The Memorial Garden
A Sacred Place of Remembrance and Hope
Located on the east side of the church courtyard, the Memorial Garden is a peaceful and sacred place where a columbarium provides space for the cremated remains of church members and their loved ones to rest within the walls of the church they cherished.
The Memorial Garden provides a place for prayer, reflection, and remembrance. As Christians, we proclaim that our lives begin and end in God's care, and the Memorial Garden serves as a visible reminder of the promise of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The Caring Forever Foundation is honored to oversee the care and stewardship of the Memorial Garden on behalf of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church.
Columbarium Expansion Underway
Due to growing interest and limited availability, the Columbarium is currently being expanded to provide additional niches for future inurnments.
Niches may be reserved now at the current price of $2,700 through September 30. Upon completion of the expansion and opening of the new section in October, pricing will increase to $3,500.
If you have been considering reserving a niche for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to do so before the expansion is completed.
To learn more or reserve a niche, contact the Caring Forever Foundation at 713-579-2991 or StacyStepler@mdumc.org or use the link below.
FAQ
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A columbarium is a burial vault for the containment of urns holding cremated human remains. It is in the Memorial Garden, a sacred place within Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. It provides a place for remembrance, reflection, and connection to the church community.
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Our Christian belief is that at the point of death, the soul ascends
immediately to be with God. Regarding the body (the house in
which the soul lived), Christians over the years have chosen either the way
of the burial of the body in a casket or the way of cremation. In either
case, the Biblical precept of “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” is realized.
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The Columbarium is available to members of MDUMC and their immediate family.
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A niche is an individual space within the Columbarium that holds an urn containing cremated remains. Niches are designed to accommodate up to two sets of cremated remains. However, each inurnment right purchased covers one inurnment.
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The purchase includes:
The right to place cremated remains in a designated niche
The niche marker inscription
An urn
Placement of the remains by church-approved personnel
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The family should contact the Caring Forever Foundation’s Executive Director or clergy staff. All services and inurnments are coordinated through the church.
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The service is conducted by a pastor of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church or someone designated by the pastor.
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Yes. Urns must be approved by the church and cannot exceed 5½ inches wide, 5½ inches long, and 7 inches high. A sheet bronze urn is included in the purchase price.
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To maintain a uniform appearance, inscriptions are limited to name, date of birth, and date of death.
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Flowers are permitted. But no other statues or decorations are allowed. The church may remove any item at its discretion.
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Please contact Stacy Stepler, Executive Director, Caring Forever Foundation for additional information about niche availability, pricing, inurnment arrangements, or Columbarium policies. stacystepler@mdumc.org or 713-579-2991.