Help at the hour of death
When it becomes clear that a person has not long to live, a minister is often invited to come to the bedside and pray with the immediate family, perhaps offering Holy Communion and anointing with oil as the end draws near.When death has come, the role of the funeral director begins. The minister may be invited to visit the bereaved to comfort them, and help them begin to think about the service they would like. The Rector is the appropriate person to conduct a funeral for residents who live in the church parish of Saltwood, unless of course the deceased or the family arranging the funeral are regular worshippers at another church.

So is it to be burial or cremation?

Anyone, believer or non believer, of whatever denomination, who was born, or lived or who at some stage lived or died in Saltwood parish may be buried in the churchyard. The burial may be preceded by a service in church or the entire ceremony conducted by the graveside.

If cremation is preferred, a service can be conducted in the parish church before or after a committal at the crematorium. Alternatively, the whole service can be conducted in the crematorium chapel. Later the cremated remains can be scattered at the crematorium or, with permission, some other spot, or be interred in the churchyard in Saltwood.

There are regulations governing the installation of memorial stones and the use of vases or other flower containers. The monumental masons are familiar with these regulations, The choice of music, hymns and readings will all be made to reflect the character and honour the life of the loved one. A family member or close friend may be glad to prepare a spoken tribute for the service, or the minister may be asked to speak about the life of the deceased of behalf of those who are mourning.

Remembering well
Once the funeral day has passed, the long process of grieving begins. If requested, the Rector, or another qualified church member may call again to offer continuing support.