Rector's Letter
May, 2008
Squarely In The Midst of Life
Fr. Rob Droste, Rector
Late last month, the vestry gave its unanimous approval to move forward on building and installing a columbarium in the narthex here at All Saints. (For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a columbarium is a place where we put a person’s ashes after cremation.)
After an extended period of parish input and suggestions, the vestry chose the design proposed by Don Hodgkin, master cabinetmaker and longtime friend of the parish. Costs for construction and installation will be covered by memorial funds and a generous parishioner gift (in other words, it’s a project separate from the all the work we’re doing on the Beloved Neighborhood Center deferred maintenance and upgrades).
The columbarium will be made of oak and designed with a look similar to the cabinetry already in the narthex. The interior will be white birch and copper. We plan to dedicate it Sunday, November 2 – the day we will celebrate the Feast of All Saints. We’ll also place Herb Cochran’s ashes that day.
The creation of a columbarium will allow us to serve parish members, friends of the parish and our neighborhood in a unique and powerful way. It will make it possible to offer very practical care, comfort and kindness to people in their most difficult times. Because it’s in a prominent place, it will say that we recognize death as a natural part of life and we don’t avoid talking about it. It will be clear that for us, death really does mean life is changed, not ended.
And it puts those we love in a location that’s focused on life – a place where baptisms, concerts, talks, confirmations, youth group gatherings, 12-step meetings, weddings and many other kinds of life-giving events and services constantly happen all around.
The creation and installation of this very special furnishing does another important thing, too. It’s a statement of hope for our future. Installing a columbarium sends a clear signal that we look forward to many more years of serving this neighborhood, San Leandro and the world.
The design of the columbarium has space for 40 niches. If you would like more information on how to purchase one or more, please contact the church office.
Fr. Rob Droste
robdroste@sbcglobal.net