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“Loving and gracious God, we pray to you for those
we love, but see no longer: Grant them your peace;
let light perpetual shine upon them; and, in your
loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the
good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen”
Introduction
From the earliest of times Christians have desired
to be interred on the holy ground of churches and
cathedrals. The first Christian altars often held
the remains of venerated saints and mystics. There
is comfort in the face of things we do not
understand to know that the earthly remains of
loved ones and even oneself are in a place
dedicated to God and the proclamation of God’s
eternal kingdom.
The Memorial Garden
at St. George’s
The St. Francis Memorial Garden is the final
resting place for the ashes of a number of
parishioners and their families. Located on the
far eastern portion of the church grounds, the
garden is a place for quiet reflection and prayer
It often sees special events such as the Palm
Sunday liturgy, kindling of the New Fire on Easter
Eve, and a Sunrise Service on Easter morning.
The burial area itself is laid out in a grid
formation beginning at the sun dial and moving
down the flat part of the hill. While each
location is numbered and recorded, urns are not
used and the ashes are placed directly in the
earth.
Is Cremation Christian?
Absolutely. Holy Scripture tells us that we shall
receive new bodies at our own resurrection. Many
churches have a columbarium or memorial garden as
part of their property. In a world where we are
increasingly aware of our land and its many
uses-as well as the significant cost of funeral
arrangements-the St. Francis Garden is a
significant part of St. George’s ministry.
Who May be Placed in the Garden?
The garden is open to receive the ashes of any
parishioner, former parishioner, or member of
their immediate family.
It is recommended that a spot be reserved well in
advance as part of pre-planning for ones funeral
arrangements. This process may be started by
speaking to a member of the clergy.
What Does It Cost?
There is no charge to be interred in the garden.
Many people make a $200 donation to cover the
church’s expenses (such as the cost of engraving
the bronze plate on the memorial tablet).
Occasionally a larger memorial gift is made and
asked to be put toward the garden’s perpetual
care. These gifts are appreciated as grounds
upkeep is ongoing and costly.
 A Prayer
attributed to St. Francis
Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where
there is injury, pardon; where there is discord,
union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is
despair, hope; where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled
as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in
pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying
that we are born to eternal life.
Amen |
