Serious Illness

At Onslow Anglicans we continue the Christian tradition of praying for the sick, not only during our regular church services but also in our private daily devotions. Please let us know if someone needs our prayers, or add their name(s) to the Intercession Book in the church.

The clergy are available to visit and pray for the seriously ill. On request they will bring Holy Communion and anoint the sick person with holy oil.

For those with a troubled conscience, a priest is available for the service Reconciliation of a Penitent, in which the priest listens to the confession of sins and then declares God’s forgiveness.

Here are some short prayers that you may find helpful.

Death

At Onslow Anglicans we regard it a privilege to assist families as they prepare to mark the death of a loved one. For the clergy funerals are a priority ministry and they have considerable experience in providing dignified and appropriate services.

Prayer Before a Funeral may be used by a minister with the family and friends of the person who has just died, or when the coffin is brought to the church before a funeral. The Funeral Service is the public service at which we remember the person who has died, give thanks to God for their life, commend them to God and commit their bodies. The committal may take place at a graveside in the cemetery, or at a crematorium, or in the church building. The Committal Of Ashes (after a cremation), or The Unveiling of a Memorial happens at a later time. At Onslow Anglicans we are able to inter ashes in our church grounds.

When someone dies

Contact one of the clergy as soon as possible; they can offer immediate ministry and advice. You will also need to contact the person’s doctor and a Funeral Director.

Arranging a Funeral Service

The clergy will advise you on planning the Funeral Service. The service needs to be balanced and appropriate for the person who has died. Christians have always believed that there is hope in death as in life, and that there is renewed life, in Christ, after death.

A Funeral Service normally has the following shape.
• The family and mourners are welcomed
• Words of comfort are read
• We remember the life of the deceased and give thanks
• We listen to reading(s) from the Bible
• The minister speaks about the Christian meaning of life after death
• We pray together
• We commend the deceased to God
• We commit the deceased to their final resting place
• We depart

Things to decide
• Will the deceased be cremated or buried? If cremated, what will happen to the ashes?
• Who will you ask to speak about the deceased? Note that this is a privilege, requiring good public speaking skills and preparation. The family should have major input into the content. Remember that lengthy speeches can be repetitious and add to the mourners’ stress.
• What music will be played and what hymns or songs sung? We can arrange an organist.
• What readings do you want? You will need to choose one from the New Testament, and discuss other options with the clergy.
• Will there be a service sheet? What will be in it?
• You need to decide what will happen after the service. Do you want the mourners to gather for refreshments and fellowship?

If you have any questions, concerns or worries do not hesitate to contact the officiating clergy.