As your local Church of England church, Reverend Rob Paddison is available to help you through one of life’s most difficult times. A Church of England funeral is available to everyone, giving support before, during and after the service. At Alconbury Weald we do not have a church building but have an arrangement with the parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Alconbury to use their building for funeral services.
The Church of England has a very helpful and informative webpage about funerals, click here to visit it.
Below you will find lots of helpful information. If you have questions or simply wish to chat to someone then please do contact Revd Rob Paddison through the Get in touch menu tab.
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If you are unable to go to a funeral
+ If the funeral is live-streamed then you could watch online.
+ Why not take a few moments to think, write, or draw some of your memories of the person? Later you may be able to share that with others at a special memorial service.
+ You can still pray at home – see here for some ideas.
+ You could also read a poem or look at Psalm 23.
+ You can light a candle online by following this link.
+ You could write a card to others who are missing the person you are grieving.
If you were unable to say goodbye
+ This is particularly hard, and the best thing to do is to talk to someone about your feelings. Many of the things above will also help, and there are prayers that might help here.
+Again, lighting a candle online might help, or light a candle at home and simply have a pray and think.
Holding important conversations
+ This might be a moment when you begin to think about funerals and about death. It could be a time to think about what you would want at a funeral, so do take time to talk about these issues with your own family and friends. There are ways to do this which you can find here.
+ And, if appropriate, make a note of your thoughts and ideas – even if there is no funeral service at the moment, you will be able to use these ideas to shape a special service in the future to give thanks for your special person.
A prayer for when you can’t go to a funeral
Dear God,
Thank you for xxxx, for all that they meant to me and others.
I so wanted to say goodbye, to be alongside my friends and family.
Help me to know you are there,
Holding all my hopes,
Holding all those I Love, especially xxxx,
And holding me this day.
Be close this day with your peace and hope.
Amen.
Loving God,
Life is so strange just now – I don’t know what to do.
Comfort me with your presence,
Be with all who grieve
And give us strength and courage to face this and all the days ahead.
Amen.
Impact on bereavement
Not being present when someone dies, and not being able to be at a funeral can have a big impact on grief and bereavement. Grief is a long and painful journey, and you may need additional support. There are lots of good websites and some information here.