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.

WHO MAY USE THE GARDEN OF GRACE?

Any past or present member of Christ Church 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 step- children 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 Business Director for approval, and shall be subject to the Policy and Regulations of the Columbarium and those of the Columbarium Committee and the Church.