Funerals at St Nicholas Church

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The church is available for funeral services and memorial services. Whether the person who has died was a member of the church, or not, we will be pleased to support you in the planning of a Christian funeral. 

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A service in church allows people as much space as they want to express thanksgiving without the pressure of limited time - such as is often experienced in other venues such as crematoria or funeral homes.

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There is a standard format and structure to Church of England funerals (see below). In every funeral service, we gather to do FIVE things: remember, give thanks, commend a soul to God's keeping, to commit the body for cremation or burial, and to comfort one another. The structure of the service reflects these elements:

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1. Welcome, introduction, and opening prayer

2. The Tribute / Eulogy

3. Reading(s) - at least one from the Bible

4. Prayers and Lord's Prayer

5. Commendation

6. Committal

7. Blessing

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There will also be music and hymn choices to consider, the use of an organist and choir, we are here to help you in any way we can.

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When the committal is cremation (rather than a burial) it is also entirely possible to hold the entire service in church, with the committal as part of a single service. This allows the family and guests to stay together for the entire service, and move seamlessly on to the wake (if there is to be one). The cremation takes place at your designated crematorium (unaccompanied) with the ashes returned to you in due course. 

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There are several options to discuss and we urge you to think carefully and talk through your wishes with family and those working with you to support in these important final tasks of love. Please do contact Rev'd Rachel to discuss the right service for your loved one, then please speak to your chosen Funeral Director and they can arrange this with us.

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St Nicholas clergy are also available to take the entire service at the crematorium or cemetery if you so wish.