MOUNT ZION
LUTHERAN CHURCH
Memorial Garden
“We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die
to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord,
and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then,
whether we live or whether we die,
we are the Lord’s.”
(Romans 14:7-8)

Why Have a MEMORIAL GARDEN

Throughout the history of the Christian church, Christ’s community has offered a continuum of care to families in times of passage. Baptism, confirmation, marriage, funeral or memorial services mark important events in our lives. Mount Zion’s Memorial Garden is a part of this continuum of care to families at a particularly difficult and vulnerable time in our faith journey.

The Memorial Garden is an extension of the understanding of a “church cemetery”. It provides a way that the church can affirm its faith in the “communion of saints” as a living reality in our midst. Those who have gone before us continue to inspire us and guide us in our lives as a witness to Jesus Christ. Their memory is sacred to us; and therefore, we honor them in this way.

In placing a Memorial Garden on our campus, Mount Zion is not advocating for cremation. Families and individuals who choose to have embalming of the body with burial remain in our love and care. At the same time, we acknowledge the Apostle Paul’s faith in the resurrection of a “spiritual body” (I Corinthians 15:44) and consider the choice for cremation to be a valid one within our understanding of the Christian faith.

For more information about the Memorial Garden including services, click here.


Memorial/Funeral Services
A Message from the Pastors

The people of Mount Zion want you to know that we do care for you and grieve with you in your loss. In our ministry to you, bereavement and grief counseling are available for you and your loved ones. We also offer assistance in the planning of a funeral or memorial service. We provide a variety of additional services, such as grief books which are periodically mailed to you to help you through the grieving process.

To help you journey through the grieving process, we do offer funeral and memorial worship services. If you are planning on such a service, this pamphlet is offered to help as a guide and guideline for your planning. Remember that the service is for you and the survivors of the deceased. The service is to honor your loved one but at the same time is designed to serve you who still as yet walk by faith in this world. We hope that the information is helpful and we pray that the Lord continue to comfort you throughout this time of struggle and reflection.

May God bless you and bless all your loved ones during this time of loss.

Pastor Dan and Pastor Craig

For more information about Memorial/Funeral Services, click here.

Church Memorials

Carl Schiesser Memorial Wall


The plaque on the bottom right corner reads:

In loving memory of
Carl Lawrence Schiesser
July 29, 1930 to June 12, 2007

PLAYGROUND

In August 2007, someone had a vision---a special outdoor area for all of our children here at Mount Zion. Today, that dream has been fulfilled. Through the efforts of many caring people, donations, and grant money, a space has been created where our children may socialize and play in a safe environment. We want to say an extra special thank you to Jimmy Sonnefeld and his Boy Scout Troop for the many trees and plants surrounding the play area and for assembling the play equipment. Jimmy did this for his Eagle Scout project. The " Margaret Nehs Memorial Playground ", is dedicated in memory of Margaret Nehs, Dave Grieser's sister. May God bless all of you and your work for His children.

Park Bench

We want to express our gratitude for the beautiful park bench given to Mount Zion to commemorate the lives of Melvin Niebruegge (Erleen Niebruegge's husband) who passed from this life on February 18, 1994; and Linda Pommerer (Sheri Wahl's sister) who passed from this life on November 6th, 2006. A park bench symbolizes a place of calm and peace and tranquility. Erleen and Sheri will be able to sit for a spell and recount wonderful memories of their loved one's life, strengths, their smiles and warm spirits. They invite everyone to take the time to sit and enjoy this restful place.

LU BENCH MEMORIAL

We want to express our gratitude for the second beautiful park bench given to Mount Zion to commemorate the life of Lucile (Lu) Hovde who passed from this life on May 24, 2008. The memorial was given by Lu's children: Malcolm Hovde (CO), John Hovde (MN) and Martha Hughes (TX). A park bench symbolizes a place of calm and peace and tranquility. Malcolm, John and Martha invite everyone to sit for a spell and recount wonderful memories of Lu's life, strengths, smile and warm spirit and enjoy this restful place.

If you would like to make a donation to support Mount Zion please mail it to:
Mount Zion Lutheran Church
4520 West Ajo Way
Tucson, Arizona 85746-9706

Thank you and God Bless.