Funerals

'I am the resurrection and the life,' saith the Lord; 'he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die,' John 1.25-26

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted’ Matthew 5.4

A funeral marks the close of a human life on earth. It is the opportunity for friends and family to express their grief, to give thanks for the life which has now completed its journey in this world and to commend the person into God's keeping

A funeral service may be very short and quiet with only a few members of the family present, an occasion of great solemnity with music, hymns and a packed church or a vibrant celebration remembering life of a loved one. A funeral may also be set within a celebration of Holy Communion. They can be held within church or at the crematorium.

Funerals are mostly arranged by your undertaker. Should a funeral be requested at your church the arrangements will be made by them on your behalf; but if a particular member of the clergy is wanted it is usual that they are asked before other funeral arrangements are made, so as to make sure that they are free and available.

The clergy see funerals as an important part of their work. Putting aside time for visiting families, comforting those who are facing loss, finding out what service they wish to use and helping them to arrange it is part of their calling and training. If the priest did not know the deceased, it can be helpful to provide some details of their life for the address."

In the case of Roman Catholic funerals, the undertaker will normally contact the priest.

Taken from: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/funerals