Funerals PDF Print E-mail
Written by Administrator   
St Johns North Side
St. John's Churchyard, Copthorne

 

Our clergy are experienced in dealing with the procedures surrounding a death, and on average there is a funeral from the village every two weeks. Over recent years we have held funerals for still-born babies, through people who have been tragically killed in accidents or even murdered, to centenarians who have died of ripe old age. Please ring 01342 712063 for further information

Before a death
Our clergy are used to being invited in to be with families towards the end of a loved ones life, and will be honoured to come and pray, or ask for God's blessing and commendation, or just sit with people in the final stages of life.

Planning a Funeral
If you are not sure what to do in preparing for a funeral, again our clergy will be pleased to try and assist you. They will have suggestions about possible hymns, music, Bible and other readings, etc. Funerals may take place either in church followed by a burial in the churchyard, or directly at the Surrey & Sussex Crematorium nearby, or with a service in church followed by a committal at the crematorium. Further help is available from the Church of England website, or also from the parish office.

St Johns Churchyard
The Labyrinth Memorial Garden


Burial of Ashes
We currently have two options for the burial of cremated remains (ashes) in Copthorne. Where a family have an existing grave with remaining space, ashes may be buried there. For new burials, as the old memorial garden for the burial of ashes is full, the unique and beautiful Labyrinth Memorial Garden has been created.

Naomi's Friends
We have an excellent group for those who have been bereaved, called Naomi's Friends, after the Biblical character. It meets monthly, and has been heralded by its members as a vital support for those who have lost loved ones.

Annual Memorial Service
Each year between All Saints-tide and Remembrance Sunday, we hold a Memorial Service, one of the features of which is the reading of names of those that members of the congregation particularly ask to remember.

Copthorne Churchyard
The regulations of the churchyard at Copthorne are set by the Chancellor of the Diocese of Chichester, and the local incumbent (vicar) has to abide by these rules, and may not allow items that fall outside the guidelines. There a number of exclusions, in the regulations including: "kerbs, railings, fencing or chippings as these create difficulty or danger when mowing; memorials in the shape of vases, hearts, open books; memorials incorporating photographs or portraits; mementos, windmills, toys, or little animals; the use of ‘pet names’; artificial flowers". Please note that these are diocesan, not just local requirements.


Jesus said - I am the resurrection and the life;
whoever believes in me though they were dead, yet shall they live;
and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.
John chapter 10
 
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