St Andrew's Church, Impington
Click here to edit subtitle
Funeral & Burial of Ashes
A funeral marks the end of a person's life here on earth. Family and friends come together to express grief, give thanks for the life lived and commend the person into God's keeping. These can be a small, quiet ceremony or a large occasion in a packed church.
We welcome all who live in the parish to either have a funeral service or to have their ashes buried in the parish churchyard regardless of whether they have attended our church or not. To find out if you live in the parish of St Andrew's Impington, click here.
Each funeral and each death is different. You might feel numb at first then a mixture of grief, gratitude, joy and anger - perhaps all mixed together. You might be hurting with the tragedy of an unexpected death, or perhaps you are grateful for a long and fruitful life.
Getting over the death of a loved one takes a lot longer that most people imagine. Up until the funeral there is often so much to arrange and sort out that you are carried along by it all. Sometimes the funeral itself helps to bring home the reality of what has happened, though, for many people it can be an additional ordeal. We all grieve in different ways: some show their sorrow very openly while others bottle it up, but it is still there. Grieving does not begin or end with the funeral service.
Support
Funerals can raise profound personal questions about the meaning of life and death, this is perfectly normal. There may not be much time around the funeral to properly reflect on these matters, but a member of our Bereavement Team will be in touch with you a few weeks after the service to see how things are, or you can be in touch with the minister who took the service later to talk about how you are feeling and the questions and thoughts this has raised.
For some, professional counselling may help. See under 'Counselling' on our 'Resources' page for details of organisations that can help.
The Funeral Service
In many cases, arranging a funeral keeps people so busy that they don't feel their loss fully until afterwards.
Grieving is natural and important, and it may take a long time. Many people find that others who have lost a loved one can offer valuable comfort and support. You may find the funeral services prayers and readings a comfort.
We hold an annual memorial service ('Time To Remember') which lasts for about an hour around the beginning of November to remember those who have died. If you have made contact with us about your loss during the year you will be invited to attend the service which will include music, prayers, a short talk and plenty of space for quiet refection. All are welcome to attend the service, however long ago you suffered a loss. After the service there is the opportunity to meet and chat with clergy, members of our bereavement team and others who are bereaved over a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake in the Stable Rooms.
Bereavement support networks, such as Cruse, can be very helpful. There are also special organisations for people who are:
or who have lost a child or unborn child,
or who are bereaved by suicide or violence.
Sources of Further Support
Inquest - provides an independent, free, legal and advice service to the bereaved on inquest procedures and their rights in the coroner's court.
Winston's Wish - offer practical support and guidance to families, professionals and anyone concerned about a grieving child.
Information About Churchyard Regulations
Churchyard regulations are different to those which govern civil cemeteries. So if you are planning to have a memorial in the churchyard it is important to find out what these regulations are before you choose any design, lettering or type of stone. Existing memorials also do not set a precedent. Contact us for more information. Early consultation helps to avoid disappointment and upset for everyone.
How to arrange a Funeral or Burial of Ashes
Please contact us for more details.