Supporting the Bereaved

Bereavement is something that all of us will experience at some point in our lives as sadly, losing loved ones is a very painful part of living. As a church, we aim to reach out and support people in their bereavement. This can be something that happens quite discreetly, whether by organising a funeral or interment of ashes via the Parish Office, or a member of our pastoral team spending time just ‘listening’ to someone, or visiting them at home. It might be via a church-led bereavement course or through one of our Horizon groups, where the bereaved can find some support and community (more details further below)

Every year, we hold the Annual Bereavement Service in St Giles’ Church. The service provides a space where people can come together and remember those they have loved and lost. It is a reflective service, where there is an opportunity to light a small candle in remembrance, and anyone who attends can come for tea and cake at The Dell Centre afterwards. All are welcome, so please do invite anyone you know who might benefit from coming along to this special service.            

We are blessed with many faithful pastoral volunteers, as well as a small team of Pastoral Assistants who help to support bereavement ministry in our church (among many other things), and without whom pastoral care in our community just couldn’t function in the same way. Please do lift up our volunteers in prayer with thankfulness for their witness and generosity. If you are interested in becoming part of our volunteer pastoral team in any capacity, please do come and have an informal chat with me about this area of ministry. 

If you are interested in joining either group, or if you are struggling with bereavement or any other pastoral concern and would like to talk to somebody in confidence, please contact sarah.moore@ashteadparish.org