Throughout the centuries, Christian churches in Europe and America have provided a final resting place for church members on church grounds.  Severna Park United Methodist Church offers this option for the interment of cremated remains.

In 1982, the ashes of our Associate Pastor, Rev. William Bush, were interred on our church grounds.  When inquiries increased toward the end of the 1980's, a Memorial Garden Committee was appointed to develop an appropriate plan for a "garden" on our grounds.

In 1990, during the construction of an outdoor Chapel as a Boy Scout Eagle Scout service project, the wooded area adjoining the Chapel was selected as a desirable location for a Memorial Garden.  Again, our Boy Scouts undertook the initial development as another Eagle Scout project and the garden was dedicated on June 2, 1991.  Subsequent Eagle Scout projects and individual donations have provided many additional enhancements.

The garden provides a quite place to meditate and pray. Easter Sunrise service often takes place in the garden chapel.

ELIGIBILITY AND ARRANGEMENTS

Any member of Severna Park United Methodist Church may be interred in the Garden.  Relatives of members may be interred with permission of the Pastors.  The Pastor will consider all others on a case-by-case basis.  Contact one of the pastors to make arrangements for internment.

GARDEN PHILOSOPHY

The family should understand that the Memorial Garden is a garden, not of individuals, but of the whole family of God.  As such, there is no "gravesite" for ashes or any identifiable marker, ornament or planting at the location of the ashes.

As you stroll through the garden, you will see bronze plaques identifying the name of the deceased, year of birth and year of death of the individuals who are interred there.

MEMORIAL GARDEN COMMITTEE

The care and maintenance of this beautiful woodland area falls under the guidance of the Memorial Garden Committee. The Committee meets about 4 times a year to discuss plantings, ideas and improvements. Church members are also invited to help in the spring and fall clean-ups." 

Please consider joining our ministry by becoming a member of the committee.  Gardening experience is not a requirement.  We promise that you will feel God's presence every minute you spend in our peaceful garden.  

COMMITTEE MEMBERS
 Nancy Landers - Co Chair
Lynnette Coughley - Co Chair
Cathy Benton
Nancy Braks
Jerry Cullen

Cheri Cullen
Katherine Geissler
Barry James
Karleen Leasure
Helen White
Lorraine Ziberg