FUNERAL & MEMORIALS

FUNERALS

Congregational Care & Pastoral Ministries serve our faith community in a number of ways and provide Christian care in times of personal loss and death. It is our goal to provide care before, during, and after the loss of a loved one. We hope this information will provide you with a path to guide you during this significant time.

The inherent belief in the risen Christ is the cornerstone of a United Methodist service (either a funeral or memorial). Christ is our hope for eternal life and we offer this hope to the surviving family and friends, that they may know that their beloved is now in God’s eternal charge. Planning a service can be a blessing to those in grief. It is a time to laugh and to cry as the stories are shared and retold. It is our pleasure to help you and your family during this time of planning.

MEMORIALS

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

Memorial gifts are cash donations made to the church in memory of a loved one or one held in high regard who has died. Memorial gifts can be made to the Christ Church Endowment Fund, as a gift to the General Operating Fund of the church or as a restricted gift for a specified item in the church. Persons wishing to make a memorial donation are asked to speak with a pastor of the church or the church senior accountant. The church communications will recognize the gift with acknowledgement being sent to the donor family for tax filing documentation.

IN HONOR DONATIONS

Gifts “In Honor” are cash donation made to the church in honor of a loved one or one held in high regard. It differs from a Memorial in that it is a gift for one still living. These gifts can be made to the Christ Church Endowment Fund, to the General Operating Fund of the church or as a restricted gift for a specified item in the church. Persons wishing to make an “In Honor” donation are asked to speak with a pastor of the church or the church senior accountant. The church communications will recognize the gift with the acknowledgement being sent to the donor family for tax filing documentation.

COLUMBARIUM – “The Garden of Grace”

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.

Frequently asked questions

WHAT IS A COLUMBARIUM?

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.
 

IS CREMATION BIBLICALLY SOUND?  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 cremation of King Saul (1 Samuel 31:12) Return to dust of the earth (Genesis 3:19)
Destruction of the earthly body (2 Corinthians 5:1)
 
WHAT DOES THE CHURCH TEACH ABOUT CREMATION?
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.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE “GARDEN OF GRACE”

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.
 
Have more questions/concerns or to schedule any of the above, please contact Pam Salter.