At the beginning of lockdown I ran my first 'virtual' funeral using Zoom. Attended by more than 40 participants from all over the world from their teens up to mid 80's and all from the comfort and safety of their own homes. The service had everything that a 'usual' service might have and all planned in accordance with the family's wishes. We listened to music, sang hymns with words on each person's screen, we saw pictures and heard tributes from several people all given live using laptops, phones and tablets, despite one or two technical hitches it all ran amazingly well.
These are some of the comments, from those who attended I received afterwards.
‘It brought us all together, friends and family, giving us space and freedom within the service to give our tributes’
‘The service was also good because some of the participants would probably not have been able to attend a service in person even if there were not the current restrictions on movement’
‘I think this is the way forward and I won’t say sadly. Even when we are "back to normal" this facility will enable people who are unable to physically attend to take part.’
‘I loved being able to see the faces of others - often at a service you can’t see the others.’
‘What went well it was all super especially the feeling that his was NOT a usual service but people getting together loving him and caring about one another. This aspect cause my tears to flow....glad tears.’
‘It ‘made us promise each other that we wouldn’t only see each other at the sad times in our lives’
‘You were laid-back , friendly , relaxed , good for people who are not church goers . The service was respectful and loving , the songs worked well when the technology worked . It was a very positive experience’
‘I have already recommended this service to others it quite overwhelmed me.’
‘We would recommend this type of service as (in the current circumstances) it is the best way to get together and say goodbye to loved ones.’
‘Can I book you for my service? No date as yet!’
‘It brought us all together, friends and family, giving us space and freedom within the service to give our tributes’
‘The service was also good because some of the participants would probably not have been able to attend a service in person even if there were not the current restrictions on movement’
‘I think this is the way forward and I won’t say sadly. Even when we are "back to normal" this facility will enable people who are unable to physically attend to take part.’
‘I loved being able to see the faces of others - often at a service you can’t see the others.’
‘What went well it was all super especially the feeling that his was NOT a usual service but people getting together loving him and caring about one another. This aspect cause my tears to flow....glad tears.’
‘It ‘made us promise each other that we wouldn’t only see each other at the sad times in our lives’
‘You were laid-back , friendly , relaxed , good for people who are not church goers . The service was respectful and loving , the songs worked well when the technology worked . It was a very positive experience’
‘I have already recommended this service to others it quite overwhelmed me.’
‘We would recommend this type of service as (in the current circumstances) it is the best way to get together and say goodbye to loved ones.’
‘Can I book you for my service? No date as yet!’