Bereavement is perhaps the most difficult thing we will face in our lifetime. We have produced a downloadable Bereavement Guide and we hope that this information will be of use to you, sharing important things which might help at this difficult time. It may also help to have somebody read through it with you. If you have any questions over the coming weeks and months then please ask, we will assist you in any way. Please know that we are pleased to help, we understand a little of what you are going through, you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

On the Sunday following a funeral, prayers are always said in our church in the main 9.30am service, on behalf of the person who has died. We are pleased to remember them and their loved ones. Families often find it helpful to attend this church service and a special invitation is extended to you. Please tell us the name of anybody you would like remembered. We will give thanks and remember before God those who have died and light a candle in the service to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope. We commend them to God’s safe keeping and pray that they may Rest in Peace. 

Think carefully about this. Many people regret making hasty decisions. You are welcome to use the Garden of Remembrance at St. Mark’s for the interment of ashes, or our beautiful woodland burial ground at Keysoe. Both of these places are consecrated, which is important as the land will never be disturbed. In council cemeteries you will only rent a plot for a number of years and then the plot can be used for another purpose. Remember, it is never too late to change your mind, so please speak with us if you would like more information about burial in our consecrated Garden of Remembrance or Woodland Burial at Keysoe.

Following the funeral, a member of our Church Pastoral Support Team will offer to visit you. These people have been specially trained to deal with a variety of different issues surrounding bereavement. They will have time to talk and help in any way that is appropriate. They will usually telephone first and offer to come when it is convenient. 

Yours with the prayers and best wishes of our church 

Vicar St Mark’s and Putnoe Heights Church

St Mark’s Church, Calder Rise, Bedford. MK41 7UY 

T: 01234 342613 M: 07973 113861Home: 01234 309175 M: 07973 113861 

E: charlesroyden@gmail.com