Funerals

Christians believe that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ give them hope and cause for thanksgiving in the face of death. In this faith we entrust those who have died to the infinite mercy and love of God. A Methodist funeral service acknowledges this hope and offers bereaved people the opportunity to remember their loved one's life and offer them into God's care.

How do we arrange a funeral?

Most people will use the services of a local funeral director, who will provide advice and organise all the practical arrangements. If you would like a funeral service here at Wesley, please let the funeral directors know and they will work with the ministers to work out a suitable time and date for the service.

Our minister will support families in this time of bereavement and in helping to plan a personal and suitable service. Taking funerals is an important part of the minister's work and they will take time to visit families, offering comfort and support before and after the funeral itself.

Burials and Cremations

Our ministers take both funeral services followed by a committal or burial at the crematorium or a full funeral service at the crematorium itself. There is also the possibility to have a committal followed by a service of thanksgiving at Wesley. When our ministers visit you, we can take time to discuss with you which you think would be best for you.

Bereavement

The time between a person's death and their funeral is often very busy and full of practical arrangements. Often it is only after the funeral that the full extent of loss affects the bereaved.

Grieving is a natural and important part of coming to terms with and healing this loss. There are many people in our Church family who have experienced loss and they are often the best people to offer support in the months and years following a death. There are patterns and themes to bereavement but each person is different and it is important for people to be supported in finding their own way through grief.

For further information 

• on how to register a death, visit www.gro.gov.uk  
• on the practical arrangements and how to find a funeral director, visit www.uk-funerals.co.uk or www.nafd.org.uk  
• on bereavement support, visit www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk