ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH MEMORIAL GARDEN AND COLUMBARIUM
The Memorial Garden at Zion Lutheran Church stands as a witness of the resurrection, and as a reminder of our connection to those saints who have gone before us in life and in death and have passed on their faith to those living now. Within the Memorial Garden stands a Columbarium for the interment of those who wish to be placed in this setting. Directly adjacent to both the sanctuary wall and the outdoor worship space, this space provides a peaceful, quiet place of remembrance and reflection as well as a visible sign of those saints who gather with us around the throne of grace whenever the body of Christ gathers for worship of the Living God.
Since Zion’s building and grounds are seen as a gift from God, every effort should be made to share that gift with all. Therefore, interment is not limited to members of Zion. As it is God’s desire to care for all, it is also our desire to provide a proper burial place for those who may not have a faith community for a proper burial.
Niche Reservation
Pre-arrangements are encouraged to reserve a niche in the Columbarium Wall. Pre-arrangements are a gift to family members, knowing that at the time of death and grief, the wishes of the deceased will be fulfilled. When pre-arrangements are made, a copy of the contract will be held in the church office, and individuals will retain a copy to share with family members. Additionally, if the cost of a niche increases, a pre-arrangement secures a reservation at the current rate.
Niches will be reserved in the order that payments are received, regardless of the timing of a death. If reservations have not been made prior to a death, any unreserved niche may be purchased by surviving family members during funeral or memorial planning.
An archive of all saints interred in the Columbarium Wall, including an obituary, will be kept in the Zion church office. This archive will also include a record of memorial gifts contributed to the Memorial Garden.
Niche Pricing
The Columbarium Walls designed for Zion’s Memorial Garden have thirty (30) niches. Each niche has space for two urns. The cost of one niche, whether it holds one urn or two, is $2,000, and includes a polished bronze urn, engraved
stone face plate, and perpetual upkeep of the Memorial Garden. Cremation and services at the time of the funeral, memorial, or interment is not included in the cost.
There are three ways a niche can be used:
- A companion niche is a niche reserved for a husband and wife. If a companion niche is pre-purchased, when one urn is interred, space in the niche is reserved for the surviving family member upon death and interment.
- A single niche is the reservation of an entire niche for one urn only.
- A shared niche is offered to those who wish to be inurned with another individual but do not share the same last name (i.e., sisters with different last names, parent with child, grandparent with grandchild, life partners, two unrelated people, etc.). Zion’s Memorial Garden Board reserves the right to inter non-members into shared niches.
Donations
Monetary donations are encouraged for the perpetual upkeep of the Memorial Garden, and may be given either to the general Memorial Garden Fund or for specific purposes, such as a bench, boulder, or garden foliage. All donations for designated items must be approved by the Memorial Garden Board of Trustees. Plaques and other similar designations may be allowed if approved by the Board of Trustees, but should be kept modest so as to keep the focus of our faith on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ alone.
Upkeep and Maintenance
Regular upkeep and maintenance of the Memorial Garden is the responsibility of the Memorial Garden Board of Trustees. Either professional or volunteer labor may be used, and every effort is made to keep previous contributions made as memorial gifts. Additional plantings and other items not approved by the Board of Trustees will be removed. Artificial flowers are discouraged and will be removed from the Memorial Garden.
Board of Trustees
The Memorial Garden Board of Trustees shall include a minimum of five lay members from the congregation, and one pastor. The Board of Trustees shall meet at least quarterly. The purpose of the Board of Trustees is to give full oversight to the policies and procedures, as well as the perpetual care and maintenance of the memorial garden and columbarium. Any changes that require either expansion beyond the current borders of the garden, or funding outside of the funds dedicated for the memorial garden and columbarium, require approval from the congregational council.
Established in 2020, founding Board of Trustees include:
Rick Bilstad
Marthann Dahlen
Debbie Joncas
Elizabeth Markham
Carolyn Schultz
Pastor Joel Pancoast
