Special Services

Reveille Day

Reveille Day is an annual celebration held in the fall to celebrate Reveille Church's ministries and to kick-off the fall program. Special combined worship and dinner on the church grounds are part of the festivities.

All Saints' Day

Reveille observes All Saints' Day on the first Sunday in November, recalling and praying for all of our members who have died in the last year.

Thanksgiving Day

Reveille Church participates in the annual community service held at one of the participating churches in the West End.

Christian Marriage at Reveille

Christian marriage is a sacred covenant that reflects our baptismal promises. The service is parallel to the Sunday services and includes proclamation of the Word with prayer and praise. Both words and actions in the service of Christian marriage consistently reflect the belief that husband and wife are equal partners in marriage. Those present are understood to be an active congregation and not passive witnesses: they offer their blessing to the couple and their marriage and they join in prayer and praise.

Celebrations of Christian marriage are held in Reveille’s sanctuary and chapel. They are scheduled by the pastoral and congregational care secretary and planned in consultation with the pastoral staff. One of Reveille’s clergy officiates at all weddings, although other ordained ministers may participate upon invitation by Reveille's pastors. Couples interested in having their wedding at Reveille should contact the pastoral and congregational care secretary. Members may schedule weddings up to 18 months in advance. The church is not currently scheduling weddings for non-members.

Funerals and Memorial Services at Reveille

The Service of Death and Resurrection has a two-fold purpose: to honestly face the facts of death and bereavement and to celebrate the good news of resurrection through God's baptismal covenant with us in Christ.

Funerals and memorial services are held in Reveille’s sanctuary or chapel. These celebrations of death and resurrection are planned in consultation with the pastoral staff. In the event of a death, please notify the pastoral and congregational care secretary to schedule a funeral. The pastoral staff is available to provide family care prior to and after a death.

The Garth at Reveille

The Garth at Reveille was a part of the 1951 master building plan, but was only completed and dedicated in 1994. "Garth" is an Old English word for "an enclosed yard." In the more modern usage it describes a cloistered garden of tranquility and beauty.

The garth is a living symbol representing all that is good in the life we share and celebrate as Christians. The joys of baptism, marriage, fellowship, and resurrection are expressed here. It is a spiritual backdrop for worship, meditation, and communion. Everyone is encouraged to explore the three garden areas of the garth: the garden of covenant, the garden of meditation, and the garden of celebration.

The Garden of Covenant: The garden of the covenant, located near the double-door entry from the inside corridor, provides a lovely sanctuary for refreshments and fellowship before and after worship services, as well as a meeting place for small groups and other receptions.
The Garden of Celebration: The garden of celebration is located near the driveway entrance to The Garth. It is designed as an outdoor meeting space for larger groups. This area includes a raised dias for worship leaders or performers and adequate grassy space for the placement of up to 100 chairs.
The Garden of Meditation: The garden of meditation, located in the middle of the garth, is a consecrated burial area for Reveille members and their families who select cremation. The burial policy is formulated by the garth administrative committee and the senior pastor.

Interment Policy

Interment or scattering of cremains requires submission of a formal application, accompanied by a donation for each placement. Arrangement with a funeral director for cremation is the responsibility of the deceased's representative. Although no markers are permitted in the garth, a memorial plaque with engraved nameplates of the deceased is displayed in the church. There is also a book of remembrance that provides a page for dedication to the deceased. Documents fully detailing the garth's policy, terms and conditions, applications for placement of cremains, and an agreement for use of the garth are available upon request to Cheryl Arrington, the Pastoral and Congregational Care Secretary.

Finances

Beginning in 1988, the initial $250,000 cost of the garth concept was supported by individual contributions. The Garth at Reveille was dedicated, debt-free, on October 30, 1994. Today, continuing operational funds are generated through memorial gifts, other individual contributions, and interment donations.