Grieving the loss of a loved one, the funeral, memorial or celebration of life are potentially painful experiences for family to face. Scripture offers many comfort, strength, and hope. Bible passages speak directly to the heart of grief. Some of the best Bible passages to help families cope with the loss of a loved one are:
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” … reminds us that God always draws near, even during our darkest moments. A family in mourning, is not alone, and that God is intimately present in their pain.
Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Jesus, in the Beatitudes, reinforces how mourning is natural and seen by God. A reminder that comfort will come whether through prayer, through community, or the quiet work of healing over time.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – “We do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death… we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
The Christian hope of resurrection, for families grieving a loved one who believed in Christ, offers peace of knowing that death is not the end.
Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” This delivers a picture of eternal peace and restoration. The comfort for families imagining their loved one now free from pain and suffering.
John 14:1-3 – “Do not let your hearts be troubled… I go to prepare a place for you.” Jesus’ assurance to grieving families of their loved now in a place of peace, held in the care of God.
Grief, often finds words falling short, so these passages remind families that while the pain of loss is real, there is the vision of eternal life in the steady presence of God through every step of the journey.
The Celebration of Life Service whether just live or we live stream it around the world, honours the life of the loved oner. The service supports the family in the time of grief, with the presence of friends and neighbours, here and afar. The words of comfort and assurance, sharing and remembering is received by all.
The Minister, in consultation with the family, will plan a personal service, with regards to singing, scripture, remembrances, and prayers that reflects your loved one.
Pastoral care visits are available, by the minister or the Knox Pastoral Care team, either before or following the memorial service. Please feel comfortable to call 604-261-3747 . A good listener is a gift for all and Knox is proud of its experienced Healing Touch team.
The minister will arrange for the required staff to be present, and for the church facilities to be available on the day of the memorial.
Photographs of the loved one are encouraged for the service or reception. If a photograph is to be at the front of the church, a larger size is recommended. Guest books can be placed either in the foyer of the church or the church hall.
Flowers should arrive at least two hours prior to the service. They may be placed on flower stands at the front, or in the foyer. Our church officer can assist in any of these details.
Constructed in 1948, Knox’s sanctuary has long been recognized as an inviting and beautiful space for funerals and memorials.
- Knox’s Narthex (lobby) provides a cozy welcome to your gathering. It features a drop ceiling, wood paneling, stained glass, and original light fixtures.
- The sanctuary seats up to 250 people.
- The sanctuary has a traditional, center-aisle layout with blue carpet, good lighting, and flexibility for different altar configurations.
- There is a balcony with several rows of pews, overlooking the sanctuary.
- Knox has leaded glass and stained-glass windows in the sanctuary. The East West exposure creates displays of colour and beautiful lighting as the sun moves throughout the day.
- High-vaulted wood ceilings and pews (with cushions) lend a comfortable and open atmosphere while still offering the feel of a sacred space.
- Knox offers various seating options. Currently, half of the sanctuary space is filled with original wooden pews and the back half with movable cushioned seating. However, the remaining pews are in storage, and arrangements can be made to use them at an additional cost.
- Knox has an accessible entrance, and a handicapped washroom.
- The parking behind the church building lot is large and there’s free street parking out front.
- We offer full AV services and the ability to live stream the event worldwide over the internet.
Interested to learn more?
Please call the church office at 604-261-3747 between 10 AM & 2 PM weekdays.
Memorial Gifts are an opportunity to recognize those important to us.
They provide; remembrance, sympathy for the alive and grieving as well as recognition of legacy, accomplishments and life successes.
Find Knox
5590 Balaclava Street
Vancouver, BC
V6N 1L1 Canada