Five Years of Natural Burial

Have you heard about our Natural Burial ministry? As a simpler alternative to traditional burial methods, natural burial leads to lower funeral costs, better environmental stewardship, and an opportunity for the church to take a more active role in the death and burial process. Covering a little more than 12 acres in Anderson County, our grounds have become a place of natural burial for more than 40 people over the past five years.

Unlike traditional burial, with natural burial there is no vault, coffin, or embalming. As believers, our hope is not connected to this world—we return to the earth and trust in God to resurrect our bodies. “Having the intimacy of people that know you and love you well was a huge blessing to my family. The simplicity of it all was just beautiful.”–Kenny G.

To help people feel informed about this process, we’ve recently held interest meetings at two of our campuses. Over 150 folks attended as we helped them gain clarity, answered questions, and talked about ways to get involved in the ministry. Another interest meeting will be held this fall.

Currently, nearly 100 volunteers serve in this ministry. A wide range of volunteer roles are needed—from casket building, shroud making, and preparing flowers, to leading teams, greeting, directing parking, and setup and teardown. Landscaping opportunities are also available as we spruce up the grounds with trees, shrubbery, and wildflowers.

“Helping to prepare the gravesite reminds me of how the women in the Bible rushed ahead and got the tomb ready—preparing it with oils and things. I like to include fragrant herbs like spearmint and rosemary sprigs as I go ahead of families. It’s a simple way to honor them and to help prepare an earthly thing for a heavenly thing.”–Martha A.

We are thankful for the ways that natural burial has shepherded our hearts and minds as we wrap around families and support them while they grieve. If you would like to learn more about natural burial or getting involved as a volunteer, email Angie Wolff at awolff@grace.sc or click below.