For funerals and memorial service planning, Saint Andrew’s clergy and staff are ready to assist you, your family and friends in honoring the life of your loved one. Our liturgy, which follows the Book of Common Prayer of The Episcopal Church, allows for the service to be very personal, thoughtful, flexible and respectful of your values and wishes.
These services are usually conducted inside the church or in the Memorial Garden, and at gravesites for committal, in accordance with the parish and diocese’s practice. Saint Andrew’s clergy will plan to officiate, but we are very open to inviting clergy from The Episcopal Church, or other denominations or traditions, to participate if the deceased or your family has a personal relationship with that person.
Our goal is to give authentic expression that will reflect the personality and spirit of the person remembered, to support the family and friends in this time of grief, and to commend the person into the care of our loving Creator.
For inquiries or planning, our Funeral Coordinator Lauren Fitzpatrick can assist and advise you, and she is easy to reach through the office. Lauren can also put you in touch with other helpful resources, such as our Director of Music, Michael Burroughs, who usually plays for funerals and can advise on appropriate music and other musicians if requested, and our florist, who can be engaged to support the commemoration of your loved one.
Following the service, receptions are also possible at Saint Andrew’s in our Center, adjacent to the church. If interested, just let us know and we’ll provide all of the additional details to use and reserve this space.
Memorial Garden
Saint Andrew’s has a Memorial Garden next to the church that allows for the burial of cremated ashes. This garden was established for parishioners and their families, and the remains of others may be accepted at the discretion of the Rector. Ashes from other sites can also be relocated here.
As an act of Christian burial with reverence, dignity and hope for resurrection, in this garden ashes are placed in a biodegradable bag and committed to the earth, where the natural processes of creation will return the remains to the soil. It is an expression of understanding our place within God’s creation and the continuing life cycle. There are no grave markers, however, a bronze plaque inside the church has the names of those buried here.
The garden is intended as a place of natural beauty and tranquility, with a lawn that is enclosed by a low fence and bordering flowers. It also has a bench for rest and meditation. If you are interested in learning more about this option and making arrangements, please contact Lauren Fitzpatrick through our church office.