top of page

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

During this difficult time we want to help you

to say goodbye to those you love. 

FUNERALS 

​

During this time many people are unable to mark the passing of someone's life in the usual way.

 

While funerals are still going ahead in Crematoriums and Cemeteries, which our Church of England clergy can take for you, we are aware that many people cannot currently attend funerals, either because they are shielding or because numbers at funerals are currently restricted.

​

On this page you will find the resources which we have put together for you to help mark someone's life and say goodbye at home.

​

Additionally, if you would appreciate an online-service or one over the phone we can help with this. Please simply call Rev'd Malcolm on  0191-295-4768 or email us.

IDEAS TO HOLD A SERVICE AT HOME

If you are not able to go to a funeral service you may find it helpful to take some time to hold a service at home

to remember and pray for the person who has died. You might find it helpful to do the following:

Image by Toimetaja tõlkebüroo
CONNECT
  • Find out what time the funeral service will be held and choose to pray at the same time if you can.

​​

  • ​Send a card to tell family members that you'll be with them in spirit praying at home.​

​​

  • Ask someone who can't be at the funeral to join you on the phone or over the internet.

Image by James Coleman
PREPARE
  • Create a focus for yourself, perhaps with some flowers, a candle, a cross, and a picture of the person who has died. 

​​

  • Choose which prayers and readings from this site (and others) you want to use in advance so that you have what you need and feel calm.​

Image by Mayron Oliveira
PAY YOUR RESPECTS
  • If the funeral cortege will pass by where you live, you might like to stand outside and see it pass. 

​​

  • Even if you won't see the cortege, you might find it helpful to stand for a minute's silence to remember the person who has died at the time of the funeral. 

Image by Aaron Burden
REFLECT
  • Write some reflections about the person to read during your service. This might be like a eulogy, but could also be a poem, a letter, or a list of thank you's about the person's life.

​​

  • Think about sharing your reflections with someone.  Sharing helps us in our grief. 

Image by Paolo Nicolello
KEEP PRAYING
  • Not just on the day of the funeral, but on the surrounding days, you might like to pray for all those who are grieving. 

​​

  • You could do this by lighting a candle at the same time in the days leading up to the funeral. 

Image by Sandy Millar
BE GENTLE
  • Be gentle with yourself and others as you grieve. Grief affects us all in different ways and there is no way you should be feeling.

​​

  • Reach out for help if you need it. 

Service at Home

RESOURCES FOR YOUR SERVICE

Funeral p.1.jpg
SERVICE SHEET

You may like to use the service sheet linked below as the basis of your service at home. If we are taking the funeral we will also be producing an order of service which can be emailed to those who want it. 

Image by Marc Schulte
POEMS

Here is a selection of Poems often chosen for funerals. They are read by members of St Mary's Congregation 

She is Gone

by David Harkins

Read by Marjorie

He is Gone

by David Harkins

Read by Rima

If Roses Grow in Heaven

by Kirsten Preus

Read by Marjorie

The Day God Called
You Home

Anonymous

Read by Rima

Death is Nothing At All

by Henry Scott Holland

Read by John

Image by Sandy Millar
GUIDED REFLECTION

Often at Funerals, we take the time to remember and reflect on the life of the person who has died.

 

Use this Listen to the guided reflection below to help you give thanks for the life of the person who you are remembering today.

 

The reflections leads into some short prayers for the person who has died and all who grieve. 

Do Not Hurry

Listen to this short Poem about walking with grief by Andy Raine

Image by Katherine Hanlon
PSALMS

Here is a selection of Psalms often chosen for funerals. They are read by members of St Mary's Congregation 

Psalm 23

Read by Maureen

Revised English Translation

Psalm 42

Read by Annie

NRSV Translation

Psalm 139

Read by Jackie

NRSV Translation

Image by Prateek Gautam
PRAYERS

Light a Candle

Sadly, due to the restrictions, we cannot currently invite you into our church building to pray.

​

You may, however, like to light a candle at home or to click below to light a candle online. 

​

Prayers

Listen to these short prayers

for those who have died,

those who are grieving

and those who have helped us.

The Lord's Prayer

Join in with the Lord's Prayer

Image by James Coleman
BIBLE READINGS

Here is a selection of Bible Readings often chosen for funerals. They are read by members of St Mary's Congregation 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Read by Margaret

NRSV Translation

Romans 8:31-end

Read by Jenny

Good News Translation

John 14:1-6

Read by Jackie

NRSV Translation

Resources
Service Sheet

SERVICE SHEET

This service sheet has been designed by the Church of England for use at home during this time. 

If Rev'd Catherine from St Mary's is taking the funeral a personalised service sheet will be sent to the family. 

Funeral p.1.jpg
Funeral p.2.jpg
Bereavemnt

BEREAVEMENT RESOURCES

Saying goodbye to those we love and care about is one of the most difficult things we have to do in life, and it is increasingly difficult during the challenging times we are currently facing. 

​

RESOURCES FOR YOURSELF

​

Many people find it very helpful to talk with others about how they are feeling. Often talking to a close friend or family member feels best, but if you would like some more support there are more resources available through  At A Loss and Cruise Bereavement. You may also like to Contact Us at St Mary's.

​

SUPPORTING OTHERS

​

If you know someone who has been bereaved and are wondering what you can do to help, you might find the video below, produces by At A Loss a helpful guide. 

​

SUPPORTING CHILDREN

​

It is really important that we also take time to support children who are bereaved. There are lots of resources and stories out there to help and we can especially recommend Water Bugs and Dragon Flies for young children.

 

If your children are struggling your school might have additional resources and be able to facilitate some counseling fo your child so do ask them. 

​

One of the most important things though is to include children in the family's grieving and to ensure they know that it is good and fine to talk about the person who has died and how they feel. Making a memory jar together can really help with this. Watch our video below with instructions about how to make a memory jar. 

IMG_3752_edited.jpg
IMG_3350.HEIC
IMG_6210_edited.jpg
bottom of page