is a place of eternal rest for the cremated remains of our members and their families. The Memorial and Meditative Garden is conveniently located adjacent to and visible from the sanctuary. Many Christians prefer burial space near their church; our Columbarium allows our members to retain a connection with the church in death as well as in life and provides a place of peaceful meditation and consolation for the families and friends of the deceased.
The word “columbarium” comes from the Latin word “columbary,” which is a structure for nesting doves, the dove being the symbol of God’s spirit and peace. The related word, columbarium, refers to a burial vault for the containment of urns holding cremated human remains.
Cremation is widely recognized as a theologically valid process for the deceased and essentially is a hastening of the natural process that occurs following death. The ancient practice has particular relevance for today because land surrounding churches is less available for internment. Cremation makes it possible to continue the tradition of granting a place for God’s children to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalms 23: 6)
The Christian faith belief is that at the point of death, the soul ascends immediately to be with God because of the salvation act of Jesus Christ on the Cross. This is the promise of resurrection to every believer. Regarding the body (the house in which the soul lives), Christians over the years have chosen either the burial of the body in a casket or cremation. In either case, the Biblical precept of “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” is realized.
Families who choose cremation for their departed loved ones rather than conventional burial will find the Garden of Grace a wonderful option for permanent interment.
Any past or present member of Christ Church United Methodist of The Woodlands, Texas, or an individual of a past or present member’s immediate family shall be eligible for interment. “Immediate family” shall mean the spouse, son, daughter (be they natural or adopted), parents, step-parents and stepchildren of a member. Other Christian individuals may be eligible for interment subject to the approval of the Columbarium Committee.
The Senior Pastor shall have complete responsibility for all religious services of committal. Notice shall be given to the Senior Pastor of any intended interment. The religious services incident to an interment shall be conducted by the Senior Pastor or by others authorized by the Senior Pastor to conduct the services.
All applications for interment shall be on forms provided by the Columbarium Committee, shall be submitted to the Church Administrator for approval, and shall be subject to the Policy and Regulations of the Columbarium and those of the Columbarium Committee and the Church.
Interested in the Garden of Grace?
Contact Sharon Howerton