We hope we can be of help to you at a difficult time. The Church is able to offer support and the resources and advice you may need at a time of bereavement.
The Funeral
A funeral is a service to mark the end of a person's life here on earth. Family and friends come together to express grief, give thanks for the life lived and commend the person into God's keeping. This can be a small, quiet ceremony or a large occasion in a packed church.
Everyone is entitled to a funeral service in church regardless of whether they have attended church or not – the Church is there for everyone in the parish.
Burials and Interments
The Parish Council has a cemetery adjacent to the churchyard, and burials and interments take place there, as there is no longer space in the churchyard of St Helen’s. The Parish Council has a policy on who is entitled to a burial, and further details can be obtained through your funeral director or go to http://www.tarporley.org.uk/.
There are available grave spaces in the churchyards at St Thomas’ and St John’s and these are for residents.
The Crematorium
It may be that you want a service at the crematorium before or after a service in church. There are things to consider for either option of before or after – the funeral director or our Rector will be happy to talk this through with you.
A service which is right for you
If you are dealing with a bereavement at present or are planning for that eventuality, you may have come straight to this website or you may have been in contact with a funeral director. We like to work closely with funeral directors to ensure that the service you want is right for you.
We try to be as flexible as we can in helping you to arrange this. The simplest step is to make contact and we will be able to talk you through things and answer any questions you may have.
Planning
Some people find planning the funeral with family and friends helps in their grieving. Perhaps you already know something of your loved one’s wishes. You may even have planned the service together.
If you are uncertain, we will be happy to help you choose suitable readings, hymns, and prayers. We can arrange to meet to discuss details.
All death is difficult but some deaths will be especially traumatic, distressing, or unexpected. The Church has special funerals for children, or after sudden or violent deaths, including suicide and we can talk together about how we can provide the service that helps you.
After the funeral
In many cases, arranging a funeral keeps people so busy that they don't feel their loss fully until afterwards.
Grieving is natural and important, and it may take a long time. Many people find that others who have lost a loved one can offer valuable comfort and support.
At St Helen’s an annual parish memorial service is held on the evening of the first Sunday in November at 6:30pm to remember those who have passed away and you may find it helpful to attend.
In the parish there is a Visiting Group, whose members are able to offer support in the time after a bereavement. There are other support networks, such as Cruse, and these can be very helpful. There are also special organisations for people who are bereaved young or who have lost a child or unborn child, or who are bereaved by suicide or violence.
Contact details
To make arrangements for a funeral please contact the Rector, Revd Jim Bridgman on 01829 732491.