The feelings of loss and grief when the life of someone to whom we are close comes to an end are perhaps the most difficult of life's emotions. Having people at hand to help with the grieving process and with arranging and conducting a fitting and appropriate ceremony can be of great help and comfort and this is a service that the church offers to the whole community.

Do I need to be a church attender to request the services of a minister?

Not at all. You do not need to have come to church regularly, nor to have been christened, nor even to be clear about what you or the departed person may have believed. When someone dies, we often find ourselves thinking about God or about what happens after death: the Church and its ministers are always here to help.

The funeral

When someone dies and we are asked to officiate at the funeral, we work closely with your funeral director to make sure that the funeral service is an appropriate and dignified farewell to the person who has died, and helpful for family and friends

A funeral may take place in church before or after a burial or cremation, or the whole service may be conducted at a local crematorium or burial place. Whatever you decide is most appropriate for you, a minister will accompany you through the process. We begin by arranging to visit to discuss with family and friends the best way to proceed and we try to make sure that everything that you wish to be said or sung is included.

Following up

The role of the church does not end with the funeral. Grieving is a slow process and it takes a long time to come to terms with the death of someone close. For that reason we offer to everyone, the possibility of a visitor from the church to listen and to talk. Sometimes it is easier to talk to a stranger than members of the family.

We pray for those who have died

We believe that when we die, we are gathered into the the eternal love of God for all eternity. We remember those who have died in our prayers because the relationship that we had with them is so important, and because an important part of them remains forever in our hearts. We will pray for you too, as you rebuild your own lives.

Each year, we hold services in church for those who want to come and remember their friends and family. They are simple and quiet, with bible readings, hymns and prayers and an opportunity to light candles. We send invitations to those we have had contct with over the previous year or so (and that invitation can be shared with anyone else who may wish to come), but everyone is welcome and we advertise the date and time well in advance.

Burial in the churchyard

The churchyard was the traditional place for burials. St Neots and Eynesbury churchyards became full and were closed for burials many years ago. But it is still possible for cremated remains to be buried in the churchyards. You simply have to ask the clergy or the funeral director and arrangements will be made.

We are also willing to say prayers at the interment or scattering of ashes in a cemetery.

Fees

Your Funeral Director will normally be able to advise you as they guide you through the process. Most of the fees are set centrally, and can be found in the (rather complicated) Table of Statutory Fees, but there are some additional ones for an organist or other music, for a verger, and for heating in colder months.

If you want to talk about grieving or about funeral arrangements don't hesitate to get in touch with the Rector (01480 471297).