Funerals during the pandemic

Funerals during the pandemic

It is now possible to have a funeral service in our churches again. In accordance with government guidelines, attendee numbers are limited to 30 and there will be no communal singing but the organ may be played or recorded music. Please tell your funeral director in the usual way if you would like Rev Bryony Taylor to take your loved one’s funeral. The service will be shorter than usual with of fewer people in attendance. Next year you may wish to consider holding a memorial service at which many more can attend and take part.

What happens at a funeral

During a funeral there are five things that happen:

  1. You give thanks for all that the person meant to you
  2. You find hope for tomorrow, drawing strength from the presence of friends and from God
  3. The person is commended into God’s care
  4. The body is committed to be buried or cremated.
  5. You say your last farewell to a person’s physical body.

If you are unable to go to a funeral which is still happening with others attending

  • Download a simple service to say at home if you are unable to attend a funeral here.
  • Why not take a few moments to think, write, or draw some of your memories of the person? Later you may be able to share that with others at a special memorial service.
  • You can still pray at home – see here for some ideas.
  • You could also read a poem or look at Psalm 23, which is read at every church funeral.
  • You can light a candle online by following this link.
  • You could write a card to others who are missing the person you are grieving.
  • Remember that when this crisis is over [and it will pass] there will always be services for remembering organised by the church and anyone can go to these services.
  • It may also be possible for the local church to help you organise a formal or informal service to remember afterwards.

If you were unable to say goodbye

Holding important conversations

This might be a moment when you begin to think about funerals and about death. It could be a time to think about what you would want at a funeral, so do take time to talk about these issues with your own family and friends. There are ways to do this which you can find here.

And, if appropriate, make a note of your thoughts and ideas – even if there is no funeral service at the moment, you will be able to use these ideas to shape a special service in the future to give thanks for your special person.

A prayer for when you can’t go to a funeral

Dear God,
Thank you for xxxx, for all that they meant to me and others.
I so wanted to say goodbye, to be alongside my friends and family.
Help me to know you are there,
Holding all my hopes,
Holding all those I Love, especially xxxx,
And holding me this day.
Be close this day with your peace and hope.
Amen.

Loving God,
Life is so strange just now – I don’t know what to do.
Comfort me with your presence,
Be with all who grieve
And give us strength and courage to face this and all the days ahead.
Amen.

Impact on bereavement

Not being present when someone dies, and not being able to be at a funeral can have a big impact on grief and bereavement. Grief is a long and painful journey, and you may need additional support. There are lots of good websites and some information here.

You may wish to light a candle for your loved one online – this website takes you through a simple time of prayer to help you do this: https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/funerals/light-candle

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