The word "festival" designates an occasion for celebration, especially related to a day or time of religious significance. The Shadow Rock Festival Garden is our symbol that as faithful people we affirm and celebrate the deep religious significance of all the rites of passage in life. The Garden is an integral part of the larger Shadow Rock facility; its setting embraces the beauty of the desert, as well as the grandeur of the mountains.

Throughout history it has been the function of the church to baptize us when we are born and bury us when we die. In antiquity, cemeteries were always situated adjacent to the church. As space in those cemeteries was depleted, churches abandoned their earlier role of providing burial places.

Just as the church plays a significant role in life, part of the vision of Shadow Rock has been to nurture a return to the practice of burial near the church, to set aside an area (traditionally called "God's Acre") for those who choose cremation and interment for themselves and/or loved ones.

The columbarium: Each niche is designed to be a self-contained, permanent receptacle. An urn is included with each niche purchased. Burial of cremains within The Festival Garden, while primarily available for present and past Shadow Rock members and their immediate family, is also available for use upon request by other people. All cremains will be buried with a service of worship.

Please call the church office (602) 993-0050 for further information.