A prayer based on Psalm 6 Our eyes, Lord, are wasted with grief; you know we are weary with groaning. As we remember our death in the dark emptiness of the night, have mercy on us and heal us; forgive us and take away our fear through the dying and rising of Jesus your Son. Amen. 

A prayer for

ourselves:

Support us, O Lord, all the day long of this troublesome life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Christ our Lord. Amen.   Psalm 23 (from Common Worship) The Lord is my shepherd; there can I lack nothing. He makes lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. He shall refresh my soul and guide me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.   Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me.   You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil and my cup shall be full.   Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell In the house of the Lord for ever.   Further prayers and readings

Planning a funeral Some people find planning the funeral with family and friends helps in their grieving. Perhaps you already know something of what your loved one wanted. You may even have planned the service together some time ago. If you are uncertain the member of clergy who will lead the service can help you choose suitable readings, hymns and prayers. If they did not know your loved one well, they will want to talk with you to build up a picture of the person’s life. This may take only one meeting but sometimes it can be more. Some deaths will be especially traumatic, distressing or unexpected. The Church has special funerals for children, or after sudden or violent deaths, including suicide. Talk with the clergy about what is possible. How do we arrange it? The first thing to do is to speak to one of the local undertakers as they will help with much of the organising. They will speak to the clergy on your behalf. The clergy will then arrange to come and chat with you. Arranging a funeral Planning a funeral can be one of the most difficult things you ever have to do. To help you, funeralmap.co.uk™ is a unique concept, bringing together independent advice on the things you need to know in order to arrange a funeral, along with easy-to-find contact details for the various organisations and services you will need to call upon at this time. Their advice covers such issues as deciding between a cremation or a burial, and finding a funeral director. There is also a useful list of organisations providing bereavement support. The map enables you to search for the services you require in your desired area, and see their exact location. The online map makes it easy to share infomation with family and friends. Attending a funeral We understand that, for many people, attending a funeral is also very difficult - there are often questions to ask about etiquette, particularly if you have never been to a funeral before. The section Attending a Funeral is a handy guide through some of the most frequently asked questions.

A funeral in church

A funeral is used 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 living in the parish of All Saints is entitled to a funeral in the church (regardless of whether they attend church or not).