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Arranging a Funeral Service
It is sad, but a privilege, for us to conduct a funeral service for you. These guidelines are to help you think about what you want before meeting with the clergy. Sometimes the person who has died leaves instructions about what they want at the funeral. If so, you will probably want to respect their wishes. However a funeral is also meant to help you, so respecting your needs in the service is important too. If you want to leave all the planning to the clergy, we will be very happy to do it, but you may like to think of some of the things set out below.
Address
Who would you like to speak about the deceased? The clergy are very experienced at this but there may be somebody else you would prefer to give the address.
Music
Is there any special music? If the funeral is taking place in church it needs to be suitable for playing on the organ. We are able to play CDs but you need to provide the music. It is essential you talk to the Director of Music, Graeme McCullough, about the music you want played before, after and during the service. He may be contacted via the Parish Office. It is safer not to put the titles of music in the service sheet in case Graeme is not able to supply the music you want. There may not be time to buy special music sheets or the music may not be available. The fee for the Organist is £125 (and, because of copyright laws, double if you want to make a recording of the service). The Parish Office (020 7736 3264) can give you the words of hymns for the service sheet.
Hymns
Choose hymns that you think people will be able to sing. It may help to have a choir if the mourners are likely to be particularly distressed or unfamiliar with church hymns. If you want a choir we can provide a very experienced quartet of singers. The fee is £240. A soloist requires an extra fee.
Readings
Do you or did the deceased have a favourite bible reading or poem to be read? Is there a friend or family member you would like to ask to do the reading? We can lend you a book of readings and poems if you wish.
Prayers
Do you have any favourite prayers? Would you like some music played for a time of silent reflection during the prayers? If you are printing a service sheet it is a good idea to print the words of the Lord’s Prayer.
Picture
If it helps, you may like to display a photo of the deceased in church.
Flowers
If you wish to have flowers in church then please ask the florist to ring the Parish Office (020 7736 3264) for guidance on what is suitable and times for delivering the flowers. Ideally flowers should be in place the day before the service.
Children
Children are most welcome at a funeral; they need to be able to say their own goodbyes. It may help to invite them to draw a picture, which, if appropriate, can be put in the coffin or in the grave at a burial. They may like to place a flower on the coffin.
Service Sheet
An outline for an order of service is available to download.
Ashes
If you are having a cremation we are delighted to inter ashes in the churchyard at a later date. Because the churchyard is officially closed we are not allowed to bury a casket containing ashes or position a plaque. By placing ashes in the earth they become not only part of this whole beautiful churchyard but also part of the community that has been, is and will be All Saints Fulham for many generations. The name of the departed will also be put in the church memorial book and prayers said at the anniversary of their death.
Contact
The Parish Office
Secretary@AllSaints-Fulham.org.uk
020 7736 3264