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Funeral Planning
The Columbarium
Kinsolving Legacy Society
Resources & Upcoming Events

“So teach us to number our days
that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.”

–Psalm 90:12

Introducing Everlasting Life

Dear Friends,

St. James’ Church is an essential part of our lives: here we listen to the proclamation of the Gospel in good times and bad, and gather to celebrate life’s joys and find consolation in our sorrows. It is a community in which lasting friendships are made and sustained. Here we come to mourn and entrust those who have died to God’s care.

Our Christian faith promises us everlasting life, but as humans, we do not want to die. We invite you to join with fellow parishioners to explore our faith in the context of our limited time and our eternal life. Together, we will learn how to prepare for death both spiritually and literally through workshops, forums, discussion groups, and gatherings.

In Christ,
The Rev. Zachary R. Thompson, Rector

FUNERAL PLANNING

Begin Planning

As Christians we believe that those who die are gathered to God and ushered into new life through Christ. The burial rites of the Church provide an opportunity for friends and family to acknowledge faith and hope in the midst of loss, and to commend those we love to God’s never-failing care.

Gathered to God

The clergy are available for three kinds of services. A funeral takes place within days following death, typically with a closed casket or urn present. A memorial service, in which remains are not present, may take place at any time suitable for the bereaved. A committal service takes place at a cemetery or columbarium, and may follow a funeral or take place separately.

Contact the Rector’s Office to begin planning

In Case of Emergency

Please call the main church number at (212) 774-4200 to speak with a priest. Contact the Clergy at or near the time of death — they can administer communion, perform Last Rites, and assist in making arrangements.

Funeral Resources

View or download Burial Service and Internment: Personal Planner (PDF)

View or download the Burial Service (Rite I) from the Book of Common Prayer

View or download the Burial Service (Rite II) from the Book of Common Prayer

For more information on funeral planning, contact Rosa Gentile

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16
THE ST. JAMES' COLUMBARIUM

The St. James’ Columbarium is a sacred and beautiful repository for mortal remains in the peace and permanence of St. James’ Church. Locations may be chosen from three levels comprising 4,000 niches protected by white Italian marble. The vaults (each containing four and in some locations eight niches) are surrounded by Tiffany windows which provide a wash of warm color over the naturally lighted space. Family members and friends may enter directly from Madison Avenue for prayer and meditation during the hours St. James’ is open; no appointment is necessary.

Learn more about The Columbarium

“I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus’ words assure us of God’s presence with us now and always. St. James’ Columbarium is an enduring memorial to the faith of those we love as we entrust them to God.”

More information about The Columbarium is available from the Rector’s office: 212-774-4251

KINSOLVING LEGACY SOCIETY
Our faith, values, and our deepest commitments can endure even at end of life. Through planned giving, we can ensure that our earthly expression of our life of faith continues for generations to come.
By including St. James’ in estate planning, we help assure the continuing witness and work of the Church and other institutions that have sustained and nourished us during our lifetime.
Learn more about the Kinsolving Legacy Society

A note from the Rector

Dear Friends,

What we do with what we have expresses what we believe. This profound statement encapsulates the heart of Christian stewardship and the spirit behind our Kinsolving Legacy Society. As we reflect on the rich history of St. James’ Church, we are reminded of the visionary leadership of The Rev. Arthur Lee Kinsolving, D.D., our twelfth Rector. During his tenure from 1947 to 1969, Rev. Kinsolving not only shepherded our parish through significant growth but also fostered a culture of generous giving that continues to sustain our ministries today.

The Kinsolving Legacy Society honors this tradition by recognizing parishioners who have included St. James’ in their estate plans or through deferred gifts. Your commitment to our church’s future enables us to continue working for God’s Kingdom in meaningful and lasting ways. By becoming a member of the Kinsolving Legacy Society, you join a group of forward-thinking stewards who ensure that St. James’ will remain a beacon of Christ’s love for generations to come. Your legacy gift supports our ongoing mission to actively share the love of Jesus Christ with each other, our city, and the world.

I invite you to prayerfully consider how you might contribute to the future of St. James’ Church through a planned gift. Together, we can honor Arthur Kinsolving’s legacy and secure the vitality of our parish for years to come.

In Christ,
The Rev. Zachary R. Thompson, Rector

Become a Member of the Kinsolving Legacy Society

WHAT

The Kinsolving Legacy Society recognizes those parishioners who committed to St. James’ future in their estate plans or through a deferred gift. A legacy gift helps St. James’ to continue to build the Kingdom of God in a meaningful and lasting way through programs and ministries.

WHO

Those who support the continuing ministries at St. James’ through a will or trust provision contribute to the founding principles exemplified by former rector, Arthur Kinsolving: to continue the mission of St. James’ to actively share the love of Jesus Christ with each other, our city, and the world.

HOW

Become a member of the Kinsolving Legacy Society by including St. James’ Church as a beneficiary in your will or living trust, or by establishing a planned gift for St. James’ benefit, such as a charitable annuity trust or unitrust. Please inform the Rector’s Office of your planned gift.

RESOURCES & UPCOMING EVENTS

Planning for End-Of-Life

As you think about your final journey, how can you prepare? How do you want to be remembered? What are your healthcare wishes? How do you discuss with your loved ones? Here is some information that may help you start the journey.
View all funeral planning resources

PDFs of the planning document and Burial Rites 1 & 2

St. James’ Podcast:

Reflecting on your Relationships with the Rev. Matt Oprendek

St. James’ Podcast:

Between Death and Resurrection with the Rev. Zack Thompson

St. James’ Podcast:

Reflecting on Funeral Preparations with the Rev. Matt Oprendek & Kenneth Miller

St. James’ Podcast:

Reflecting on Healthcare Decisions with the Rev. Marisa Sifontes & parishioner, Dr. Anna Varghese, MD