God’s love and power extend over all creation. Every life, including our own, is precious to God. Christians have always believed that there is hope in death as in life, and that there is new life in Christ after death.
Funerals can be arranged to take places in any of the churches of Heavitree and St Mary Steps, or arranged to be taken by one of the clergy at a local crematorium or cemetery. In the first instance, you should be in touch with a funeral director and request a Church of England funeral in Heavitree.
If you would like any advice or guidance do not hesitate to be in touch.
About death
At the heart of the Christian faith is the simple belief that Jesus died and rose again. God is a God of new life.
When someone dies it is a sad event and sometimes a tragic one. Christians grieve like anyone else who loses someone they love; but we do not believe that is the end of the person.
For us death marks a change, not a full stop. When we die we are released from age, suffering and the limitations of our body, and we are in God’s hands. Just as God raised Jesus from the dead, so he can raise us.
To stand face to face with God is what Christians call judgment. All of us will need to account for the way we have lived and for the way we have loved or failed to love God and neighbour. But God is also a God of forgiveness and peace. Our hope is that we can stand before God not relying on our own holiness but on the love of God shown in Jesus.
If all life comes from God, then so does new life. God who made us in our mother’s womb can also re-make us to share new life in glory. We do not return to earth, but dwell in God’s presence. We do not get old, or change or decay; life is eternal. This new life, seen first in Jesus, is the climax and triumph of God’s love. Whatever happens in our lives, good or evil, the ultimate destiny of humans is to be with God in his eternity.
What funeral arrangements can I make?
Some people will give thought to their funeral before they die which they leave with their next of kin and/or parish priest, to be taken into account in the event of their funeral. We are able to give advice on Christian funerals.
If you would like to arrange a Christian funeral for someone who has died you should tell your funeral director when making arrangements. You do not have to be a regular churchgoer to request a Christian burial.
How can I make changes to a monument/gravestone?
You must have permission before putting up a headstone or plaque or other memorial in a churchyard or church burial ground. You can obtain this from the parish priest (in this case, the rector or vicar). The memorial must be in accordance with the Churchyard Regulations, as approved by the Diocesan Chancellor.
