Funerals
You are probably reading this page as somebody you love has recently died, in which case we firstly offer you our condolences.
A prayer for you and your family:
Most merciful God,
Whose wisdom is beyond our understanding,
Surround the family of N with your love,
That they may not be overwhelmed with their loss,
But have confidence in your goodness
And strength to meet the days to come.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
A prayer for you and your family:
Most merciful God,
Whose wisdom is beyond our understanding,
Surround the family of N with your love,
That they may not be overwhelmed with their loss,
But have confidence in your goodness
And strength to meet the days to come.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Please do feel free to phone Rev'd Martin Jacques on 01395 443473 or Fran Mills, the Raleigh Mission Community Administrator on 01395 443397 if you would like some immediate support, or have any urgent concerns, or if they are not available then contact one of our church wardens, see contacts page.
You will need to contact a firm of undertakers who will handle all your arrangements for you, and who will contact the clergy, if you have not already done so, on your behalf.
The two main funeral Directors who cover our area are Otter Valley Funerals in Budleigh Salterton on 01395 911118 or Richard Gegg, based in Exmouth who can be contacted on 01395 444440.
There are other firms, who can be found in the telephone directory, or on a google search.
Should you wish a Christian service, we welcome funerals in any of our churches, or our clergy will lead a service at either Exeter or East Devon Crematorium. We have three open churchyards at Budleigh Salterton, Otterton and East Budleigh, where if the deceased lived in any of these parishes they are entitled to be buried, or where their cremated remains may be buried, with an appropriate memorial tablet.
Please do not worry about the funeral service itself. A member of the clergy will visit you and help you to build a service that is appropriate for your loved one.
We hold an annual Service of Remembrance at All Souls Tide (The Sunday after 1st November) and invite the next of kin and family to join with us as we remember before God those that we love but see no more. St Peters Church, Budleigh Salterton and
All Saints’ Church, East Budleigh contain books of remembrance where the names of loved ones can be written so that they can be remembered in the prayers of the church community on an annual basis - this document explains how to add your loved one to the book.
Some words that you might find helpful:
YOU SHALL SHED TEARS.......
You can shed tears that s/he has gone,
Or you can smile that s/he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that s/he'll come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that s/he has left you.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him/her
Or your heart can be full with the love you've shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him/her and only that s/he's gone,
Or you can cherish his/her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what s/he would want,
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
YOU SHALL SHED TEARS.......
You can shed tears that s/he has gone,
Or you can smile that s/he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that s/he'll come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that s/he has left you.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him/her
Or your heart can be full with the love you've shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him/her and only that s/he's gone,
Or you can cherish his/her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what s/he would want,
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.