“I am the resurrection and the life” says the Lord “those who believe in God, even though they die, live and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” John 11.25,26

God’s love and power extend over all creation. Every life, including our own, is precious to God. Christians have always believed that there is hope in death, as in life, and that there is new life in Christ after death. (Common worship)

Our ministry to the dying and to their family is extremely precious to us. There is a mixture of thankfulness for the life of the person we love, mixed with profound grief and pain in our losing them. We offer to visit as often as requested during the weeks/months beforehand and if possible will be there at the time of death if this is what the family want.

Our funeral ministry here in the Parish of Rushall usually takes place either in the Parish Church of St Michael or at Streetly Crematorium Chapel. Rushall Churchyard is a “closed” churchyard, which means there are no new grave spaces available, most funerals that take place in church therefore are followed by a committal ceremony at the crematorium or at one of the local authority cemeteries. There is provision for the ashes of loved ones to be buried in the churchyard although there is no longer the possibility of providing individual plaques of remembrance.

For those organising a funeral, the first step is usually to appoint a funeral director. We work closely with all our local funeral directors and each one of them will guide you, sensitively, through the requirements that must be met. The funeral director will liaise with the clergy and (if apprpropriate) the crematorium/cemetery staff on your behalf to arrange the funeral service.

Once the day and time of the funeral has been confirmed a member of the clergy will contact the family directly. However, please feel free to contact us beforehand should you feel the need. We will endeavour to meet with you and talk through the service to make it as personal and special as we can. Our ministry to you is not confined only to the funeral service itself. The name of your loved one is included in our prayers at each church service throughout the week and following month and then later in the year they are remembered again at our annual memorial service.

Our Pastoral Care team will contact you, if you live in the parish, to see how you are doing and if you would like a visit or someone to talk to and for those who feel the need to get out and meet others there are plenty of opportunities through church to do so in a variety of ways.

Full details of fees are available upon request and will be made clear when arranging the service.