Green Thoughts in a Green Shade
On Sunday the 26th June after the morning Eucharist Father Colin led the congregation (singing ‘Oh when the saints go marching in’) to the new quiet garden , which is to be known as The St. Francis’ garden. We are grateful for the donations from firms and individuals which have enabled the garden to be developed. There he held a short service of prayer and dedication while the Music group sang the specially composed hymn:
Bless to me O Lord
Bless to me O Lord
The earth beneath my feet.
Bless to me O Lord
The sun that lights my way.
Bless to me O Lord
the labour of my hands.
Bless to me O Lord
The winding path of life.
Bless to me O Lord
My use of time and place.
Bless to me O Lord
Your gifts that flow from grace.
Bless to me O Lord
The saints I now embrace.
Bless to me O Lord
the strangers I may face.
Bless to me O Lord
The youngest and the least.
Bless to me O Lord
all those who share this feast.
Bless to me O Lord
and make your home in me.
Bless to me O Lord
the gift of unity.
The service ending with the sprinkling and blessing of the congregation. Although the garden was full it was possible to feel already a sense of calm in the air, and the cheerful laughter of the children added a note of welcome.
Yesterday as I walked in the garden the project manager Ian Thompson talked of his vision for this space. It is not finished, yet it already has the most peaceful atmosphere. The world seemed a long way away as we talked. The water feature is still to be completed. Another bench will be installed and the statue of St Francis will be placed in the corner, raised up to overlook the garden. We look forward to the official opening when all will be finished. Plants have been carefully chosen. As Ian said the right plants must be in the right space. He took two years to select the tree that stands at the head of the water feature. New plants will be placed when it is right for them, but the garden will not be overcrowded. It is place of simplicity and calm . It is not a garden only for the church. As the inscription on the bench says it is St. Peter’s Community garden. Everyone who needs a time to be quiet, a haven from the stresses of life is welcome to come and sit here, to let the peace of the garden soothe you and help you to find the peace of mind which is part of the Peace of God.
Margaret Smith
On Sunday the 26th June after the morning Eucharist Father Colin led the congregation (singing ‘Oh when the saints go marching in’) to the new quiet garden , which is to be known as The St. Francis’ garden. We are grateful for the donations from firms and individuals which have enabled the garden to be developed. There he held a short service of prayer and dedication while the Music group sang the specially composed hymn:
Bless to me O Lord
Bless to me O Lord
The earth beneath my feet.
Bless to me O Lord
The sun that lights my way.
Bless to me O Lord
the labour of my hands.
Bless to me O Lord
The winding path of life.
Bless to me O Lord
My use of time and place.
Bless to me O Lord
Your gifts that flow from grace.
Bless to me O Lord
The saints I now embrace.
Bless to me O Lord
the strangers I may face.
Bless to me O Lord
The youngest and the least.
Bless to me O Lord
all those who share this feast.
Bless to me O Lord
and make your home in me.
Bless to me O Lord
the gift of unity.
The service ending with the sprinkling and blessing of the congregation. Although the garden was full it was possible to feel already a sense of calm in the air, and the cheerful laughter of the children added a note of welcome.
Yesterday as I walked in the garden the project manager Ian Thompson talked of his vision for this space. It is not finished, yet it already has the most peaceful atmosphere. The world seemed a long way away as we talked. The water feature is still to be completed. Another bench will be installed and the statue of St Francis will be placed in the corner, raised up to overlook the garden. We look forward to the official opening when all will be finished. Plants have been carefully chosen. As Ian said the right plants must be in the right space. He took two years to select the tree that stands at the head of the water feature. New plants will be placed when it is right for them, but the garden will not be overcrowded. It is place of simplicity and calm . It is not a garden only for the church. As the inscription on the bench says it is St. Peter’s Community garden. Everyone who needs a time to be quiet, a haven from the stresses of life is welcome to come and sit here, to let the peace of the garden soothe you and help you to find the peace of mind which is part of the Peace of God.
Margaret Smith