Until relatively recently a Church of England funeral was the default option of the majority of the British population. This is no longer the case. Exploring what makes a good funeral, Robert Atwell suggests many practical ways in which the church can become better at conducting funerals and engaging with those who seek pastoral support.

Robert Atwell

Peace at the Last

About this book

1 The changing landscape of death

The triumph of choice

Death, multiculturalism and belonging

Funeral celebrants

Christian funerals

2 When someone dies

What happens next?

Removal of donated organs

Caring for the body

Registering the death

The will

The estate

Suicide

Stillbirths

3 The funeral director

How do funeral directors rate the clergy?

Room for improvement

Fees

Funeral directors and the bereaved

Investing in a professional partnership

4 The bereaved

Meeting the family

Viewing the body

Healing memories

5 Death, children and funerals

The funeral of a child

Children attending funerals

The questions children ask

6 The context we set

What our buildings can offer

Getting the welcome right

Modern technology

Preparing an order of service

Retiring collections

7 The funeral service

Continuity and change in funeral rites

The funeral in Common Worship

Receiving the coffin in church

The Gathering

Readings and Sermon

Prayers

Commendation and Farewell

Requiems

Paupers' funerals

Checklist

8 Music

Hymn singing

The place of lament

Recorded music

9 Preaching into grief

Tributes and eulogies

In sure and certain hope

10 Burials

The Committal

Green funerals

Graves and graveyards

11 Cremations

The burial of ashes

12 Caring for the bereaved

The journey of bereavement

Holding a person's pain

Bereavement and memorial services

From bereavement to remembering

13 Facing our mortality

Appendix A Canon Law and funerals

Appendix B Sample funeral record and invoice

Appendix C Funeral hymns

Appendix D Glossary

Appendix E Readings and reflections for funerals and memorial services

Appendix F Select bibliography

Acknowledgements

Until relatively recently a Church of England funeral was the default option of the majority of the British population. This is no longer the case. Today, in some urban areas, secular or humanist funerals now account for 40% of funerals. The numbers of Anglican funerals are in free-fall. In exploring what makes a good funeral, this practical guide aims to rebuild the confidence of clergy in their funeral ministry and to equip them for transformative, missional pastoral engagement. This book grew out of diocesan consultation with funeral directors who identified three essential qualities that only the church offers: a distinctive understanding of death continuing pastoral care hope, not just empathy. Building on this foundation, Robert Atwell suggests many practical ways in which the church can become better at conducting funerals and engaging with those who seek pastoral support at critical points in their lives.

'For Readers embarking on funeral ministry this will be a valuable source of reference and reflection.' -- Chrysogon Bamber The Reader 'This book is a practical guide which aims to rebuild confidence about funeral ministry.' The Reader

Robert Atwell is the Bishop of Exeter. He is author of The Contented Life and The Good Worship Guide and a core author of Pilgrim, the Church of England's discipleship course.

• A practical companion for everyone involved in conducting funerals: parish clergy, deacons and readers. • The C of E is to launch a Funerals Project to explore the changing funerals landscape and develop best practice. • Addresses a new reality facing the church and offers practical ideas for re-imagining a vital ministry.

'For Readers embarking on funeral ministry this will be a valuable source of reference and reflection.'

'This book is a practical guide which aims to rebuild confidence about funeral ministry.'

"Peace at the Last" by Robert Atwell is a practical guide for clergy on enhancing funeral ministry. It covers essential qualities of church funerals and offers actionable insights for pastoral care.

\["For clergy looking to improve funeral ministry skills", "Addresses decline in church-led funeral services", "You will gain tools to provide hope and support effectively"\]

This guide helps clergy conduct meaningful funerals with confidence.

Leading Funerals Well

Peace At The Last

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