Sincere Moments: Carole Renshaw - Funeral Celebrant & Professional Mentor

The day is drawing to a close so I'm using my time wisely!
I may have a background in Learning & Development, Training and Facilitation but I'm struggling to help Hector learn all about the art of taking selfies!

Hector's heard all about the London Marathon today but can't quite get his head around it all.
Yet he sends his congratulations to everyone who took part in it! 👏👏
Life for a Newfie is much gentler and slower!

Sunday mornings tend to be quite relaxing for me......and then the day speeds up as I try and cram lots of things in!
This is a piece of music that does just the same. It was used in a friend's Funeral this week and is due to be played again soon for another Final Farewell.
It get's chosen for just the right reasons.

As Storm Hannah prevails it seems an appropriate day to remember these words:
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.....it's about learning to dance in the rain!"

What does a Celebrant do whilst waiting in the vestry for their Funeral? Well, she reads what other Celebrants and Ministers have written about the local crematorium!
The one at Stafford is so highly thought of; friendly....professional.....and lots more praise too!

When I'm engaged as a Mentor I bring everything to the table;
* Things I've done in life.
* All of my personal investment in degrees, seminars and training.
... * Along with my experience from my business and career journeys, including all the highs and lows.
This is what colleagues pay for. I hold nothing back. Why should I?
I'm also very clear that this kind of information oozes out organically through a 1-2-1 conversation.
You certainly won't get this in a collective webinar. I've never been a fan of those forms of development anyway!
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Just for some Wednesday afternoon fun, here are 5 jobs I've had that you may not know about:
* Barmaid
* Make up Consultant
... * Petrol Station Attendant
* Facilitator
* Coach
PS........I've also been sacked too!
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"I know how you feel."
Here's a really helpful blog about why we shouldn't say something like this to someone who's just lost a special person from their life. We might mean well by it but it shifts the focus of attention from them to you - and that's not what we should be doing.
Do have a read of this - it gives some really helpful information about what to say and what not to say in these kind of circumstances.

I've been going through some papers and was reminded of this poem, that I first came across at a Funeral back in November.
I can still remember how everyone smiled as they sat and listened to the person reading it. It got lots of comments after the service and many people asked for a copy of it:
The poem is called 'Heaven's Grocery Store.'
... " I was walking down life's highway a long time ago. One day I saw a sign that read "Heaven's Grocery Store." As I got a little closer, the door came open wide. And when I came to myself, I was standing there inside.
I saw a host of angels, they were standing everywhere. One handed me a basked and said: 'My child, shop with care.' Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store. And all you couldn't carry, you could come back for more.
First, I got some patience. Love was in the same row. Further down was understanding, you need that wherever you go. I got a box or two of wisdom and a bag or two of faith. I just couldn't miss the Holy Ghost, for it was all over the place.
I stopped to get some strength and courage, to help me run the race. By then my basket was getting full but I remembered I needed some grace. I didn't forget salvation, for salvation, that was free. So I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me. Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill. For I thought I had everything, to do my Master's will.
As I went up the aisle, I saw prayer and just had to put that in. For I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin. Peace and joy were all plentiful. They were on the last shelf. Song and praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself.
Then I said to the angel, "Now how much do I owe?" He just smiled and said: "Just take them everywhere you go." Again, I smiled at him and said: "How much do I owe?" He smiled again and said: "My child, Jesus paid your bill a long time ago."
The shops are back open again after the Easter Sunday closure but they'll be nothing like this!
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Let your Easter Sunday bring you all the thoughts and feelings that you attach to this day...…..whatever they may be.
Happy Easter x

Mum's just shown me her Easter gift that was given to her by a local retired vicar.
She was amazed and asked him why he'd given her this. He paused and said:
"God's told me to give it to you."
... Mum replied...."Well that was nice of God....thank you."
What a lovely story to hear.
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Easter means different things to each and every one of us.
So whichever side of the fence you sit on, or if you're on the fence itself, then here's a blessing that captures all the elements.
"May your Easter be happy... May your day be bright May you enjoy the treats and sweet delights.
But remember the meaning Remember God's gift Remember the resurrection May your soul uplift."
Have a happy and peaceful Easter.
xCarole
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Dates - they're an important part of our life story. When we were born. The date we leave this world too.
But Funerals that are held at certain times of the year tend to remain etched in peoples' memories too. Christmas Eve is one such day along with the 11th November, Remembrance Day.
Whilst I shan't be leading any burials or cremations on Good Friday or Easter Monday, the fact that today's service is the day just before Easter, then I know this Funeral will always be r...emembered in a certain way for those attending.
Easter wishes will look and feel so very different for many people right now.
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Many of us have homes with more than one pet living with us. So when one of them dies, it's important to think about the grief that the remaining ones may carry with them.
This wonderfully written blog gives some helpful suggestions to help you through it all.

I work in the Funeral industry. So I have a pretty good idea of how things work when someone dies.
But here are some things that you may or may not be aware of. Broadly, you can take as much or as little control over it all as you wish - it's just about knowing the right questions to ask.

"I don't want any vicar standing up at the front saying lots of xxxx about me. I want someone to say it as it was!"
Well that's today's task well and clearly outlined for this gentleman's Funeral. Now to crack on writing an authentic life story for him. ✍️📖

I'm seeing lots of notices around the social media platforms about Easter opening times for different businesses.
Colleagues who work in the Funeral industry know only too well, that Public Bank Holidays aren't immune from bereavement and grief.
Death doesn't fit neatly into a 9-5 window.....even when there are Easter eggs to share.

"I've really enjoyed talking about Mum. That was really quite therapeutic!"
This afternoon's meeting wasn't just about gathering the information I need as a Funeral Celebrant. Just as importantly, it was about helping a family prepare for their Final Goodbyes too.
Never underestimate the value of spending time together to talk about a Funeral. It's so much more than choosing the flowers and the venue for the wake.

Does anyone else take as much time choosing the right card for the right person!
I bought these Easter cards from Gallery at 12 in Eccleshall yesterday. They'll soon have a personal note inside them that'll be written with special people in mind.
Would you really expect anything different from a Celebrant who writes personal Funeral Services?

What a beautiful service you gave today at Carmountside! It was perfect in every way.

We found Carole's website when researching for our wedding celebration. We had already married abroad, without family and friends and were planning a celebration back home. We wanted another ceremony, but for everything to be under one roof. I tentatively emailed Carole to ask if this was the sort of thing she would consider. From the moment we received her reply, we were filled with complete confidence that she was the person for us. I have never met someone so suited to her job! An absolutely lovely person with all the qualities needed for such a personal and emotional occasion. She produced a beautiful and memorable ceremony which was just perfect for us. I can absolutely recommend Carole, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. You can see how happy we are in the timeline photo!!

Very professional and caring services for all occasions. As yet, I've only experienced Carole's funeral services, but each service is totally different and personalised perfectly to each family. One of the nicest and friendliest, but most professional person you could come across. Highly recommended for every occasion!

Thank you so Much for the great service for my mum the amount off people that commented after about how good you are was amazing even a few have said how there would like you to be involved with theres.

You made Me Dad and brother proud and we thank you ever so much and the card you sent was a emotional touch as we thought at least you care afterwards

Thanks again x

Thank you for putting together a wonderful eulogy for my brother Mathew. By giving the time you did to speak to us you were able to put together a sincere service. Funerals are never a good place to meet up with old friends but can I say that all of mathew's friends talked all afternoon of their memories of my lovely big brother. Thank you once again.

Sarah

Thank you for our lovely card, the urology you did for my son ROY was very moving but beautiful. All our friends & relatives were REALY inspired by you. We couldn't have done it without you. So from Roy's mum ANN,BRIAN, SHARON, & FAMILY WE THANK YOU XXX XXX ROY would have been very proud XXX

Thank you Carole for the moving tribute to my Dad Walter Humphries at his recent funeral. You captured everything about his life perfectly.

I would like to thank you for the beautiful service that you conducted yesterday for my deceased mum Violet Blunden



Everyone came up to me afterwards with compliments for your wonderful, heartfelt service.



My sincere thanks for making my families very sad day so special.



Mark Blunden

I chose Carol to conduct my Dad's funeral after seeing her at my cousin's funeral, from our initial meeting to discuss what we wanted to be said to the actual service, Carole was wonderful. It was very difficult to find the right words to say but Carole knew what questions to ask and I noticed she had picked up on little things my sister and I had said to each other and incorporated them into her speech, it was a very difficult day but many people said how lovely it was and in between my tears I did manage to smile at some of the little anecdotes. I would genuinely recommend Carole to anyone, I know I've said it before, but I will say it again, "Carole I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making such a sad day very special indeed" Take good care, Dawn xx

Carole spoke at my Mum's funeral yesterday. The words she wrote summed up my Mum perfectly, as if she had known her. Thankyou so much for helping us out at this sad time xxx

Carole really is an excellent celebrant. Committed, articulate, compassionate and with a keen eye for detail. Whatever the ceremony, you will be in safe hands with Sincere Moments.

Carole kindly agreed to lead the service for the Celebration of my Father's life which took place last week at Telford Crematorium. She took time to learn about my Father, from the very beginnings of his life, right to the end and the result was a truly memorable eulogy. Carole also guided us through the format and put together the order of service. So many lovely comments from those who attended, that the celebration had captured him/ his character perfectly and that it had been delivered so compassionately, just as though Carole knew him personally. Thank you Carole, my family are sincerely grateful x.

Carole is a lovely genuine person, she is very thoughtful & caring nature. Top work x

What a beautiful service you gave today at Carmountside! It was perfect in every way.

We found Carole's website when researching for our wedding celebration. We had already married abroad, without family and friends and were planning a celebration back home. We wanted another ceremony, but for everything to be under one roof. I tentatively emailed Carole to ask if this was the sort of thing she would consider. From the moment we received her reply, we were filled with complete confidence that she was the person for us. I have never met someone so suited to her job! An absolutely lovely person with all the qualities needed for such a personal and emotional occasion. She produced a beautiful and memorable ceremony which was just perfect for us. I can absolutely recommend Carole, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. You can see how happy we are in the timeline photo!!

Very professional and caring services for all occasions. As yet, I've only experienced Carole's funeral services, but each service is totally different and personalised perfectly to each family. One of the nicest and friendliest, but most professional person you could come across. Highly recommended for every occasion!

Thank you so Much for the great service for my mum the amount off people that commented after about how good you are was amazing even a few have said how there would like you to be involved with theres.

You made Me Dad and brother proud and we thank you ever so much and the card you sent was a emotional touch as we thought at least you care afterwards

Thanks again x

Thank you for putting together a wonderful eulogy for my brother Mathew. By giving the time you did to speak to us you were able to put together a sincere service. Funerals are never a good place to meet up with old friends but can I say that all of mathew's friends talked all afternoon of their memories of my lovely big brother. Thank you once again.

Sarah

Thank you for our lovely card, the urology you did for my son ROY was very moving but beautiful. All our friends & relatives were REALY inspired by you. We couldn't have done it without you. So from Roy's mum ANN,BRIAN, SHARON, & FAMILY WE THANK YOU XXX XXX ROY would have been very proud XXX

Thank you Carole for the moving tribute to my Dad Walter Humphries at his recent funeral. You captured everything about his life perfectly.

I would like to thank you for the beautiful service that you conducted yesterday for my deceased mum Violet Blunden



Everyone came up to me afterwards with compliments for your wonderful, heartfelt service.



My sincere thanks for making my families very sad day so special.



Mark Blunden

I chose Carol to conduct my Dad's funeral after seeing her at my cousin's funeral, from our initial meeting to discuss what we wanted to be said to the actual service, Carole was wonderful. It was very difficult to find the right words to say but Carole knew what questions to ask and I noticed she had picked up on little things my sister and I had said to each other and incorporated them into her speech, it was a very difficult day but many people said how lovely it was and in between my tears I did manage to smile at some of the little anecdotes. I would genuinely recommend Carole to anyone, I know I've said it before, but I will say it again, "Carole I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making such a sad day very special indeed" Take good care, Dawn xx

Carole spoke at my Mum's funeral yesterday. The words she wrote summed up my Mum perfectly, as if she had known her. Thankyou so much for helping us out at this sad time xxx

Carole really is an excellent celebrant. Committed, articulate, compassionate and with a keen eye for detail. Whatever the ceremony, you will be in safe hands with Sincere Moments.

Carole kindly agreed to lead the service for the Celebration of my Father's life which took place last week at Telford Crematorium. She took time to learn about my Father, from the very beginnings of his life, right to the end and the result was a truly memorable eulogy. Carole also guided us through the format and put together the order of service. So many lovely comments from those who attended, that the celebration had captured him/ his character perfectly and that it had been delivered so compassionately, just as though Carole knew him personally. Thank you Carole, my family are sincerely grateful x.

Carole is a lovely genuine person, she is very thoughtful & caring nature. Top work x

What a beautiful service you gave today at Carmountside! It was perfect in every way.

We found Carole's website when researching for our wedding celebration. We had already married abroad, without family and friends and were planning a celebration back home. We wanted another ceremony, but for everything to be under one roof. I tentatively emailed Carole to ask if this was the sort of thing she would consider. From the moment we received her reply, we were filled with complete confidence that she was the person for us. I have never met someone so suited to her job! An absolutely lovely person with all the qualities needed for such a personal and emotional occasion. She produced a beautiful and memorable ceremony which was just perfect for us. I can absolutely recommend Carole, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. You can see how happy we are in the timeline photo!!

Very professional and caring services for all occasions. As yet, I've only experienced Carole's funeral services, but each service is totally different and personalised perfectly to each family. One of the nicest and friendliest, but most professional person you could come across. Highly recommended for every occasion!

Thank you so Much for the great service for my mum the amount off people that commented after about how good you are was amazing even a few have said how there would like you to be involved with theres.

You made Me Dad and brother proud and we thank you ever so much and the card you sent was a emotional touch as we thought at least you care afterwards

Thanks again x

Thank you for putting together a wonderful eulogy for my brother Mathew. By giving the time you did to speak to us you were able to put together a sincere service. Funerals are never a good place to meet up with old friends but can I say that all of mathew's friends talked all afternoon of their memories of my lovely big brother. Thank you once again.

Sarah

Thank you for our lovely card, the urology you did for my son ROY was very moving but beautiful. All our friends & relatives were REALY inspired by you. We couldn't have done it without you. So from Roy's mum ANN,BRIAN, SHARON, & FAMILY WE THANK YOU XXX XXX ROY would have been very proud XXX

Thank you Carole for the moving tribute to my Dad Walter Humphries at his recent funeral. You captured everything about his life perfectly.

I would like to thank you for the beautiful service that you conducted yesterday for my deceased mum Violet Blunden



Everyone came up to me afterwards with compliments for your wonderful, heartfelt service.



My sincere thanks for making my families very sad day so special.



Mark Blunden

I chose Carol to conduct my Dad's funeral after seeing her at my cousin's funeral, from our initial meeting to discuss what we wanted to be said to the actual service, Carole was wonderful. It was very difficult to find the right words to say but Carole knew what questions to ask and I noticed she had picked up on little things my sister and I had said to each other and incorporated them into her speech, it was a very difficult day but many people said how lovely it was and in between my tears I did manage to smile at some of the little anecdotes. I would genuinely recommend Carole to anyone, I know I've said it before, but I will say it again, "Carole I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making such a sad day very special indeed" Take good care, Dawn xx

Carole spoke at my Mum's funeral yesterday. The words she wrote summed up my Mum perfectly, as if she had known her. Thankyou so much for helping us out at this sad time xxx

Carole really is an excellent celebrant. Committed, articulate, compassionate and with a keen eye for detail. Whatever the ceremony, you will be in safe hands with Sincere Moments.

Carole kindly agreed to lead the service for the Celebration of my Father's life which took place last week at Telford Crematorium. She took time to learn about my Father, from the very beginnings of his life, right to the end and the result was a truly memorable eulogy. Carole also guided us through the format and put together the order of service. So many lovely comments from those who attended, that the celebration had captured him/ his character perfectly and that it had been delivered so compassionately, just as though Carole knew him personally. Thank you Carole, my family are sincerely grateful x.

Carole is a lovely genuine person, she is very thoughtful & caring nature. Top work x