Are you aware that Hope Church has a Columbarium? Do you know what a columbarium is, or wondered what those structures are on the side patio outside of Fellowship Hall? The Stewardship Committee spoke to the 3 members of The Columbarium Committee, Ed Smith, Shawn Widenhofer and Mark Kuritzky, to get some information. They are this month’s Gracious Givers for managing this ministry, and meeting with Hope members or community residents in their time of need.
1. What is a columbarium?
A columbarium is a consecrated structure that holds niches for the placement of urns containing the cremated remains of loved ones. Hope’s columbarium was created as part of the church’s ministry of care at the end of life, providing a peaceful, permanent resting place for members and their families. When an opportunity presented itself to establish a columbarium and memorial plaque garden at no construction cost to Hope, the idea was presented to Council and approved.
2. What tasks do the committee members undertake, and what motivated you to be part of the Columbarium Committee?
The volunteer members of the Columbarium Committee oversee the administration, maintenance, and long term stewardship of the columbarium. This includes reviewing and approving applications, coordinating and meeting with families, maintaining records, arranging inscriptions, ensuring policies are followed, and supporting inurnment services alongside the pastoral team. The committee meets as necessary.
(Ed Smith responded to the second part of the question): I was raised in a small Lutheran church that maintained its own cemetery, along with all the family and community history that comes with that. Supporting our Hope Lutheran Church family by helping provide a resting place for loved ones nearby struck a chord with me, and that sense of continuity and care is what motivated me to serve.
3. If someone were interested in learning more about purchasing space in the Hope church columbarium, who would they contact?
Anyone interested in learning more about the columbarium, or beginning the process of purchasing a niche or memorial plaque, can contact Hope’s Finance/Office Manager Brittany at 724-776-3141. They can also speak with any member of the Columbarium Board. As with any planning of final arrangements, looking into a columbarium can be done well in advance so the plan is set when the time comes.
Many Thanks to these Gracious Givers!!
Shawn Widenhofer (L) & Mark Kuritzky (R) Ed Smith