Funerals

A sacred goodbye, held in love and hope

The death of someone we love is a tender and difficult time. Whether expected or sudden, it can bring a mixture of grief, gratitude, and unanswered questions. At St John the Baptist, Wonersh and St Martin’s, Blackheath, we are here to walk with you through this journey—with compassion, prayer, and practical care.

Whether you're planning a funeral, burial, interment of ashes, or a service of thanksgiving, we will help you honour your loved one’s life with dignity, warmth, and the hope of the resurrection.

You do not need to be a regular churchgoer. If your loved one had faith, or a connection with either of our parishes, we would be honoured to support you.

What a Church Funeral Involves

A church funeral is a space to:

  • Give thanks for the life of your loved one

  • Share in grief and comfort

  • Commend the person into God’s care and eternal love

  • Be held in prayer by the gathered community

Services can include hymns, readings, music, tributes, and prayers—and we’ll help you shape a service that reflects your loved one’s story, personality, and faith.

Our clergy will guide you through:

  • Choosing hymns, readings, and music

  • Writing or giving tributes or eulogies

  • Including family or friends in readings or prayers

  • Understanding the structure and tone of the service

  • The committal at the crematorium or graveside, if applicable

We will take time to listen, support, and ensure the service feels both personal and sacred.

Spiritual Care and Ongoing Support

We understand that grief doesn’t end at the church door. We are here not only to help plan a funeral, but to support you before and after.

Our ministry to the sick, the dying, and the bereaved is central to our calling as a church. We have a trained Bereavement Support Team, who are able to:

  • Sit and listen

  • Pray with you

  • Offer quiet companionship

  • Walk with you in the weeks and months that follow

If you would like someone to visit, please speak to the vicar or contact the Parish Office.

We also hold an annual Service of Light and Remembrance around All Souls’ Day, where we read aloud the names of loved ones and light candles in their memory.

How to Arrange a Funeral

The first step is usually to speak with your chosen funeral director, who will contact us to check availability and help co-ordinate arrangements.

However, you're very welcome to contact us directly too—especially if you'd like to talk things through or let us know about a recent death:

📧 vicar@wonershchurch.org.uk
📧 office@wonershchurch.org.uk
📞 Parish Office: 01483 890266

We will support you in:

  • Planning a funeral in church or at the crematorium

  • Arranging a memorial or thanksgiving service

  • Interring ashes in one of our churchyards

  • Discussing eligibility for a burial in the parish cemetery

 

 Churchyards and Burial Information

New Graves

The parish of Wonersh and Blackheath has an open cemetery located just outside Blackheath village. Burial or interment here is available for those with a qualifying connection, and subject to Church of England regulations.

  • All headstones and memorials must follow the National Churchyard Regulations

  • Written permission from the vicar (and in some cases the PCC) is required before anything is placed or changed

  • To apply, please request a CR1 form and a copy of the Churchyard Regulations (2015) from the Church Office

Ashes and Interment

Ashes may be interred in the Garden of Remembrance at Wonersh or in the cemetery at Blackheath. We will help you choose the most appropriate and meaningful option for your family.

Burial Records and Finding Graves

If you are trying to trace a grave or locate a burial plot, we’re happy to assist where possible. Please note:

  • Some older records are incomplete

  • It may take time to search our archives

  • In some cases, a burial may be recorded without a marked or identifiable grave

Our historic registers are no longer held on site. They are deposited at the:

Surrey History Centre
130 Goldsworth Road, Woking, GU21 6ND
📞 01483 518737
✉️ shs@surreycc.gov.uk
🔗 www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreyhistoryservice

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

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