Funerals

‘God is our refuge and our strength; an ever present help in times of need.’    Psalm 46v1

There can be so many things to deal with after the death of a loved one and we would hope that we might be able to help you through this difficult time. The first days after a death are certainly not ordinary and yet ordinary things must still be done along with the additional responsibilities of registering the death and planning for a funeral service that will reflect the life of the one you love.

Together, with your chosen funeral director, it is our hope that we will be able to help you and guide you through all the steps and decisions that need to be taken in the days ahead. A Church of England led funeral is available to everyone and aims to give support before, during and after the service, for as long as it’s needed. We believe that through Jesus Christ, there is hope in life and in death, so every Church of England funeral will hold that essential message of hope

The Bible teaches us that we are all special and unique creations of God. A funeral service in any of the Upper Wensleydale churches will allow you to give thanks for your loved one and celebrate their unique personality and life experience. As we do so we need to manage the sadness of your loss and final goodbyes with the opportunity to remember and celebrate a life well lived with appropriate thanksgiving. It is our desire that we will be able to help you do precisely that and provide a service that is dignified and fitting to the memory of your loved one. It might be that you have a particular piece of music that you would like to be played or a favourite reading given. All of these can be discussed as you meet with the Vicar  Rev Dave and plan the service together (01969 667553).

Burials are available in the churchyards of St Margaret’s Hawes, St Mary and St John Hardraw or in the cemetery in Askrigg, Bainbridge or Hawes. If a cremation is preferred the church can help you organise the service at the Crematorium and, should you wish, follow that with a ‘Service of Thanksgiving’ back at one of the local church buildings. Ashes can then be interred at any of the above sites.

You might find the Church of England website a helpful resource in answering any questions you may have.

May you know the love and presence of God surround you at this time and be assured of our prayers.

www.churchofengland.org/life-events/funerals

‘With you every step of the way’