Funerals
You may be reading this page because you have recently lost someone you love. If so, we extend our sincere condolences to you. The staff at St Mark’s consider it a privilege to conduct services that honour and give thanks to God for the life of each unique individual who has been made in God’s image. Please be assured that we will try to do everything we can to help you at your time of great sadness and stress.
The death of a loved one needs to be handled personally and sensitively. If you need our assistance at this time, please contact us on 9363 3657 or office@stmarksdp.org and a member of staff will help guide you through the process.
Remembering at Christmas 2024
Christmas time can be a hard occasion for the recently bereaved. It can have a hollow feel also for the long-time bereaved. The joy of Christmas can fall flat when someone is missing. Each year, a few weeks before Christmas, we have a service where we deliberately give thanks for those we have lost and pray for ‘the peace which passes all understanding’ for each one left behind. The service this year will be held on Friday 6 December 2024. Please visit https://stmarksdp.org/whats-on/ closer the the time for more details.
The funeral or memorial service – An overview
Every funeral service or memorial service is an important occasion. The service provides the opportunity for people to express their grief and extend sympathy to the bereaved, to honour the person who has died and to proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The service is usually officiated by one of our ministers. Typically our minister will meet with you and discuss the type of service that would be most appropriate and how they can support you. The various elements of the gathering need to be given careful thought and involve detailed planning.
Please note that all services led by our minister are based on services from the Anglican Prayer Book. This means that the services are Christian in nature and form (including a Bible reading, prayers and a short biblical message of encouragement).
Bible Readings
We suggest two Bible readings. Your minister will be able to suggest some appropriate options for you to consider.
Eulogy
The giving of a tribute or eulogy has been traditional at funerals. This is an important part of the funeral and grieving process.
Music and Hymns
Many people will have their favourite hymns and may have already suggested them for their funeral. Music can be very comforting. We usually sing two or three hymns at a funeral, accompanied by the organ.
The St Mark’s Choir and St Mark’s Bell Ringers are also available upon request to provide further music in the service. This can add a very special touch.
Contact us
Please call 9363 3657 or email office@stmarksdp.org to let us know how we can support you at this time.
Jesus says in the Gospel of John:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”