(2017) The Columbarium Committee is pleased to announce that between a slightly more scaled back version of Phase I construction plans and some generous donations, we are within 20 niches of meeting our goal! We hope to make a final decision by April 1st and then hopefully break ground yet this year.
We are excited about the prospect of creating a columbarium and memorial garden at SOTV. Besides niche space, there would be a nicely landscaped memorial garden where people can meditate, pray, gather with family and friends, and reflect on the beauty of God’s creation. You can see a model and project plans in the narthex.
As the Shepherd’s Columbarium and Memorial Garden is a self-funded project, we need to raise money through niche sales or targeted gifts by April 1, 2017 to proceed. This independent project will not borrow money, nor use any money from the General Fund.
We believe this project is a meaningful addition to the ministry of SOTV, and many people will be able to utilize this area over the years. If you’d like to support this endeavor, there are three ways you can help:
- Donate to the memorial garden fund. Tax deductible donations will be used to fund the area’s landscaping and surroundings.
- Purchase a memorial plaque. Memorials can be for those who have already made other plans for burial, or to honor a loved one.
- Purchase a niche in the columbarium. A niche is a single independent space in the columbarium in which up to two urns can be placed.
There are several ways to get more information or support this project:
- Stop by the Columbarium table in the narthex. Committee members are available to answer questions, explain the plans, provide informational materials, and collect paperwork and checks surrounding worship services.
- Visit the Columbarium webpage.
- Donate online, by mail, or at church. Donations can be made online. Checks can be dropped off at the Welcome Center or Finance office during normal business hours. Please designate your gift as “memorial garden.”
Thank you for prayerfully considering financial support for this project.
Shepherd’s Columbarium and Memorial Garden Team
Rod Hofland, Chair
columbarium@sotv.org