I am writing to express to you my greatest sympathy as you cope with the passing of your (family member). Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family during what must be the most trying of times.
Sympathy Letters
The value of well-written sympathy letters within the context of a church cannot be overestimated. We have a wonderful selection of condolence letter samples that can easily be modified.
Please note that it is very important that you do not send these letters as written. Make them personal to the person or family you are reaching out to with your thoughtful words!
Written by a Pastor with over 35 years of ministry experience, the letters in this category will be a tremendous blessing to those you minister to.
For instance, you may want to send a letter to someone who is going through their first Christmas without their spouse. Or, send a letter to thank a family for the honorarium following a funeral service. In addition, send a letter of notification to a family following a memorial gift to the church.
Death of a Close Friend (2)
Dear (member),
I was truly sorry to have heard of the passing of your friend, (name). I understand that the two of you were very close and I wanted to reach out to you and your family in your mourning.
Friends are amongst the greatest gifts that God has bestowed upon us, his children. They provide wisdom and comfort, fellowship and love, honesty and patience. Jesus Christ himself referred to his disciples as his friends, heeding their advice and cherishing their support and companionship. Our friends are our family, and be mindful that God is with you as you mourn the loss of family.
Sympathy Loss of Teenage Child
Dear (member),
I am writing to express to you my greatest sympathy as you cope with the passing of your child, name. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family during what must be the most trying of times.
It is difficult to fathom the feelings of confusion and sorrow that follow the loss of a child, especially one of an age so close to adulthood. One of the blessings of teenagers is how we are able to see so much of ourselves in them – our strengths, weaknesses, how we develop into fully formed adults.
Sympathy Letter Death of a Loved One
Dear (member),
I am writing to express to you my greatest sympathy as you cope with the passing of your (family member). Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family during what must be the most trying of times.
In our times of loss, we can sometimes find ourselves overwhelmed with feelings of confusion and sorrow. Hopelessness and despair may well up in our hearts, and it can seem as though comfort is beyond our reach, but as Jesus Christ tells us, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) Your family here at Christian Life Church wants you to know that we will continue to be here for you to provide that comfort and assistance. Your grief is ours, and we want you to know that you are not alone.
Funeral Service Availability (Pastor to Funeral Home)
Dear __________, or (To Whom It May Concern)
I am writing this letter to introduce myself and my services to you.
My name is John Doe, and I am the Pastor of First Christian Church in (city), and my wife and I are looking forward to many years of service here in this community.