FUNERALS On Arranging a Funeral If you have been recently bereaved, we want to express our deepest sympathy

We are willing to be of any help we can to you personally or with arrangements for the funeral service.

As this time between the death and the funeral is filled with so many thoughts and feelings, and with so many practical arrangements, we hope the following information helps in planning the service and making decisions about it.

THE GRAVE

If you decide on burial in the churchyard, it is important to note that there are different regulations for churchyards than for council or privately administered cemeteries.

For example:

• the kind of stone that can be used is limited. In Necton, only crownstone is permitted.

• formal wording is preferred on memorials (eg: "Mother" rather than "Mum") and inscriptions should be Christian in content and sentiment.

• the grave frontage is levelled within six to nine months of burial and seeded with grass.

• after levelling, we ask that no flowers are planted, nor vases placed on grave fronts so that regular maintenance and mowing is as easy as possible.

A separate leaflet with advice on the choice of memorial and the wording of inscriptions is available. Our Rector is very willing to discuss details with you.

CHURCH FEES

The church fees for the funeral service, whether by burial or cremation, will be paid on the day of the service by your Funeral Director, and included in his invoice to you later. We give a receipt to your Funeral Director which he either includes with his invoice, or has available for inspection.

Fees for cremation go in total to the Diocese of Norwich. Fees for a service in church and burial in the churchyard are divided between our own church and the Diocese of Norwich.

Clergy conducting services receive no part of the fee themselves. Where travel, to a crematorium for example, is involved the clergyman receives travelling expenses in accordance with the published Norwich Diocesan Scale.

There is no fee for a committal at a crematorium following a service in one of our churches. A full list of fees is available.

AFTER THE FUNERAL

Grieving is a natural and important part of coming to terms with bereavement.

Feelings of sadness and gratitude, loss and longing, regret and anger, guilt and joy, often intermingle. At times we feel totally numbed or deeply despairing.

All these feelings are familiar scenery on a journey which usually takes longer than many of our friends and relatives may realise.

Comfort and support often comes from others who have suffered a close bereavement, and, of course, from the faith and hope we have in Christ, and the experience of His love and daily presence.

Our clergy are willing to call at any time and look forward to hearing from you, if you feel a visit from them might be of help.

HYMNS FOR FUNERAL SERVICES

Choosing the hymns for a funeral service is something very personal.  It takes thought and time.  We want hymns with a meaning for us - and hymns which those coming to the service will know and be able to sing.

The number of hymns depends on our choice and where the service is being held.  Some prefer not to have any hymns at all - or just one.  For a service in church, two hymns are usual but a third can be included.  At a Crematorium, it is normal not to have more than two hymns.

The organist at the church or crematorium can sometimes play a suitably chosen piece of music as we enter or leave - and, at the Crematorium, taped music can be arranged through the Funeral Director.

Some possible hymns are listed below - but others can be suggested and included:

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