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.
A funeral service in the Church of England - whether at St Paul's or in the crematorium chapel - may be very short and quiet with only a few members of the family present, or an occasion of great solemnity with music, hymns and a packed church.
Whatever the pattern of service, the words and actions all speak of a loving God and the preciousness to him of every human being. The funeral service will always reflect the personality of the one who has died and the circumstances of their death.
Please contact the Parish Office if you wish to arrange a Funeral or Memorial Service in church, or ask the Funeral Directors to do it for you.
Burials
Rusthall New Churchyard is open for burials and the vicar is able to advise on suitable memorials. Anyone who has lived or died in the parish may be buried there, whether or not they regularly attended church.
These days, six out of ten funerals make use of the crematorium. This leaves the question of what is to be done with the ashes. Rusthall New Churchyard has a special place set aside for burying ashes. Additional information, together with the relevant forms, can be obtained from the Parish Office.
FUNERAL BURIAL HEADSTONE POLICY BOOKLET