Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and I am the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, yet shall they live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.”
John 11:25–26The Columbarium
In earlier times, burial was in the hallowed grounds of a church cemetery; a place intended to recognize an intimate association between the deceased and the parish church. The concept of a columbarium for the disposition of ashes (cremains) within church boundaries permits the tradition of reverence to continue.
A columbarium provides parishioners a place for the cremains of their loved ones in a memorial setting of the utmost dignity and respect. The columbarium will be maintained in perpetuity at no additional cost.
Members of Grace Lutheran Church and their families, and others affiliated with the congregation are eligible to secure niches. They are not offered for sale to the general public.
Each niche will hold one urn, which is provided by the church. The price of the niche includes a faceplate (to seal the niche), engraved with the name of the deceased. It also includes the year of birth and death, as well as maintenance in perpetuity.
Placement of the cremated remains is required, with a committal service conducted by the pastor of Grace Church or a designee.
It is the intention of the church to maintain the columbarium permanently as a consecrated and sacred area. It will be available during appropriate hours for meditation and contemplation consistent with worship and reverence.
The term columbarium comes from the Latin Columba, meaning dove.
In the Words of Our Members
I am very comforted knowing that my spouse’s remains are in a sacred space under the congregation’s loving care.
Being active in this congregation has been a source of great joy in our lives. My spouse says it is only fitting that our family will know they can continue to find us at church.
The Memorial Garden
When burial has been elsewhere, memorial plaques are an alternative to the use of niches. Memorial plaques can be engraved with the name of the deceased and the dates of birth and death.
Sample Inscriptions
Rest in Peace
Name of Deceased
3-11-1930 to 9-20-2010
Martin Luther Garcia
5/5/92—10/11/92
The Celebration Walk
The pathway between the Memorial Garden and the Columbarium contains bricks which may be inscribed with names, thanksgivings, and celebrations.
Example Inscriptions
50th Wedding Anniversary
June 9, 2013
Richard and Anita Hans
Christy Erika Johnson
Welcome into the Body of Christ
Baptized – April 2, 2006
For More Information
The Memorial Garden and Columbarium Committee invites interested parties to contact the committee through the church office for additional information and procedures for purchasing a niche, memorial pavers, or celebration bricks.