Gardening and Clean-up Days

Adapted from an article by Elizabeth French in the November 2008 GraceNotes:
In spring and fall, members of the Garden Ministry, together with the Junior and Senior Warden, organize days to tend the gardens and grounds of Grace Church. With the able assistance of many parishioners, even the most daunting of projects goes surprisingly quickly. We try to be mindful of the interrelationship of all parts of our church life—worship, materials, activities, facilities, community, etc. Gardening is a spiritual practice. Guiding principles include hospitality (creating outdoor spaces that are safe, beautiful, and welcoming); recognition and respect for what is already done at Grace to foster good stewardship; use of organic gardening’s "best practices"; patience, including understanding and appreciation for the rhythm of the seasons; delight in the beauty, form, processes, colors, smells, flavors, and abundance of Creation; and expression of our identity as a ministry in words, prayer, and outward practice.

At times throughout the year, we may also call on volunteers to help clean areas within the building itself. In past sessions we have restored, re-used, and recycled literally hundreds of items large and small. It has been rewarding to be an active part of the restoration process, and to reclaim areas of our beautiful building.

We currently schedule clean-up days on the 3rd Saturday of every month. For more information, please contact the Junior Warden, Kathy Glime-LaMotte (lammotekatdes.deerfield.ma.us).