Sinai Lutheran Church

What is a Columbarium?
A Columbarium is a group of small compartments or “niches” designed to hold the cremated remains of loved ones. It can be a place of remembrance, contemplation, meditation and prayer. A Columbarium can serve as a witness to our core Christian beliefs, centered in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, namely the communion of saints, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

How did Columbariums evolve?
It was customary in centuries past that loved ones were laid to rest in burial grounds adjoining the church, to be watched over and remembered. As country churches disappeared and towns grew into cities, large detached cemeteries came into being. Now, the increased demand and mounting cost of land have made cemeteries less accessible and less affordable. Also, the practice of cremation is becoming more and more common, currently at 50% in Fremont, and higher nationwide. Therefore, many churches are providing a memorial setting within or adjacent to their church, in the form of a Columbarium.

Why a Columbarium at Sinai?
Families may be comforted by having a memorial to deceased loved ones within the church. It affirms our faith that those who die remain, not only with God, but with all those who have gone before us in the faith, and also with the living. It is a visible sign that the church cares for its members from birth and baptism through death and eternal life. It can offer a practical and comfortable way to make advance plans, relieving the surviving family of difficult decisions. It is theologically sound, economical, and environmentally friendly.

What will a niche cost, and what is included?
The cost to reserve a niche, which will hold the remains of one person, is $800.00. This includes opening and closing of the niche, engraving the person’s name, birth & death dates on the nameplate of the niche, and choice of niche location, based on availability. The reservation price does not include the cost of cremation or other related funeral expenses.

Who may reserve a niche in Sinai’s Columbarium?
Reservation of a niche will be limited to current and former members, immediate family members of such persons, or anyone associated/affiliated with Sinai Lutheran Church.

Columbarium Policies and Procedures
Application for Reservation

Open the Book of Remembrance
Music: Tryggare kan ingen vara
Arr. © 2020 David A. Schack. All rights reserved.
Claire Bushong, organ

2023 Sinai Columbarium officers
Jim Melang 402-317-1887
Paul Von Seggern 402-276-4119
Debbie Riley 402-720-1976