Funerals
You are not alone in this
When someone you love has died, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. We are here to help you through every step — from the very first conversation to the service itself, and in the weeks and months that follow.
A Church of England funeral is available to everyone. You don’t need to be a regular churchgoer, a person of faith, or even sure what you believe. Our door is open to all.
The first step is simply getting in touch
Call or email Rev’d Josh Jackson. He will listen, answer your questions, and take things at your pace.
You don’t need to be a churchgoer
Every person who has lived in our five parishes has the right to a Church of England funeral in their local church, regardless of whether they or their family attend. Josh will meet with you beforehand, get to know the person who has died, and help you create a service that truly reflects their life.
How we arrange a funeral together
Contact us and your funeral director
Get in touch with Josh as soon as you’re ready — there’s no rush. At the same time, a funeral director will help with the practical and legal requirements, such as registering the death and arranging the coffin and transportation. Josh and the funeral director will work together on your behalf.
A visit from Josh
Josh will come and meet you — at home or wherever feels right. He’ll want to hear about the person who has died: who they were, what they loved, what mattered to them. Everything you share helps him shape a service that is personal and meaningful.
Planning the service together
You’ll choose the hymns, music, readings and any tributes you’d like. You can keep things simple and traditional, or make it more personal — a favourite song, a poem, a family member speaking. Josh will guide you through the options and there are no wrong choices.
The funeral service
Josh will lead the service, whether in church, at a crematorium, or at the graveside. He will be there to support you and your family throughout the day. The service is a time to give thanks for a life lived, to grieve together, and to find comfort and hope.
Ongoing support
Our care doesn’t end when the service does. Josh and the wider church community are here for you in the weeks and months that follow — whether that’s a conversation, a visit, or simply knowing that someone is thinking of you.
Choices you can make
Burial
Burial in a churchyard is a traditional choice. Josh can advise on available plots in our five churchyards. Some families also choose burial in a local cemetery, with a service in church first.
Cremation
A cremation service can take place at the crematorium, in church first, or both. Following cremation, ashes can be buried or scattered in one of our churchyards. Josh will explain the options.
Music & hymns
From traditional hymns like Abide with Me or The Lord’s My Shepherd, to a favourite secular song — music can be as personal as you wish. You can also choose to have no music at all.
Readings & tributes
Bible passages, poems, or words written by the family are all welcome. A family member or friend can give a eulogy if they’d like to. Josh will help everyone feel prepared and supported.
Eco-friendly options
Natural burials and greener cremations are increasingly chosen. Wicker, cardboard or painted coffins are all permitted. Ask your funeral director or Josh about sustainable choices.
Memorial services
Some families hold a small private funeral and a larger memorial service later, when more people can gather. This can be arranged in one of our churches and Josh can help plan it.
What happens during the service
- →The gathering — the coffin is brought in, often to music, and the minister welcomes everyone and introduces the service
- →Hymn (optional) — a familiar hymn or favourite piece of music
- →Readings — one or more readings from the Bible, or a poem, read by Josh or a family member
- →Tribute or eulogy — words of remembrance, spoken by a family member, friend, or Josh
- →Sermon or reflection — a short address from Josh, drawing on what he has learned about your loved one
- →Prayers — prayers of thanksgiving, commendation, and hope
- →Commendation and farewell — the moment of committal, with the ancient words of the Church of England
- →Blessing and dismissal — Josh says a final blessing; music is often played as mourners leave
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”
John 11:25–26 — read at every Church of England funeral
After the funeral
Grief takes as long as it takes
Once friends and family have gone home, many bereaved people find that the hardest days are still ahead. Life doesn’t return to normal — normal has changed. Grief is not a neat process with fixed stages; it moves back and forth, sometimes surfacing months or even years later. This is not weakness. It is love.
The Church of England walks alongside bereaved families for as long as they need — not just around the time of the funeral. If you are struggling, please reach out to Josh. You are also very welcome to come to any of our services, light a candle, or simply sit quietly in one of our churches. The door is always open.
All Souls Service — each November
Every year, around 2nd November, we hold a special All Souls service where anyone can come to light a candle and remember someone they love who has died. It doesn’t matter where or when the funeral took place — this service is for everyone. Details will be in our weekly newsletter and on our website.
Bereavement support organisations
Cruse Bereavement Support
Free, confidential support for anyone who has been bereaved, at any time.
cruse.org.uk →At a Loss
A directory of bereavement services across the UK, with a live GriefChat service.
ataloss.org →Child Death Helpline
Support for anyone affected by the death of a child, of any age, at any time.
childdeathhelpline.org.uk →Samaritans
Available 24 hours a day for anyone struggling to cope with loss or grief.
116 123 (free, 24 hours)Church of England
Guidance on funerals, grief, prayers and what to expect from a service.
churchofengland.org →Loss and Hope
Helps churches become more bereavement-friendly, with resources for families.
lossandhope.org →We are here whenever you need us
There is no right time to get in touch. Whether the death has just happened or you are planning ahead, Josh will respond with care and without pressure.
📞 01933 522 350 ✉️ rector@5churches.com