There are particular times when it is good to remember our loved ones who have died, and it is good to have extra support and help during the weeks and months following a bereavement. At St John's Church, we are here to support and help you with your grief and in starting to come to terms with your loss - it doesn't matter whether or not we were involved with the funeral.
Bereavement & Friendship Group
On Monday afternoons (1.30 - 3.30 pm) our Bereavement and Friendship Group meets in the Church Centre for chat, refreshments and social events. It is aimed to support those who have lost someone recently, and whilst you are welcome to drop in once, regularly or occasionally, many of our members join us for several months.
Lighting a Candle in Memory of your Loved One
In Church we have a candle stand where you can light a candle for prayers and in memory of someone who has died. You can come in and do this yourself (the Church is open during the week for Morning Prayer and our Holy Communion services on Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as on Sundays), or let Revd Danny know when you would like to come in and light a candle (vicar@sjpb.org.uk). Lighting a candle can be done at any time of year, but it is especially poignant on the anniversary of a birthday or special occasion, or on the anniversary of the day that the person died. If you can't get to Church to light a candle yourself, please let Revd Danny know and one of our pastoral team will do it for you, and say a special prayer for you and your loved one. You can also light an online candle by clicking here.
Annual Memorial Service 'All Souls'
Each year at the beginning of November, we have a special service to commemorate those who have died. Families and friends of those who have died in the previous year are invited to come along and hear the names of loved ones read out, as candles are lit, prayers are said, hymns are sung, and music are played. Details of the service are available on the calendar, and there is the opportunity to add names to the memorial list for the service on the day, as well as sending them in advance. If your loved one died in the past year, and the funeral was taken by a minister from St John's Church, their name will automatically be added to the list, and you will receive an invitation to the service a few weeks beforehand.