Funerals and celebrating a life

We will always be here to help you through one of life’s most difficult times. A Church of England funeral is available to everyone, whether or not they were a churchgoer or their relatives are members of the church. We can help you plan a funeral or celebration of the life of a loved one, be that church or at the crematorium, woodland burial ground or by the graveside in a cemetery. We'll help you make this event both personal and an opportunity to remember the person who has died, celebrate their lives and pray for you and your family. Such events are precious and can involve all sorts of traditions, readings and music.

Usually, the first steps in arranging a funeral are taken with one of the local firms of Funeral Directors who will help you understand your options, not least in fixing a date, although you are more than welcome to contact Revd Paul, Team Rector before speaking to them.

There's also a helpful page on the Church of England website, which will tell you more about organising a funeral.

Before the funeral, the Minister who will be conducting it will arrange to visit you to discuss how you would like the service to be, and to learn more about the person who has died. Our aim is to make each funeral very personal and appropriate both for the departed and for those who mourn them. We know that grief and the pain of loss can last a long time and you are always most welcome at our annual Light for Loved Ones in late October; a gentle and informal opportunity to remember well, light a candle and find peace in this place of sanctuary.

When someone has been cremated, many relatives like to have their remains interred in the Garden of Remembrance in St Mary's Churchyard. We are very happy to help you do this and a member of our Ministry Team can be there, alongside you.

Interments and memorial plaques, where desired, should be arranged through local Funeral Directors, who can advise you and make necessary arrangements.

Our sincere aim when someone dies is to be there for you, to support you, pray for you, and remember your loved-one with you before our loving God.

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here

Planning your Visit

Welcome to St Mary's, Linton

Where and When

Our main service is 10am every Sunday, after an early said Holy Communion in traditional language at 8am, but there are a number of other ways we meet, both in church (details here) and in homes and other venues across our community. There is some parking on Church Lane, or on the High St, or Medical Centre car park, just a few minutes walk away. If you're new or visiting us, do say hello to one of our welcomers on the door.

The 10am is usually an hour long, sometimes less, and we serve tea, coffee and biscuits after the 10am service, apart from Cafe Church - every fourth Sunday morning - where coffee, etc is served before we begin. All refreshments are free, but donations to keeping our ancient church open for everyone are always appreciated. Thanks.

Other types of worship offer contemplative space (The Well, every second Sunday evening at 6pm), Taize worship, as well as prayer for healing (Services of Hope and Healing) where blessing with anointing is available. Evensong (BCP) takes place in Bartlow, 5 minutes drive from Linton, every third Sunday at 6pm. We are very active in our community and host school worship - our Infant School meet here every Friday in term time - and a range of special events (such as a recent Vigil for Ukraine).

St M's is open every day of the year (c9.30am-4pm), for locals and visitors alike. Many people drop by to light a candle, or to find some quiet, or to read or draw with their child or grandchild. Dogs are most welcome, too.

Celebrating life events

If you're visiting our website because you would like to arrange a wedding, funeral or Christening, do contact us. We'd love to help you mark these precious times in your life and the lives of your loved ones. It doesn't matter if you are not a churchgoer - all are welcome here.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up. There is a loo in the Pavilion (which has wheelchair access) at the back of the church.

Young people

We really value worshipping God all together as a family. There is an area in the south aisle dedicated to children and their carers, which allows them to take part in the service, while also having books, drawing materials, toys and other resources to hand. We really don't mind if your child makes a noise - they are as welcome as anyone else!

There are other activities, like Messy Church and Tots in Tow, that nurture young people's faith in positive and caring ways. More info can be found on this site.

Children

Root & Branch (RnB) Groups

Being part of one of our small groups is a great way to make new friends, share questions of life and faith and explore the Bible. No previous experience necessary. Four groups meet across the Linton Parishes; three in homes across Linton. Usually, we meet fortnightly, in 'terms' of around four or five dates. Check out our Small Groups and see if there’s a time that works for you, and let us know if you'd like to come along.

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

Peace and blessings,

Revd Paul