The death of someone we love can be such a painful time for family and friends. So that person’s funeral needs to be a dignified and sensitive occasion, for giving thanks and celebrating his or her life, while also grieving and expressing something of the deep sense of loss we feel.

 When someone dies, there is always a huge amount of work to be done by the widow or widower, the children or those responsible for sorting things out. All our local undertakers are excellent – sensitive, experienced and knowledgeable. At St Michael’s, we very much want to be able to help, and, especially, we want to make the Funeral Service a personal and powerful statement - that each life is valuable and valued, that each person, whoever they are and whatever their age, background or circumstances, has been loved and will be missed... and always remembered.

 God knows how hard it can be and He is with us all the way. So a funeral is also a time for reflecting on the meaning and purpose of life. The loss of someone focuses our minds and hearts and can help us appreciate what really matters.

 Everyone living in the parish – of all faiths and none - has the right to a funeral in the Parish Church and burial in our beautiful churchyard, a real haven of peace and much loved and cared for.

 We are also pleased to take a funeral service at Crownhill Crematorium if that is preferred.

 Funerals are so important. So, if you have lost someone and would like to get in touch, please do so. Usually, the undertaker will contact one of the clergy and then we will get in touch with the family and come and see you. We will sit with you – for as long as you need and it takes – and work with you on the most appropriate readings, hymns and prayers. Most importantly, we will listen to you talk about the person who has died – and, if you wish us to, we will speak about them at the service, unless you have someone who can do so.

 Taking a funeral is a great privilege. Summing up a person’s life, describing briefly who they are and what they’ve done over the years, is so important. Trying to catch their closest relationships, listening for the ups and downs, hearing people laugh – and cry – at special memories... these all matter so much.