WEDDINGS

At The Congregational Church, UCC, we believe that God blesses ALL couples who seek to join
together in faithful covenant. Gay or straight, interracial, interfaith, or all of the above, we will be
happy to work with you and your family. Read more about our Open and Affirming stance here
[INSERT LINK]. If you are planning a wedding, congratulations! The Congregational Church,
UCC in Tryon has a beautiful sanctuary available for weddings. Our fellowship hall may also be
used for receptions. If you would like to get married at our church or have our Pastor officiate an
offsite wedding, please contact our Pastor.

MEMORIAL SERVICES

The Congregational Church, UCC offers many resources for times of loss, including pastoral
care, grief counseling, and funeral and memorial services.

When a loved one has died, it is the wish of most people to honor that loved one in a service of
dignity and hope. A memorial service may be held soon after a death has occurred, or weeks or
even months following a death, depending on circumstances. It is generally religious in nature,
with prayers, scripture readings, words of reflection and music that lift up the presence and
power of God in matters of life and death, and particularly in the life of the deceased. It is a
service not only of mourning but also of hope in the promises of God. It is a chance for the
community to give fuller expression to their gratitude and love, and to say a final farewell. It may
be followed by a cemetery service of committal.

To inquire about pastoral services related to loss, or to check on availability and plan a
remembrance service with our Pastor, please call or email the church office. We’ll be
glad to connect you with our Pastor.

MEMORIAL GARDEN

The Congregational Church. UCC in Tryon, Memorial Garden serves as a sanctuary for rest,
meditation, prayer, and for the interment of ash remains by members, associate members, or
immediate family of a member of The Congregational Church, UCC, in Tryon.

Out of our commitment to care for creation, the Memorial Garden uses green burial practices to
offset the environmental impact of ashes. Ashes are placed directly in the ground, no urns or
canisters are allowed, and mixed with an organic mixture to create a nourishing environment
scientifically proven to support plant life.

The name of each person whose ashes are interred in the Garden, with the years of birth and
death, are inscribed on an individual cast bronze name plate. Name plates are attached to
bronze memorial plaques, in order of interment.

For more information, to inquire about fees, or to receive an application, please contact the
church office.