Funerals / Memorials / Remembrance
The death of someone is very hard, whatever their age, however expected it was, or whatever your relationship with them was. At Brighton Unitarian Church, we understand this and do whatever we can to support you in your grief. We believe that every life is precious and should be honoured with respect.
As an inclusive, diverse community, we welcome people with faith, with no faith, and people with no particular belief. Whoever you are, or whatever you and your loved one believe(d), you are welcome here.
We also believe that a funeral ceremony should be unique and completely personal for the one you love. There are no rules about how you do this at Brighton Unitarian Church. Our team of experienced celebrants will be led by you to create a ceremony which properly reflects the beliefs and life philosophy of your loved one,
To prepare, your celebrant will meet you at your home, the church, or online, wherever is most convenient, and you will tell them about your loved one, your family and your lives together, and they will listen: they will learn about the passions, idiosyncrasies, beliefs and what made them who they were.
Then, between you, you will put together the ceremony, working through your loved ones wishes, your own ideas, choosing music, readings, rituals and personal touches, which will then be used for the ceremony. They will act as a facilitator, both during the preparations and by guiding the ceremony in a way that works for you.
You can rest assured that however simple or lavish the ceremony, they will be there to help you every step of the way.
Practical matters
We will liaise with your chosen Funeral Director if appropriate, to ensure the smooth running of the day.
We have a good sound system with Bluetooth, a Steinway piano, a Kirkland Organ, and a projector and screen in the church space.
If you require advice on hiring musicians or other services, we will do our best to help.
The hall and kitchen are available if you wish.
If you would like to talk to us about a funeral memorial or remembrance service, please do get in touch in the first instance with Rev Jennifer Sanders, our Minister, on jennifersanders@brightonunitarian.org.uk
Funerals
Whether you wish to have a formal funeral, a service of celebration followed by a burial or cremation, we work closely together with you and your chosen funeral director to create a service that reflects your loved one
Memorials / Remembrance
Funerals that take place soon after death don't always allow us the time and space we need for reflection.
A memorial service can take place at any time, and we can support you in having a fitting ceremony of thanksgiving.
Living Funerals
Sometimes we know when we are nearing our death. A living funeral can help people meet death with the certainty of the love that surrounds them and create a beautiful goodbye celebration within a sacred space.
This can be a small blessing or a full celebration with a reception.