It’s been twelve years since our Columbarium was constructed at the Bethel Highlands Campus. Over these years, a good number of Bethel families have purchased niches there. Perhaps a third of them are now occupied, while the others will be used in the years to come. The
columbarium has proven itself to be valued and important to these families, as well as our larger congregation.

Then in 2018, a Memorial Wall was added to the site. This offered an opportunity for Bethel members to remember the names of their loved ones who may not be interned in the columbarium, but may be buried or interned at some other site around the country. This too, has proved itself to be a meaningful expression for so many of us, and the number of plaques on that wall continues to grow.

Looking back on these past years, and these important developments, I am so thankful for the many men and women who have worked so hard, and served so faithfully in developing these key additions to our mission and ministry here at Bethel! There are too many volunteers and
committee members to name here, but I trust they know how appreciated they are.

So what is the latest news in these areas? First off, though the columbarium has been the main focus of this site, in this past year Bethel Church Council and Columbarium Committee have renamed the site, the "Memorial Garden”. This is a name which is intended to be more inclusive than focusing on the columbarium alone.

Secondly, a second columbarium column has been ordered and will be added to the Memorial Garden in the Spring of 2023 to offer new options to individuals and families at Bethel. (Our first columbarium column is very close to full.)

I want to thank our current “Memorial Garden Committee” who continue to invest so many hours, and so much energy into this site. Kudos to:
Chairperson Patti Thacker, Steve Wilcox, Stacy Baehman, Church Council rep Dan Roeglin, Cindy Stensgaard, Ralph Van Keulen, Gwen Cossin, Matt Aubart, as well as so many volunteers who graciously help with weeding, gardening, and watering to keep this area so beautiful.

Bethel’s Memorial Garden truly is an important addition to other ministries here that are making a difference in people’s lives. It is yet another example of the spirit, and great teamwork of this growing and vital congregation. If you are interested in being a part of this work, or would like to purchase a niche in one of the columbariums, or a plague on the Memorial Wall, please contact the church office at 715.386.8821.

All God’s Blessings!
Pastor John Lestock