Funerals

A funeral is the service we hold to mark the end of a person’s life here on earth.  It is the occasion when family and friends come together to celebrate the person’s life, to say their goodbyes and to commend the person into God’s keeping.

But death is a subject that many of us don’t like to think or talk about and so when a loved one dies we’re not sure what to do.  Here is some information to help you.

What do I do first?

You may contact your funeral director first or you may wish to talk to Rev Frances ( 01663 732724) or Beryl Axcell (01663 732612) about what to do. If neither of these are available please contact one of the Church Wardens. It is important to remember that even if you don’t go to Church, or are not 'religious', it’s still all right to have the funeral at St James’ Church, Taxal, or at Holy Trinity Church.  Even if you prefer to have a service at the Crematorium, a member of the Ministry Team will be very happy to take the service. We are here to help you at this difficult time.  This may include helping you to decide whether a burial or a cremation is the right decision to make.

Where will it be?

We hold funerals at both St James’, Taxal and at Holy Trinity Church and also at Macclesfield Crematorium and Stockport Crematorium. We can help you decide which feels right for you.

There is still plenty of room for burials at St James’ Church, Taxal, or for the burial of cremated remains for those who live in the Parish, or are on the Electoral Roll or for those who already have a family grave.

What happens next?

Whoever is leading the funeral service will arrange to visit you – this will be a licensed member of the ministry team. Together you will be able to talk about and plan the service, including thinking about appropriate hymns and readings and whether a family member or friend might wish to give the eulogy/talk about the person who has died. There are many ways of marking a person's life and death and there is no such thing as a 'standard' funeral service. If you want to use recorded music then that can be arranged The person who comes to see you will be able to help guide you through all the arrangements.

 Your funeral director will also help to ensure that all the necessary arrangements are made.

You can find more information about what happens at a Church of England funeral at https://churchofenglandfunerals.org/

After the funeral

It is often after the busyness of the funeral that you really feel the loss of your loved one. Our bereavement visitor is Mrs Paddy Fox, and she or another member of the team will usually make contact with you six weeks or so after the funeral.

On the Sunday nearest All Souls Day (2 November), we hold a ‘Service of Light’ for the recently bereaved, and we invite those who have lost a loved one during the last two years to come to that service.

Planning my funeral

Some people like to plan their own funeral and a member of the Ministry Team will be happy to meet with you to discuss your plans and to keep a record of your wishes in a safe place.  Please get in touch with Rev Frances or Beryl Axcell if you want to do this or want to know more.