A Word from Robin .

April 2007

SUPPORTING MAYFLOWER’S COLUMBARIUM

All you will see so far is a mess! Tire tracks on the front lawn, sidewalks torn up, and the usual chaos before any new construction process begins. But we are now well on our way to creating a beautiful Columbarium at Mayflower church. Thanks to the hard-work of the Columbarium Committee, church members will soon be able to purchase options for the internment of their cremated remains, or those of loved ones, on the grounds of the church, rather than in a commercial mausoleum. This represents a return to the idea of the church yard as burial ground, where life comes full circle. It serves as a reminder to the living that there is no better space for the remains of the dead than on the spot where they worshiped, celebrated, wept, and lived out their days in faith.

If you have not already done so, take a look at the architect’s rendering of the new Columbarium in Milligan Hall. Steve Mathews, who designed our Christian Education space, has done it again. The niche space between the west wall of the sanctuary and the east wall of the new Christian Education wing forms an ideal spot for what will be a beautifully landscaped memorial garden. There will be various options for purchase, including a wall or tower niche, a memorial garden, a scatter garden, or a memorial plaque.

A complete description of the rules, policies, and regulations concerning use of the new Columbarium (with prices and forms for securing a space) is available on request through the church office.

This project itself is a considerable act of faith for one simple reason: it is entirely self-funded. That is, no church operating funds are being used for the project, and so its success depends entirely on the generosity of those who elect to purchase space in the garden.

Soon you will see the centerpiece of the Columbarium just by looking outside the sanctuary windows. There you will see a large Shantung maple whose branches will overspread the entire garden. Then you see the project move forward, with landscaping, and eventually, the addition of other elements. The speed at which we move forward depends on the number of church members who purchase space. What I hope is that many of you will choose to do what my family will do – purchase a spot for the interment of your own remains, or those of your loved ones, far in advance. Even if you have already purchased space elsewhere, you can still be remembered in our garden with a memorial plaque.

In a culture that often denies death, or profits from the commercialization of it, the return of burial to the church grounds is not just a welcome trend. It is “back to the future.” Situated between the space where we educate our children, and worship God, the Mayflower Columbarium will be a peaceful, tranquil spot for the remains of the dead – all of whom are considered saints in the church!

Please help us to move this wonderful project forward by purchasing your internment space, space for a loved one, or just a memorial plaque. Give the church office a call (842-8897), and Helen will send you a copy of the rules and the contract with all the purchase options. We can do this. We can, we should, and we will.

Grace and Peace,

RM

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