ARRANGING A FUNERAL
The Vicar is often contacted by local Funeral Directors on behalf of a local family who have lost a loved one. This is an important part of their ministry. Several options are open to the family, all of which will be explained by the Funeral Director or by the Clergy.
1. Cremation or Burial
This is where the service takes place in the chapel of the public crematorium or cemetery, conducted by the local Vicar in whose parish the deceased lived – a service lasting no more than 30 minutes.
2. Church Service
Funeral or thanksgiving services can take place in either Cobham or Luddesdowne churches, depending on the address of the deceased. In the case of funeral services then after the service the coffin is either driven to the local crematorium for committal, is interred in a public cemetery, or, very often, is buried in the church graveyard. Thanksgiving services give the opportunity for the family and friends to celebrate the life of the deceased.
3. Preparation
All the above options will be discussed with the family carefully and thoroughly by the Funeral Directors and the Clergy who work closely together to ensure that no problems occur. Before any of these services take place, the Clergy will visit the bereaved family at their home to discuss the service with them, to agree the content, the music and any participants taking part. The matter of fees will be discussed privately by the Funeral Directors.
Contact The Rev'd Canon Alyson Davies e-mail alyson@stjohnsmeopham.co.uk or phone 01474 - 812068 (Rest Day:- Friday) for further information about Funeral services at Cobham & Luddesdowne.
For more useful information on Funerals please click here to visit 'The Church of England' site.