Bereavement support

St. Peter's - a safe space for memories and tears

You don’t have to face your bereavement alone

At St. Peter’s Church, many of us have experienced grief ourselves, in a variety of ways and at different ages, so whatever your situation you’ll find a lot of no-strings quiet sympathy and gentle support here; tears and smiles equally welcome.

If you need quiet, come and walk in the grounds or sit in the churchyard or in church – it’s always open during daylight. If you feel like company, come to FOSPA teas, or share a meal with Wulfherans. To reach out to God, try saying a prayer – you’ll find some here – or come to a service (times here). If you’d like to talk with the Rector, get in touch.

You may also like to know that bereavement counsellor Jo Onions, a member of St. Peter’s, holds a free bereavement group in the village each month – contact her for details on 07927 769400.

Here are some ways in which St. Peter’s can help you :

Peace

The beauty of these surroundings, steeped in prayer from time immemorial, help make this ancient site a place full of peace.

The church building is open for you, a place to sit for as long as you like in contemplation and silence.

If your loved ones rest far away, you can look on The Peace Stone as a local focus for your memories.

Help

We’re here to assist you for funerals – find out more here.

The names of all whose ashes lie in the Garden of Remembrance are inscribed and displayed in St. Peter’s Book of Remembrance.

We pray for all who leave requests on the Prayer Tree in church.

All Souls Day each November is a time of reflection, a chance to light candles in memory of loved ones who have died.

We’re here if you need us.

Hope

Trusting in God doesn’t mean we can avoid sorrow – faith does not prevent grief. But it does mean that we have hope that death does not have the final word.

Our grief isn’t a sign of weak faith, but of great love.                   (Billy Graham)

We believe that, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our loved ones who have died are safe with God, alive in a different way, and that we will see them again.

I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.          (Romans 8:38-39)

Support

Church isn’t something you “go to”, it’s a family you belong to. Many here at St. Peter’s have experienced loss, and can talk with you, or stand alongside you in understanding and companionable silence, whatever your beliefs. You don’t have to be sure of things to belong  to this family, and it’s ok to feel and express a very diverse range of emotions – or none – when you are grieving.  

Insights from many places can help us learn how to carry our grief :

St Peter’s podcasts – we can learn from the experiences of others who are also on the bereavement journey – watch here

Some books, poems, and films can also be helpful.

Details of other sources of help are here

You will find a very warm welcome in the family of St Peter’s whatever your age, background or experience and wherever you are with your faith.