Losing someone or something you love is very painful. After a significant loss, you may experience all kinds of difficult and surprising emotions, such as shock, anger, and guilt.
Sometimes it may feel like the sadness will never let up. While these feelings can be frightening and overwhelming, they are normal reactions to loss. Accepting them as part of the grieving process and allowing yourself to feel what you feel is necessary for healing.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve — but there are healthy ways to cope with the pain. You can get through it! Grief that is expressed and experienced has a potential for healing that eventually can strengthen and enrich life.
Of all life's experiences, the death of a loved one is often the most painful and challenging that anyone can go through. The Quantock Towers Benefice sincerely understands the pain endured by anyone suffering from this kind of loss. The ministers and pastoral care staff will assist you in planning the funeral service of your loved one. We will provide comfort, direction and support from the initial death notification through the funeral service and after care if needed.
Our prayer is that the information below will assist you in preparing for your loved one's funeral service. The death of a loved can leave the survivors, lost and alone, or just unsure of ….
- Who to contact
- What to do and how
- How to make the funeral arrangements
- What to do after the funeral
What to Do When a Loved One Dies
Who to Contact:
- Family member(s) and/or friend(s)
- Inform family members and friends regarding the death of your loved one.
- Funeral Home
- Contact a funeral director of your choice.
Contact the Quantock Towers Benefice Administrator, Helen Greenwood
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- Email: qtbenefice@gmail.com
What to Do
- Schedule an appointment with the funeral director. Ask a close family member or friend to go with you to the funeral home. It will be helpful to take the following information with you when visit the funeral home:
- Date, time and location the family is requesting for the viewing/wake and funeral service
- Information regarding the deceased's wishes for their funeral service
- Full name of your loved one
- Date and place of birth
- Memorial funds - donations (In lieu of flowers) - name and address of organizations or charities to which donations are to be made
- Pallbearers - list of people who might be available to serve as pallbearers
- Make a list of family and friends to be notified of the death of your loved one. Ask a relative or friend to assist with the following:
- Making telephone calls
- Answering the telephone or door (keeping a record of calls and visitors)
- Child care arrangements (if needed)
- Coordinating the supply of food and the preparation of meals in the home
- Attending to household chores
Funeral services at Churches of the Quantock Towers Benefice
Funeral services are designed to meet the needs of the family and every attempt is made to accommodate the family's requests.
- A Minister/Reader will meet or speak with the family to review the following:
- Funeral date: Is the funeral date agreeable to the church, family and the funeral director?
- Eulogist – The family's request is considered, however the Minister has final approval.
- Order of service -
- Opening Hymn
- Favourite Scriptures (Old and New Testament)
- Favourite Hymns/Songs?
- Acknowledgements and Reading of Obituary – Person to read
- Remarks – No more than three (3) people, 2 minutes each. (ex. family, friend, or worker, etc)
- Location of funeral service –
- Which Church?
- Burial/Cremation
- Family Requests/Needs
- The Bereaved Family is responsible for the following items below.
- Organist £80
- Verger £40
- Travel(to crematorium) £15
- Funeral Programmes – Completed by the funeral director or the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the difference between a funeral service and a memorial service?
A funeral service is a gathering of family and friends with the decease's body present. At a memorial service the body is not present.
Q. Can the family request a Minister from another church?
Yes.but do ensure the administrator and Church Warden are informed.