God’s love and power extend over all his creation. Every life, including our own, is precious to God. Christians have always believed that there is hope, even in the face of death, for Jesus died for the sins of the world, was buried and was raised on the third day.

Even those who share such faith find that there is a real and deep sense of loss at the death of a loved one. Tears and sadness are only natural at a time like this and indeed, they are part of the healing process.

We will each have had our own experiences of the deceased person’s life and death, with different memories and different feelings of love, grief and respect. It usually helps to share these with our immediate family and community and to give them appropriate expression in a funeral service.

Death is a reality that we all have to face. If you have been bereaved, or your family needs to arrange a funeral, then the Church community is here to help and support you through a difficult time. You will naturally want reassurance that the funeral of your loved one will be taken sensitively and well, within a Christian setting.

Funeral services are arranged by first contacting a local undertaker who will then contact your local parish church or minister. If the deceased person lived in the Parish of St Mary’s, or worshipped at St Mary’s, then you may request that the funeral service is held at St Mary’s or is conducted at the Crematorium by a minister of the Parish of St Mary’s.

If you have been bereaved and would like pastoral support, or to talk to the Vicar or a lay minister about this, then please contact us at the St Mary’s Church Office on 020 8579 7134 or at office@stmarysealing.org.uk and we will arrange to meet with you.