Honoring Our Ancestors

 

I find cemeteries to be intriguing. When I walk through them, I wonder what life was like for those who lived before me: what challenges they may have faced and what triumphs they celebrated. The life of each of them was important to the community and the life of the church. As such, their resting places deserve to be honored and respected. Too often I have passed by cemeteries that are overgrown and lacking maintenance. In that light I am thrilled to see how the cemeteries at both St. John’s and Dinkey are well maintained. As a matter of fact, as I write this article, I am in view of the grass being mown on St. John’s Cemetery this very moment. Both cemeteries have played vital roles in their congregations, and I pray they will continue to serve their communities well into the future.

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To ensure their future functioning, a change is being made in the cemeteries’ relationship with their respective congregations. Traditionally, the cemeteries have functioned as an extension of the congregation. However, there are two challenges this structure present. The first is that if the congregation ceases to exist, there is no legal entity to assume responsibility of the cemetery, leaving the cemetery in the hands of the Northeastern PA Synod. This has happened on different occasions and leaves the synod staff with a cemetery to care for and not have the staff or resources to properly fulfill that responsibility.

 

The second challenge is legal ramifications. God forbid something would happen within the church that resulted in a lawsuit. Not only are the resources of the congregation vulnerable, but those of the cemetery are as well, including the perpetual care fund which exists for the ongoing care of the cemetery. Of course, the opposite is true as well if something were to happen on the cemetery resulting in legal action, the congregation is liable.

 

In order to address these issues, steps are being taken at both Dinkey and St. John’s to legally separate the cemeteries from the congregations. The formation of legal entities and new cemetery constitutions are underway along with land subdivisions, where necessary.

 

None of this impacts how the cemeteries will function. The same people who have been serving as board members and caring for the resting places of our loved ones are able to do so under the new structure. The funds that are currently in place for the everyday expenses and upkeep of the cemetery will transfer to the new entity. The basic change is on paper, as the cemeteries will then be independent of the congregations. If you have any questions or concerns I encourage you to speak with me, a council member, or a cemetery board member. Please be assured that your loved ones will continue to be cared for.

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Yours in Christ,

Pr. Tony