The Vine - News Blog

The Ascension Garden Project

 
Raised to date: $213,804
Estimated goal: $400,000
 
The proposed Ascension Garden project of Arborlawn is a dedicated and sacred space connecting the main Sanctuary with the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel. The project will include a beautifully designed columbarium, prayer labyrinth, and meditative garden, and will feature the Resurrection stained glass window from the former Westcliff campus.
 

Many of you may know that our own Paula Thomas was the catalyst and driving force behind the effort to create the Ascension Garden. It was her vision and passion to create a sacred and beautiful space so generations of people would have a place to honor their loved ones, to draw closer to God, to deepen their walk with Christ through prayer, contemplation, and meditation, and to secure a place of peace and quiet while surrounded and strengthened by the visible reminders and symbols of our Christian faith.
 
Those of us who knew and loved Paula have committed ourselves to completing the good work that God began in her. We promised her we would. That means we have work to do and promises to keep.
 
To date we have raised $213,804 in gifts and pledges toward the completion of the project ($52,500 for Niche Reservations). The total cost of the Ascension Garden project is estimated to be $400,000. If you wish to contribute to the general Ascension Garden fund, make a tribute gift (potential naming opportunity), reserve a columbarium niche, or if you would like additional information please contact the church office or speak with Kelly Keller or Ben Disney.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

The Ascension Garden Project

 
Raised to date: $210,779
Estimated goal: $400,000
 
The proposed Ascension Garden project of Arborlawn is a dedicated and sacred space connecting the main Sanctuary with the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel. The project will include a beautifully designed columbarium, prayer labyrinth, and meditative garden, and will feature the Resurrection stained glass window from the former Westcliff campus.
 

Many of you may know that our own Paula Thomas was the catalyst and driving force behind the effort to create the Ascension Garden. It was her vision and passion to create a sacred and beautiful space so generations of people would have a place to honor their loved ones, to draw closer to God, to deepen their walk with Christ through prayer, contemplation, and meditation, and to secure a place of peace and quiet while surrounded and strengthened by the visible reminders and symbols of our Christian faith.
 
Those of us who knew and loved Paula have committed ourselves to completing the good work that God began in her. We promised her we would. That means we have work to do and promises to keep.
 
To date we have raised $210,779 in gifts and pledges toward the completion of the project ($50,000 for Niche Reservations). The total cost of the Ascension Garden project is estimated to be $400,000. If you wish to contribute to the general Ascension Garden fund, make a tribute gift (potential naming opportunity), reserve a columbarium niche, or if you would like additional information please contact the church office or speak with Kelly Keller or Ben Disney.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

The Ascension Garden Project

 
Raised to date: $210,529
Estimated goal: $400,000
 
The proposed Ascension Garden project of Arborlawn is a dedicated and sacred space connecting the main Sanctuary with the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel. The project will include a beautifully designed columbarium, prayer labyrinth, and meditative garden, and will feature the Resurrection stained glass window from the former Westcliff campus.
 

Many of you may know that our own Paula Thomas was the catalyst and driving force behind the effort to create the Ascension Garden. It was her vision and passion to create a sacred and beautiful space so generations of people would have a place to honor their loved ones, to draw closer to God, to deepen their walk with Christ through prayer, contemplation, and meditation, and to secure a place of peace and quiet while surrounded and strengthened by the visible reminders and symbols of our Christian faith.
 
Those of us who knew and loved Paula have committed ourselves to completing the good work that God began in her. We promised her we would. That means we have work to do and promises to keep.
 
To date we have raised $210,529 in gifts and pledges toward the completion of the project ($50,000 for Niche Reservations). The total cost of the Ascension Garden project is estimated to be $400,000. If you wish to contribute to the general Ascension Garden fund, make a tribute gift (potential naming opportunity), reserve a columbarium niche, or if you would like additional information please contact the church office or speak with Kelly Keller or Ben Disney.
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

The Ascension Garden Project

 
Raised to date: $207,599
Estimated goal: $400,000
 
The proposed Ascension Garden project of Arborlawn is a dedicated and sacred space connecting the main Sanctuary with the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel. The project will include a beautifully designed columbarium, prayer labyrinth, and meditative garden, and will feature the Resurrection stained glass window from the former Westcliff campus.
 

Many of you may know that our own Paula Thomas was the catalyst and driving force behind the effort to create the Ascension Garden. It was her vision and passion to create a sacred and beautiful space so generations of people would have a place to honor their loved ones, to draw closer to God, to deepen their walk with Christ through prayer, contemplation, and meditation, and to secure a place of peace and quiet while surrounded and strengthened by the visible reminders and symbols of our Christian faith.
 
Those of us who knew and loved Paula have committed ourselves to completing the good work that God began in her. We promised her we would. That means we have work to do and promises to keep.
 
To date we have raised $207,599 in gifts and pledges toward the completion of the project ($47,500 for Niche Reservations). The total cost of the Ascension Garden project is estimated to be $400,000. If you wish to contribute to the general Ascension Garden fund, make a tribute gift (potential naming opportunity), reserve a columbarium niche, or if you would like additional information please contact the church office or speak with Kelly Keller or Ben Disney.
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

The Ascension Garden Project: We Have Work to Do and Promises to Keep

 
The proposed Ascension Garden project of Arborlawn is a dedicated and sacred space connecting the main sanctuary with the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel. The project will include a beautifully designed columbarium, prayer labyrinth, and meditative garden, and will feature the Resurrection stained glass window from the former Westcliff campus.
 

Many of you may know that our own Paula Thomas was the catalyst and driving force behind the effort to create the Ascension Garden. It was her vision and passion to create a sacred and beautiful space so generations of people would have a place to honor their loved ones, to draw closer to God, to deepen their walk with Christ through prayer, contemplation, and meditation, and to secure a place of peace and quiet while surrounded and strengthened by the visible reminders and symbols of our Christian faith.
 
Paula died recently after a long and courageous battle against cancer. As per her wishes, her ashes will be laid to rest in the Columbarium of the Ascension Garden upon its completion. Those of us who knew and loved Paula have committed ourselves to completing the good work that God began in her. We promised her we would. That means we have work to do and promises to keep.
 
To date we have raised $199,624 in gifts and pledges toward the completion of the project. The total cost of the Ascension Garden project is estimated to be $450,000. If you wish to contribute to the general  Ascension Garden fund, make a tribute gift (potential naming opportunity), reserve a columbarium niche, or if you would like additional information please contact the church office or speak with Kelly Keller or Ben Disney.
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

The Ascension Garden Project: We Have Work to Do and Promises to Keep

 
The proposed Ascension Garden project of Arborlawn is a dedicated and sacred space connecting the main sanctuary with the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel. The project will include a beautifully designed columbarium, prayer labyrinth, and meditative garden, and will feature the Resurrection stained glass window from the former Westcliff campus.
 

Many of you may know that our own Paula Thomas was the catalyst and driving force behind the effort to create the Ascension Garden. It was her vision and passion to create a sacred and beautiful space so generations of people would have a place to honor their loved ones, to draw closer to God, to deepen their walk with Christ through prayer, contemplation, and meditation, and to secure a place of peace and quiet while surrounded and strengthened by the visible reminders and symbols of our Christian faith.
 
Paula died recently after a long and courageous battle against cancer. As per her wishes, her ashes will be laid to rest in the Columbarium of the Ascension Garden upon its completion. Those of us who knew and loved Paula have committed ourselves to completing the good work that God began in her. We promised her we would. That means we have work to do and promises to keep.
 
To date we have raised $198,959 in gifts and pledges toward the completion of the project. The total cost of the Ascension Garden project is estimated to be $450,000. If you wish to contribute to the general  Ascension Garden fund, make a tribute gift (potential naming opportunity), reserve a columbarium niche, or if you would like additional information please contact the church office or speak with Kelly Keller or Ben Disney.
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

The Ascension Garden Project: We Have Work to Do and Promises to Keep

 
The proposed Ascension Garden project of Arborlawn is a dedicated and sacred space connecting the main sanctuary with the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel. The project will include a beautifully designed columbarium, prayer labyrinth, and meditative garden, and will feature the Resurrection stained glass window from the former Westcliff campus.
 

Many of you may know that our own Paula Thomas was the catalyst and driving force behind the effort to create the Ascension Garden. It was her vision and passion to create a sacred and beautiful space so generations of people would have a place to honor their loved ones, to draw closer to God, to deepen their walk with Christ through prayer, contemplation, and meditation, and to secure a place of peace and quiet while surrounded and strengthened by the visible reminders and symbols of our Christian faith.
 
Paula died recently after a long and courageous battle against cancer. As per her wishes, her ashes will be laid to rest in the Columbarium of the Ascension Garden upon its completion. Those of us who knew and loved Paula have committed ourselves to completing the good work that God began in her. We promised her we would. That means we have work to do and promises to keep.
 
To date we have raised $196,134 in gifts and pledges toward the completion of the project. The total cost of the Ascension Garden project is estimated to be $450,000. If you wish to contribute to the general  Ascension Garden fund, make a tribute gift (potential naming opportunity), reserve a columbarium niche, or if you would like additional information please contact the church office or speak with Kelly Keller or Ben Disney.
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

Fundraising for Ascension Garden; December 4 Update

 
Arborlawn’s Ascension Garden Committee is currently raising funds for the construction of a columbarium and labyrinth within a prayer garden to be located outside the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel.
 
The Ascension Garden, a special place of remembrance, is designed to draw one closer to God; a sacred place to offer prayers, to give thanks, and to remember. The Ascension Garden is about life, of which death is only a part.
 

Donations for construction can be made by sending checks made out to Arborlawn with “Ascension Garden” in the memo line. Tribute gifts may also be made for special features such as benches, planters, trees, and memorial stones.
 
Reservations for double-urn niches may be made by completing the Application Form available in the church office accompanied by full payment of $2500. The payment reserves the entire niche, including space for two urns, engraving on the niche plate, and placement of the urns into the niche.
 
Construction of the project will not begin until all funds necessary for the completion have been received. To date we have $183,413 committed (of which $37,500 is for niches) of the approximate $400,000 needed for the project. 
 
Please contact Kelly Keller with questions..
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Fundraising for Ascension Garden; Nov. 24 Update

 
Arborlawn’s Ascension Garden Committee is currently raising funds for the construction of a columbarium and labyrinth within a prayer garden to be located outside the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel.
 
The Ascension Garden, a special place of remembrance, is designed to draw one closer to God; a sacred place to offer prayers, to give thanks, and to remember. The Ascension Garden is about life, of which death is only a part.
 

Donations for construction can be made by sending checks made out to Arborlawn with “Ascension Garden” in the memo line. Tribute gifts may also be made for special features such as benches, planters, trees, and memorial stones.
 
Reservations for double-urn niches may be made by completing the Application Form available in the church office accompanied by full payment of $2500. The payment reserves the entire niche, including space for two urns, engraving on the niche plate, and placement of the urns into the niche.
 
Construction of the project will not begin until all funds necessary for the completion have been received. To date we have $176,879 committed of the approximate $400,000 needed for the project.
 
Please contact Kelly Keller with questions..
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

Fundraising for Ascension Garden

 
Arborlawn’s Ascension Garden Committee is currently raising funds for the construction of a columbarium and labyrinth within a prayer garden to be located outside the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel.
 
The Ascension Garden, a special place of remembrance, is designed to draw one closer to God; a sacred place to offer prayers, to give thanks, and to remember. The Ascension Garden is about life, of which death is only a part.
 

Donations for construction can be made by sending checks made out to Arborlawn with “Ascension Garden” in the memo line. Tribute gifts may also be made for special features such as benches, planters, trees, and memorial stones.
 
Reservations for double-urn niches may be made by completing the Application Form available in the church office accompanied by full payment of $2500. The payment reserves the entire niche, including space for two urns, engraving on the niche plate, and placement of the urns into the niche.
 
Construction of the project will not begin until all funds necessary for the completion have been received. To date we have $176,093 committed of the approximate $400,000 needed for the project.
 
Please contact Kelly Keller with questions..
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

Fundraising Ongoing for Planned Ascension Garden at Arborlawn

 
Arborlawn’s Ascension Garden Committee is currently raising funds for the construction of a columbarium and labyrinth within a prayer garden to be located outside the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel.
 
The Ascension Garden, a special place of remembrance, is designed to draw one closer to God; a sacred place to offer prayers, to give thanks, and to remember. The Ascension Garden is about life, of which death is only a part.
 

Donations for construction can be made by sending checks made out to Arborlawn with “Ascension Garden” in the memo line. Tribute gifts may also be made for special features such as benches, planters, trees, and memorial stones.
 
Reservations for double-urn niches may be made by completing the Application Form available in the church office accompanied by full payment of $2500. The payment reserves the entire niche, including space for two urns, engraving on the niche plate, and placement of the urns into the niche.
 
Construction of the project will not begin until all funds necessary for the completion have been received. To date we have $174,630 committed of the approximate $400,000 needed for the project.
 
Please contact Kelly Keller with questions..
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

Fundraising Ongoing for Planned Ascension Garden at Arborlawn

 
Arborlawn’s Ascension Garden Committee is currently raising funds for the construction of a columbarium and labyrinth within a prayer garden to be located outside the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel.
 
The Ascension Garden, a special place of remembrance, is designed to draw one closer to God; a sacred place to offer prayers, to give thanks, and to remember. The Ascension Garden is about life, of which death is only a part.
 

Donations for construction can be made by sending checks made out to Arborlawn with “Ascension Garden” in the memo line. Tribute gifts may also be made for special features such as benches, planters, trees, and memorial stones.
 
Reservations for double-urn niches may be made by completing the Application Form available in the church office accompanied by full payment of $2500. The payment reserves the entire niche, including space for two urns, engraving on the niche plate, and placement of the urns into the niche.
 
Construction of the project will not begin until all funds necessary for the completion have been received. To date we have $167,000 committed of the approximate $400,000 needed for the project.
 
Please contact Kelly Keller with questions..
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

Called Church Conference: Sunday, October 26, 2014

 
12:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary Following the
11:00 and 11:11 a.m. Worship Services
 
A called Church Conference is scheduled for Sunday October 26. The purpose of the church conference is to authorize the columbarium team to move forward with raising funds for the Ascension Garden project, which includes a prayer labyrinth, a columbarium, landscaping, and the Resurrection stained glass window from the former sanctuary of Westcliff UMC.
 

The Ascension Garden would be located in the outdoor area between the main Sanctuary and the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel. If the resolution is approved, a second church conference will be called when the necessary funds are secured to authorize the construction and completion of the Ascension Garden project. The Church Conference and vote is open to all full members of Arborlawn.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Labyrinth and Columbarium Proposed

 
Arborlawn’s Ascension Garden Committee is proposing the construction of a columbarium and labyrinth within a prayer garden to be located outside the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel. The goal is to create an outdoor space that is conducive to prayer, thanksgiving, and healing.
 

What Is a Labyrinth?
 
Labyrinths have been around for centuries as tools for contemplative prayer and meditation. A prayer labyrinth is a spiral path that calmly invites one to connect with the Holy Spirit through a healing process of leaving the outside world, clearing the mind, and opening the heart.
 
What Is a Columbarium?
 
A columbarium is a place for the respectful storage of urns holding a deceased person’s cremated remains. Choosing cremation in our area has increased from 5 percent to 40 percent in the last 15 years. Furthermore, cremation is expected to increase to 75 percent in the next 10 years because it is an environmentally friendly option which costs significantly less than burial.
 
Additional information is available through the church office. A congregational church conference will be scheduled in the coming weeks to vote on moving forward with the project. We hope you will consider supporting this effort to provide an Ascension Garden at Arborlawn, where so many meaningful memories have been made for so many people over the years.
 
Ascension Garden Team: Paula Thomas (Chair), Dana Cook, Patricia Johnson, Charlene Johnston, Kelly Keller, Bill McCann, Lynn Newman, Greg Shannon, Tom Stoker, Kathy Wilcox.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Labyrinth to Be a Part of the Upcoming Ascension Garden

 
From Charlene Johnston: A labyrinth will be one of the features of the Ascension Garden planned for Arborlawn. Walking a labyrinth is as humbling as bending a knee in prayer. Every walk is unique and meaningful.
 
A labyrinth is used to focus on a closer walk with our Savior. As you walk the winding path you release your control, thoughts, and troubles over to the Lord. During your journey you receive enlightenment, guidance, and encouragement. As you reach the center you feel at peace and are comforted by God. Leaving the center you are then ready to return to the world in union with God.
 
This commune with God is a type of therapy and worship that can benefit our Christian walk and that of others in our community. By providing this sacred space it opens another form of worship to our Lord and the opportunity to watch God transform us and the community around us.  
 
If you would like to help us build this sacred space, donations for construction of the Ascension Garden can be made by sending checks made out to AUMC with “Ascension Garden” in the memo line.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Ascension Garden: Town Hall Meetings June 1 and 3; Everyone Invited

 
Volunteers from the Columbarium design team and the Prayer Ministry team have been working together to develop plans for the construction of an Ascension Garden at Arborlawn. The proposed Ascension Garden would be located outside in the area and space between the Sanctuary and the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel. It would include a prayer labyrinth, meditative garden, and columbarium. The Ascension Garden would also incorporate and feature the Resurrection Window, a stained glass piece originally displayed at Westcliff UMC.
 

We are holding two consecutive Town Hall meetings for the members of Arborlawn. It will be an opportunity to learn more about the proposed project and to see the initial plans and drawings. Please join us after worship services on Sunday, June 1 at 12:15 p.m. in the Worship Center for a conversation. If you cannot make it to the meeting that day, we are holding another Town Hall on Tuesday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m., also in the Worship Center.
 
Everyone's invited, and we welcome your input.
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

Ascension Garden: Town Hall Meetings June 1 and 3; Everyone Invited

 
Volunteers from the Columbarium design team and the Prayer Ministry team have been working together to develop plans for the construction of an Ascension Garden at Arborlawn. The proposed Ascension Garden would be located outside in the area and space between the Sanctuary and the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel. It would include a prayer labyrinth, meditative garden, and columbarium. The Ascension Garden would also incorporate and feature the Resurrection Window, a stained glass piece originally displayed at Westcliff UMC.
 

We are holding two consecutive Town Hall meetings for the members of Arborlawn. It will be an opportunity to learn more about the proposed project and to see the initial plans and drawings. Please join us after worship services on Sunday, June 1 at 12:15 p.m. in the Worship Center for a conversation. If you cannot make it to the meeting that day, we are holding another Town Hall on Tuesday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m., also in the Worship Center.
 
Everyone's invited, and we welcome your input.
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org