Home Home

Funerals

FuneralsAt St Mary’s Parish Church we realize that arranging a family funeral service can be a stressful and distressing time.

Should we have a ‘religious’ service or not?

Should we have a service in church or at the crematorium? 

What is the family going to be comfortable with? 

How flexible will the minister be?     What about hymns?

Who is going to ‘say something’?  etc. ...

With many years of experience in conducting funeral services we know how to guide people through the process to arrive at a sensitive and meaningful Christian service for your family.

‘Flexibility’ is the key.  A funeral ought to be;

Dignified and Respectful.    Traditional, yet Adaptable.

Moving, but not Morbid.     Honouring and Appropriate.


Should you require the services of a minister from St Mary’s Frinton to conduct a funeral, it is usual to first contact a local funeral director. Your funeral director will be pleased to liaise with our church office over dates and times and a minister will be in touch with you to discuss the details of the service.

Sincerely yours;

Reverend Don Smith,  Rector,  St Mary’s Parish Church.


An example of an Order of Service for a funeral might be ...

The mourners take their place in the church or crematorium.

Music is played while the coffin is carried in, proceeded by the minister reading the;

‘Words of Comfort’ - some comforting words from the Bible

Welcome & Opening Prayer

A Hymn

A Bible Reading

The Eulogy (this is a ‘remembrance’ given either by a family member or by the minister)

A short address - by the minister

The Prayers – (including The Lord's Prayer) – a short time of prayer led by the minister

A Hymn

* The Committal – when the minister commits the deceased to the Lord

The Blessing

Music is played as the congregation leaves.

* If there is to be a burial at a cemetery, or a later cremation following a church service, the committal is omitted here.

Poems, reading, or prayers by the family can be included as discussed with the minister. At the crematorium, 20 minutes are allowed for each funeral.