Christians believe that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ give them hope and cause for thanksgiving in the face of death. In this faith we entrust those who have died to the infinite mercy and love of God. The Methodist funeral service acknowledges this hope and offers bereaved people the opportunity to remember their loved one’s life and offer them into God’s care.
How do we arrange a funeral?
Under normal circumstances, you will use the services of a local funeral director, who will provide advice and organise all the practical arrangements. If you would wish the funeral to be held at Baildon Methodist Church and/or our Minister, Rev Alistair Newton [hyperlink] to be involved this can be arranged via the Funeral Director or you could make direct contact with Alistair.
The person who has died may have left details of the sort of funeral that they hoped for. Alistair will want to support families in keeping to such arrangements as much as possible and in making the service a personal and appropriate occasion. Taking funerals is an important part of the minister’s work and he will take time to visit families, offering comfort and support.
Burial and cremation
Although Baildon Methodist Church once had a burial ground, it is no longer available for use; as a result burials usually take place at the local cemetery.
Just over half of funerals today are cremation and services may take place entirely at the crematorium, or Church Service could be held before or after the visit to the crematorium. If cremation is desired this leaves the question of what to do with the ashes. Crematoria have gardens of rest where they can be buried or scattered and many churchyards have a special place set aside for this even when there is no space left for graves.
Bereavement
The time between a person’s death and their funeral is often very busy and full of practical arrangements. Often it is only after the funeral that the full extent of loss affects the bereaved.
Grieving is a natural and important part of coming to terms with and healing this loss and it may continue for several months. Alistair may be able to offer help or find other appropriate support. There are patterns and themes to bereavement but each person is different and it is important for people to be supported in finding their own way through grief.
Sources of Help
For further information
- on how to register a death, visit www.gro.gov.uk
- on the practical arrangements and how to find a funeral director, visit www.uk-funerals.co.uk or www.nafd.org.uk
- on bereavement support, visit www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
