, understanding your sadness and loss and, in this difficult time, we can share a message of hope and comfort.
Anyone can have a Church of England funeral, whether churchgoers or not. This may take place at a crematorium (Sedgemoor or Weston-super-Mare or elsewhere), at an outdoor woodland or green burial site, in a church (Holy Cross Church, Mark or All Saints Church, East Huntspill or St Peter & All Hallows Church, West Huntspill) or in the Cemetery at Mark.
Rev Chris may be contacted directly c.judson@btinternet.com or via one of the local Funeral Directors. She will then meet with you to discuss the arrangements and help shape the service in response to your wishes and is happy to conduct both traditional and non-traditional services. No previous connection with the church is required.
The Service
Wherever you choose to have the funeral, you can add personal touches to reflect the unique life of the person you knew.
Arrival: When the coffin arrives and is carried into the venue or onto the burial site by the pall bearers (who could be family or friends), your choice of music may be played.
Remembering a unique life: When everyone is gathered, a hymn may be sung. There is time to listen to the story of the person you knew and loved. You, another friend or relative, or Rev Chris can share this. It may include readings which reflect the character and interests of your loved one. Music, photos, flowers, or items that have special meaning may also be included.
A message of hope: You can choose a suitable Bible reading and together we will hear of God’s promises – of the hope that death is not the end.
Time for reflection and prayer: Prayer and silence or suitable music may be used to help us reflect and give space to our thoughts and feelings – honouring your loved one and seeking comfort for all who mourn.
Saying goodbye: It will then be time for the farewell. Rev Chris will pray, asking God to keep your loved one in his care, using special words that have been used for centuries. The service will conclude with a blessing and music may be played as we leave the venue.
The Burial
East Huntspill & West Huntspill Churchyards are available for burials or interment of ashes for those who have recently resided in these villages. Whilst Mark Churchyard is now closed for burials, there is a Garden of Remembrance where cremated remains may be buried. Burials and the interment of ashes may also be conducted in Mark Cemetery. Rev Chris is available to conduct these services and will also invite you to our annual All Souls services at which we remember all those we have loved who have died.
For more support and guidance visit the Church of England web page Church of England Website
Through all of this, and as you move forward into the future, we are here for you. Grief is not something transitory, that we ‘get over’. Adjusting to the loss of a loved one takes time – usually much longer than we think. Churches can be comforting places, for quiet space, for the caring company of others and for connectedness. Please know that you are always welcome and do not hesitate to contact us.
‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you’ John 14: 27 (NIV)