Funerals
The Funeral Service
The funeral service is a significant time in our journey of life. It is the opportunity to celebrate a life now ended, commend that life and ourselves to God, and to give thanks for the life, love and the friendship shared and enjoyed - all of which have enriched our lives and helped make us the people we are.
The Anglican Funeral Service contains all these elements in a simple and touching Christian liturgy from the moment the coffin is received at the church to the farewell from the church. This service can be personalised in many ways: the choice of readings and readers, the particular music and hymns chosen, and in the celebration of the life through the Eulogy or Reflection. Symbols of the persons life can also be used, but the primary focus must always be that this is a Christian act of worship and this is to be pastorally maintained throughout the service and in the choices. For example, it would be suggested that these symbols be placed on a separate table in the church, rather than on the coffin itself.
The national flag, where appropriate, may also be used on the coffin.
The number of Eulogies or Reflections should be kept to one or two to avoid duplication and repetition.
You may feel that a Christian service such as this is not really what you want. We at St Peter's are more than happy to work with you through this process and to assist you in obtaining a civil celebrant should you wish to proceed that way.
It may also be appropriate to hold other services following the Christian service, such as an RSL or Masonic or other tribute. Care should always be taken so as not to blur the service being conducted and each should be kept quite separate.
As many, if not most, services at St Peters are now what we call "full services" and held entirely at the church (that is, no service at the Crematorium) you may wish to hold these additional tributes outside the church at the hearse, prior to its being driven away. The RSL service especially is designed as a graveside service and this would be a most appropriate place for this final tribute by members of the RSL. These matters should always be discussed with the Vicar during the arranging of the service.
St Peters also has a Funeral Information Sheet to enable you to prepare for your own funeral and to lodge this form with your church and with family, so that they know your wishes. We are happy to send this form to you.
To discuss any of these points or to arrange a funeral at St Peter's, please contact the Vicar directly on (03) 9592 2397