WHAT IS A FUNERAL
A funeral marks the close of a human life on earth. It is the opportunity for friends and family to express their grief, to give thanks for the life which has now completed its journey in this world and to commend the person into God’s keeping. This is often a very upsetting and stressful time, feelings of grief, gratitude, joy and sadness often intermingle and here at St John’s we can help ease the pain with our experience and sensitivity.

CAN THE FUNERAL TAKE PLACE AT ST JOHN-AT-HACKNEY?
St John-at-Hackney has been used for funerals and memorial services for 800 years. This is the place where people gather to remember loved ones and residents of Hackney, regardless of whether or not they have been church-goers.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A FUNERAL?
A funeral is an opportunity to say goodbye, to offer any tributes, to comfort each other and the time to commend our loved ones into the arms of Jesus. A funeral must reflect the nature and the character of the deceased and we work closely with the chief mourners and Funeral Directors to create the most appropriate service.

There can be poetry, prose, music, dancing or just silence. Some people demonstrate their respect with an open coffin, and others with a closed one. Whatever your wishes we aim to accommodate them.

Following the funeral in the church, there is normally a burial or cremation in a local cemetery or crematorium. This part of the service is arranged through the funeral director

WHAT ABOUT THE WAKE?
Many people wish to gather after the funeral to share food and remember their loved one with friends and family. St John at Hackney can help with these arrangements. We can offer a wonderful space either at the back of the church or in Hurdman Hall. We have plenty of tables and chairs and a professional kitchen for your caterers.

For further information please contact:
Emily, the Parish Administrator: Tel 020 8985374 Ext: 222 or Email: admin@stjohnathackney.org.uk

AFTER THE FUNERAL
People whose loved ones have died are often so busy with practical details and arrangements between the death and the funeral that they do not experience the full sense of their loss until later.

Grieving is a natural and important part of coming to terms with our losses and it may continue for a long time. We are happy to help. Please contact Fr Rob for more details.
Tel 020 8985374 Ext: 221 or Email: rectorofhackney@aol.co.uk

COST
The cost of a funeral is normally dealt with via the Funeral Directors. If you wish to hire the church building for a funeral or memorial service using another minister the cost is £300.

What Shall I Do Now?
For personal support, please contact Fr Rob on:
Tel 020 8985374 Ext: 221 or Email: rectorofhackney@aol.co.uk

Or

Speak to Emily the Parish Administrator for more details.
020 8985 5374 Ext 222 or admin@stjohnathackney.org.uk

Further information can be found at:
The Diocese of London
www.london.anglican.org|
The Church Of England
www.cofe.anglican.org