“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 – NIV) Today, I launch a new clergy collegial blog. I hope we will encourage and empower each other toward success and excellence in pastoral ministry. As I sit in the Pastor’s Study at Cambria Heights Community Church, I often ponder the possible feedback of clergy colleagues as it relates to preparing sermons, counseling in particularly difficult situation, designing fresh worship, balancing competing priorities of ministry, marriage and family, maintaining self-care, pursuing personal dreams and private interests outside of ministry and family, and finding resources to meet the ever evolving and changing needs of the people whom I serve. After a sustained period of prayer, reflection and meditation, I realize I can invite you to come “In The Pastor’s Study” for an exchange of ideas.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Funeral Materials - General Bereavement Letter


General Bereavement Letter

 5 January 2012



Dear Brother/Sister:


The congregation of Cambria Heights Community Church joins me in expressing condolences to you and your family in the loss of your relative.  The scriptures reveal Almighty God is the God of all comfort.  May His abiding love and sustaining presence provide consolation to your immediate and extended family during this hour of bereavement.  The Bible encourages us to “mourn with those who mourn.”  As your brothers and sisters in the family of Christ, we share in your loss and seek to provide God’s comfort.

While this is undoubtedly a very hard time for you, there are many decisions you will need to make within the next few days.  I have attached a few documents, which I hope will assist you in the process of planning a funeral to celebrate your loved one’s life.  The attachments include an outline for writing an obituary, a model of a funeral service and a list of some of the decisions you will need to make.  Hopefully, these pieces will lessen the difficulty of this process.

In the midst of this bleak hour, I ask Almighty God to reveal His presence to you.  May many memories of pleasant times shared with your loved one flood your mind.  Time, which heals all wounds and fills all voids, will be kind to you.  Finally, I pray you will find daily renewal as the enduring love of family and friends strengthens and supports you.


In the love of Christ,
The Reverend Victor Michael Singletary
 Pastor
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