When someone dies

We can support you and your loved ones at this hard time.

When someone we love is very ill or dies, life takes on a whole new set of challenges. Whatever the circumstances, no one can really prepare us for what it feels like. Unexpected feelings and questions arise.

Who can call on the church's or minister’s support?

The short answer to this is – anyone, regardless of faith/no faith. We are 'parish churches' as we aim to serve everyone with a connection to our local area.

What support?

Maybe you want to 'offload' a burden or declare what you would like to happen around death.

Our pastoral support is strictly confidential.

You may have life questions - like "why?", "what sense?" "how can I cope?" "what will happen?" or others.

When can we get in touch?

Whenever you feel it may help. This may be during a long illness, when life is ending, or in the immediate aftermath.

Most often, a minister only knows a death has occurred when a funeral director contacts. 

But church people and ministers are always happy to be called on to support a family during illness, and around hospital stays. Don’t be shy to make contact.

How to plan a funeral?

Occasionally, people make their feelings known in advance, and it may be that there is already a written plan, such as chosen texts or music. We want to accommodate your ideas flexibly and creatively.

We also can advise you based on our wide-ranging experience - it's easiest to meet and talk.

(video-call possible at long distance).

Funeral Directors?

can be a big practical help, even before you have a death certificate. They can co-ordinate times, practicalities and paperwork.

If they are your first contact, you can ask them to contact us; they know us well.

Is the church building only for  church-goers?

No, the Parish Church is for anyone who lives in the local area (="parish") or has a family connection to the parish. That's our ethos.

What does it cost to use the church?

There is a small fee for the use of the church, the services of the organist and the church officer (the funeral director can look after this for you). There is no fee for the services of the parish minister.

Specific information for individual church venues you find under  'locations' on this website.

Please contact anytime you wish to talk (contact details below).