Memorial Garden

Ascension Columbarium and Memorial Garden	We dedicated the Columbarium on Sunday, November 3, 2000. It stands as a present reminder that even in the midst of loss and grief God wipes away the tears from our eyes and makes all things new. Thanks to Joyce Fisher for her work, initiative, and generous gift of the columbarium in memory of her late husband, Red Fisher.

Katie Adelman officiating	On behalf of our congregation thanks to all who participated in this great day at Ascension!
COLUMBARIUM DEDICATION The word “columbarium” is derived from the Latin word, “columba” meaning dove. The “dovecote”, or nesting area, is made up of many niches where doves make their nests. The Ascension columbarium is an arrangement of recessed niches to hold cremation urns containing the remains of those who have died in Christ. On Ash Wednesday the language of the liturgy includes these words from scripture… Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. The cremation process returns our bodies to dust. Many are familiar with the rural tradition of the cemetery located alongside the church building. The columbarium enables us to preserve the spirit of this valuable tradition as well with the Ascension communion of saints including both those who are alive and those who have died in the faith. In the weeks ahead our Memorial Garden Committee will provide you with additional information regarding this new ministry.