Are you considering having a funeral or memorial service at Stockton Parish Church? First of all, we would like to say that we are sorry for your loss and will try to make the process simple and clear. To make arrangements for a funeral, please contact the church office, either directly or through a funeral director. The minister will make every effort to meet with you at the earliest opportunity, to support you in your bereavement and to plan a funeral service in keeping with your wishes and the faith of the person who has died.
This page is designed to explain some of the things that might be confusing or unclear.
This is what a funeral generally looks like:
We can change the shape depending on how much time we need for sharing memories and how many pieces of music you would like.
Commonly Used Words
Eulogy – talk about the person who has died to remember them and celebrate their life.
This is shared memories and is much better when written by family and friends. It should be provided ahead of the service (two days) on paper or by email. You can have different people reading out their memories or reading a poem. The vicar can also read the memories/poems if this is easier. If the person intending to read finds it too hard at the time, the vicar will be able to take over.
Reading - Scripture – the Bible reading we share during the service.
We can pick one if you have no particular favourite.
It is also possible to add another reading which is dear to you or the deceased: a poem or text.
Music – used at the beginning of the service, during the service and at the end.
This should be something that the person loved or that reminds us of her/him.
Hymns – church song we sing together.
If you want a church hymn, we use a backing track with singing on it. That way, it is still beautiful even if no one is able to join in.
There is also a lot of information on the Church of England website including suggested readings and Bible texts:
https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/funerals/
It is a good idea to prepare for your own funeral, and to be able to leave instructions about it in your will or with your family. Please feel free to talk about this with one of our team. We are here to help.
This page is designed to explain some of the things that might be confusing or unclear.
This is what a funeral generally looks like:
- Entrance with music
- Welcome and prayer
- Eulogy
- Music and/or Psalm 23 followed by some time to remember
- Reading
- Talk
- Prayers including Lord’s Prayer
- Commendation/committal prayers
- Exit with music
We can change the shape depending on how much time we need for sharing memories and how many pieces of music you would like.
Commonly Used Words
Eulogy – talk about the person who has died to remember them and celebrate their life.
This is shared memories and is much better when written by family and friends. It should be provided ahead of the service (two days) on paper or by email. You can have different people reading out their memories or reading a poem. The vicar can also read the memories/poems if this is easier. If the person intending to read finds it too hard at the time, the vicar will be able to take over.
Reading - Scripture – the Bible reading we share during the service.
We can pick one if you have no particular favourite.
It is also possible to add another reading which is dear to you or the deceased: a poem or text.
Music – used at the beginning of the service, during the service and at the end.
This should be something that the person loved or that reminds us of her/him.
Hymns – church song we sing together.
If you want a church hymn, we use a backing track with singing on it. That way, it is still beautiful even if no one is able to join in.
There is also a lot of information on the Church of England website including suggested readings and Bible texts:
https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/funerals/
It is a good idea to prepare for your own funeral, and to be able to leave instructions about it in your will or with your family. Please feel free to talk about this with one of our team. We are here to help.
