The Contemplative Garden: Labyrinth and Columbarium
The Holy Spirit Lutheran Church Contemplative Garden is a quiet and serene setting where congregants may walk the labyrinth when seeking spiritual reflection and comfort. It provides columbarium niches for a final resting place for members of our congregation family.
What is a columbarium?
The word “Columbarium” is derived from the Latin word “Columba,” or “a nesting place for doves.” It has come to mean a structure with compartments, or niches, for holding urns which contain cremated remains.
Cremation and inurnment in a Columbarium provide an appropriate means by which a family can ensure their departed one’s remains are in a place of dignity and tranquility. As St. Paul reminds us, we are "surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” - those who have encouraged us in faith and in life. This Contemplative Garden connects us to the beloved ones who have gone before us, and who remain part of our community’s life and story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who may purchase a Columbarium niche or Memorial Plaque?
Current and past members and their families and past and present clergy and their families may all purchase a columbarium niche and/or memorial plaque.
How much does it cost?
Each niche costs $3,500 and may hold one or two burial urns. The cost includes inurnment, pastoral blessing, and an engraved plate containing the name, date of birth, and date of death of the person who is deceased. Please note that the cost of cremation is not included. Payment should be made in full for their reserved niche(s), and there are no refunds.
Each memorial plaque costs $400 for a single name plate and $550 for a double. The plaque will include the engraved name(s) of one or two loved ones.
What other costs are involved in being inured at the HSLC Contemplative Garden?
A brief prayer service of blessing is included with the purchase of a niche. A memorial service, honorarium for minister, musicians, reception, etc., are separate from inurnment and subject to the church’s policies and fee schedules.
What about cremains I already have?
You may have them inurned in the Columbarium after completion of the Columbarium order form (which will sent to you after you fill out the Interest Form below).
Will I own the niche?
No, the Columbarium Agreement is a license to use the niche. No real property right or interest is created.
Funding for HSLC’s Contemplative Garden
Funding has been provided through the purchase of niches, donor contributions, and memorial gifts which are held in a Columbarium Account located at HSLC. We have been blessed with generous private memorial gifts for The Contemplative Garden.
Future Columbarium walls with additional niches may be added along with additional landscaping as funds allow.
Want more information?
You can fill out the interest form below, or call the church office at (425) 823-2727.
Glossary
Columbarium Final resting place for cremated remains
Urn Container for cremated remains
Niche Individual space wherein the urn is placed
Inurn To place an urn in a niche
Inurnment The placing of an urn in a niche
Labyrinth A pattern on the ground designed for contemplative/prayerful walk
Memorial Plaque A memorial plaque is available for those who desire a tribute to a loved one but not a niche for cremated remains.