A Funeral at Tewkesbury Abbey
Matthew 5:4
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’
As well as being here for times of joy and celebration, the Abbey community also exists to give hope and comfort in more difficult and challenging times. The Abbey clergy regard the leading and arranging of funerals as a vitally important and privileged part of their ministry. We give a lot of time to visiting families, comforting those who are facing loss, finding out what service they want to use and helping them to arrange and personalise it. Many people do not realise that they have the right to a funeral in the Abbey as their parish church, even if they have not been regular churchgoers.
The funeral service is for friends and family to gather together, to express their grief, to give thanks for the life which has now completed its journey in this world and to commend their loved one into God's keeping.
Whether the service will be 'small' or 'large' in numbers attending, the Abbey is able to provide whatever you may require – we can accommodate larger services in the nave, or smaller services in the Quire or in the Lady Chapel just behind the Milton Organ.
Arranging a funeral
Your undertaker plays an important part in the coordinating of the funeral arrangements. They will advise you on the fees for a funeral service in the Abbey, at a cemetery, or crematorium. Normally, your chosen undertaker will contact the Abbey on your behalf to arrange the time of the funeral and then a member of the clergy team will contact you to arrange a visit where the funeral service is discussed and planned.
We are, though, available directly at anytime to provide care and support before, during and after a bereavement on 01684 850959.
After a funeral
Grieving is a natural and important part of coming to terms with a loss and it may continue for several months or even years. If the clergy are asked, we will always try to help. Comfort is also to be found in the promises of Jesus Christ, in the hope of the Resurrection and in the belief that the beloved person is safe in the hands of God.
Once a year, in early November, we hold a service of thanksgiving and remembrance for anyone who has been to the Abbey for the funeral of a loved one in the past year. You will be invited personally to this service as an opportunity to gather together with members of the abbey community as well as others in a similar situation to your own.
