Dressed like a 'Michelin man' with five layers of clothing ahead of a funeral followed by 'back fill' on a cold, wet, March day.

Funerals are always pure privilege, and they, rightly, demand professionalism, pastoral sensitivity and a level of preparedness to adapt in the moment. 

If I were to write my memoirs, there would certainly be some funeral stories among them... the unexpected moments of grace or of challenge (and more likely both at once).

What struck me yesterday was the significant cultural shifts that have arisen in the quarter century I've been conducting funerals, with very different expectations in the role not only of clergy but also of funeral directors - and which emphasise the importance of clergy/celebrants and FDs working well together.

Yesterday's was probably the biggest funeral I've been part of, with an estimated 400 people crammed into our Victorian Church, of whom around 150 came on to the burial.  Whilst live streaming of services is quite well established, this was the first time I've seen a live stream set up graveside - the first time I've needed to have a clip on microphone for a burial.  I was struck by the number of phones being held aloft to record the burial, even people stepping forward to film inside the grave... this gave me much to ponder, as a 'celebrant', as a person of faith, and simply as myself.

I hope that the family and friends felt their needs were met, that the life of their loved one was adequately celebrated, that the prayers and reflections had offered some small measure of comfort.

There is much to reflect on for my own future practice - as well as details that, rightly, aren't for sharing on a public platform such as this.