CHAPEL OF THE LAKES
MEMORIAL GARDEN USE – TERMS OF AGREEMENT
Purpose
The primary purpose of the Chapel’s Memorial Garden is to provide a place of hallowed rest for the scattering of ashes of our faithful departed. While the Memorial Garden also provides a place of sanctuary and prayer for anyone who wishes to visit, the garden is also an arena of silent witness in which the legacy of one generation testifies to all future generations regarding the faithfulness of God’s love. In that respect, The Memorial Garden hallows the sacred memory of the departed even as it provides a place of witness and encounter with the living God for the living.
Eligibility for the Scattering of Cremains
The scattering of cremains in the Chapel’s Memorial Garden is limited to:
- *Chapel of the Lakes active members and family
- *Persons authorized by the Session of the Chapel of the Lakes
- Cremains scattering should be limited to Believers
*The specifics of any scattering of cremains must first be approved by the Session of the Chapel of the Lakes.
Scattering of Cremains & Record of Ashes Scattered
The scattering of cremains in the Chapel’s Memorial Garden is a privilege. It is a way of honoring the life and love of the departed as well as a way to participate in the ongoing Christian witness of the Chapel of the Lakes. The following rules govern the scattering of cremains and the recording of ashes scattered:
- Scattering of cremains is limited to Believers in Our Lord and Savior
- The location of the scattering place must be approved by the Chapel of the Lakes Session (Session).
- Preparation of the scattering place will ordinarily be prepared by the family of the departed, or upon request, for a fee of $100, will be prepared by the Chapel staff.
- Ashes are to be scattered or placed only in a bio-degradable container, that during the course of time, will be returned to a natural earthly condition.
- No ashes will be exhumed or removed.
- No property right of any kind is acquired by or through this agreement.
- Only etched, natural fieldstone, shall serve to mark and memorialize the scattering place. Small bronze plaques are allowed to honor military veterans.
- There will be no other decorations and/or plantings in the Memorial Garden without prior approval by the Session.
- The Chapel of the Lakes will endeavor to protect and preserve the sanctity of the Memorial Garden, but it assumes no responsibility with respect to such ashes other than to afford them such protections as it affords its own property. Such ashes are not covered by the church’s insurance.
- While unlikely, Chapel of the Lakes reserves the right to relocate the Memorial Garden to any other location within the property of the Chapel in the event it is required.
- Families utilizing the garden are responsible for keeping a record of their loved ones scattered remains. The Chapel is not responsible for keeping a record of the location.
- Please note our facilities/grounds are alcohol and smoking free zones.
Administration and Perpetual Care
The Chapel of the Lakes will provide perpetual care of the Memorial Garden. This may include routine maintenance, enhancement, future additions and/or modifications of the garden, additional or replacement of plantings and trees, and any other matter determined by the Session. Cost of the perpetual care shall be budgeted yearly as a general expense of the Chapel of the Lakes.
| FEES | |
| *Active member scattering fee | $100 |
| In-active member scattering fee | $200 |
| Non-member family of Active Member scattering fee | $500 |
| Non-member requests | $1,000 |
| Preparation of ground for scattering by Chapel staff | $100 |
*An active member is defined as a congregant who has attended, given, and participated in the Chapel ministries in the past year. Exceptions will be considered by the Chapel Session on a case-by-case basis.