“I am the Resurrection and the Life,” says the Lord. “Those who believe in me, even though they die, yet shall they live.” (John 11:25)

Please contact one of the clergy or the Parish Office as soon as possible after the death of your loved one. We are here to support you with prayer, pastoral care, and the preparation of the Funeral Service.

We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this time of bereavement. As the Church, we mourn with those who mourn, while holding firmly to the Christian hope of the Resurrection through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Death and Life in Christ

The Funeral Service is much more than a farewell. It is one of the Church’s greatest acts of worship and hope.

Through Holy Baptism, Christians are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith, and death becomes the final earthly step before entering into the fullness of eternal life promised by God.

Because of Christ’s victory over death, Christians face death not with despair but with hope. While we experience the deep sorrow of losing someone we love, we also proclaim the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise that those who die in Christ shall live with Him forever.

The Funeral Liturgy therefore holds together two important realities:

• our sorrow at the loss of someone we love;
• our confidence in the promises of God.

As the Anglican Prayer Book reminds us, Christian funerals always hold together joy and sorrow, mercy and judgement, the reality of sin and the hope of heaven.

A Christian Funeral

The Funeral Service is first and foremost an act of worship.

It gives thanks to God for the life of the person who has died, proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ, commends the departed into God’s loving mercy, and brings comfort and hope to those who mourn.

At St Thomas’ we encourage Funeral Services to be celebrated in the church whenever possible. The church is the place where God’s people gather to worship, pray, and proclaim the Resurrection.

In keeping with Anglican tradition, the coffin is ordinarily present throughout the Funeral Service.

Where circumstances require, Memorial Services may also be held for those whose Funeral has taken place elsewhere or whose remains cannot be brought to the church.

Burial and Cremation

The Anglican Church permits both burial and cremation.

Where a cremation is chosen, we normally celebrate the Funeral Service in church, including the Commendation of the deceased. Where appropriate, the Committal prayers may also be offered in church before the cremation takes place privately.

When burial is chosen, the clergy will accompany the family to the cemetery and conduct the Committal at the graveside.

Giving Thanks for a Life

During the Funeral Service it is appropriate to remember the life of the person who has died.

Any tribute or eulogy should be truthful, respectful and centred on thanksgiving to God for all that His grace accomplished through that person’s life.

The purpose of a tribute is not merely to celebrate achievements, but to encourage those present to give thanks for God’s work in the life of the deceased.

The Anglican Church reminds us that no human being is saved because they lived a good life. Salvation is God’s gracious gift through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Therefore every funeral is ultimately centred on Christ and His saving work rather than on human achievement.

Praying for the Departed and the Bereaved

The Church commends every departed Christian to the mercy and love of Almighty God.

Because no one can fully know another person’s faith, we entrust every soul to God’s perfect justice and infinite mercy.

At the same time, the Church prays earnestly for those who mourn.

Families often experience grief, confusion and loneliness following the death of a loved one. The Funeral Service reminds us that grief is natural and holy. Even our Lord Jesus Christ wept at the tomb of Lazarus.

Christian hope never denies the reality of grief. Instead, it proclaims that Christ is present with us in our sorrow and that death does not have the final word.

Planning the Funeral Service

One of the clergy will meet with the family to prepare the service and to learn more about your loved one’s life.

Together we will discuss:

• The date and time of the Funeral Service.
• Whether the service will be followed by burial or cremation.
• Scripture readings.
• Hymns and music.
• Prayers.
• Family participation.
• A tribute or eulogy.
• Practical arrangements following the service.

The clergy will guide you through every stage of the preparation.

Flowers

Floral tributes are welcomed and are usually arranged through the funeral directors.

If additional flowers are required within the church, please discuss these with the Parish Office.

Reception After the Service

Should you wish to provide refreshments following the Funeral Service, our parish hall may be available.

Please contact the Parish Office to make the necessary arrangements.

Garden of Remembrance

St Thomas’ Anglican Church provides a peaceful Garden of Remembrance for the interment of cremated ashes, subject to parish regulations.

Memorial plaques may also be placed on the Wall of Remembrance.

Please speak to one of the clergy or the Parish Office for further information.

Our Continuing Care

The ministry of the Church does not end with the Funeral Service.

The clergy and parish family remain available to support you through the weeks and months that follow. Whether through prayer, pastoral visits, memorial services, or simply a listening ear, we are committed to walking with you as you journey through grief.

As Christians, we continue to proclaim with confidence that Christ has conquered death. In Him, those who die in faith are held in His eternal love, and we look forward with hope to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.

“Always there should be held together the opposites of joy and sorrow, mercy and judgement, the reality of sin and the vision of heaven.”
— Anglican Prayer Book, Preface: Death and Life in Christ