Funerals
Christians believe that when we die, God promises that we will be with him in a wonderful place where death and pain are gone forever. Whatever the circumstances of death, these words of hope are a great comfort to those who attend a funeral. When someone dies, although we can’t see the person we love anymore, Christians believe that through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will see that person again. It might be in a very different form, in a very different way, but that is the Christian hope, and that is the message everyone will hear when they come to a Church of England funeral.
When somebody dies, it is usual for the family to initially make contact with a funeral director who will then be in touch with us directly to arrange for someone to conduct the funeral. The person taking the funeral will arrange to meet with you to discuss the service and learn more about the person who has died. At the funeral service, we give thanks to God for the life of the person who has died, we pray for those who are grieving, we commend the departed person to God’s eternal care, and we give thanks for God’s gift of eternal life.
Memorials
St. Lawrence Jewry has been the place for significant memorial services for many years. Memorial services may be held so that the wider community can gather together to remember a person who has died, and may be held after, for example; sometime later after a private funeral, following a period when a large funeral wasn't possible or appropriate, or to mark and celebrate a life in a different context.
As at a funeral, a memorial service provides the opportunity give thanks to God for the life of the person who has died, to pray for those who are grieving, and to give thanks for God’s gift of eternal life. However, a memorial service can be tailored to be less formal in many ways and to reflect the lifestyle and personality of the person who we gather to remember.
If you are considering a memorial service at St. Lawrence Jewry, call us on 020 7600 9478 or email admin@stlawrencejewry.org.uk to arrange to meet with the Guild Vicar to discuss how we can help.