Remembering people who've died: what works, and why?
Ministry around bereavement and remembering is a hugely important part of church life
Ideas
Church's 'Funeral Arranger of the Year' Award
The Life Events team heard about a lovely idea from St Mary's church in Sunbury-on Thames
Remembering Tree
At St Barnabas, Dulwich we wanted people to be able to record the names of people they love but no longer see and to pray for themselves and everyone who was grieving
How 'Light a candle' helped a dispersed family
This vicar from Ely explains how the ‘Light a candle‘ feature on the Church of England Funerals website helped people all over the world during a funeral in the UK.
Blue Christmas
Many bereaved people find Christmas unbearably difficult
Helping Funeral Directors to plan
Each year (about November) as I plan next year's diary, I have to tell the Rural Dean and the Archdeacon (if going overseas) when I will be out of the parish on retreat, CME, and holiday
Reaching out with Robins
I feel genuinely heartbroken for all those who have been denied the opportunity to properly say goodbye to their loved ones during the pandemic
Sharing and checking the eulogy beforehand
One thing that works well for me, after meeting the family or friends, and talking about their loved one, is to write up the Tribute and then share it with them
Vigil Eucharists
Increasingly now, church families have asked for a vigil eucharist to be held on the night before a funeral.
A way to care for your local funeral director
While it's common for funeral directors to show their appreciation of those who officiate at funerals with Christmas cards, calendars and other gifts, there might be merit in taking some Easter eggs to your funeral directors in Holy Week or Easter.
