A quiet Place for Meditation
A recent family who visited Epworth from our neighborhood said they came because their eight-year-old daughter liked to sit in our garden. We couldn’t have been more thrilled. That is exactly what we hoped to offer to our community when we developed the garden. In our world of noise and rush we need spaces of quiet and beauty where we can think, pray and simply sit in silence.
Although fenced, the garden is never locked and all are welcome to enter and use one of the benches or walk the path for quiet reflection.
Epworth’s memorial Garden was always part of the vision for what we wanted to offer to our parish and our community, but the vision didn’t take shape until our beloved, long-time member Del Beukelman died and the garden grew up around his memorial. Since then many faithful and beloved Epworthies have joined Del in this consecrated ground.
Having our dear departed ones buried in the churchyard is a lovely way to keep their memory alive and provides a sense that they are still with us. It also provides a convenient way for family and friends to visit their grave and to place flowers there on special occasions such as Memorial Day, Mothers Day, Father’s day and All Saints/All Souls day.
We are always aware of the Great Cloud of Witnesses of the Church Triuphant that surrounds us as we celebrate Holy Communion. It is also a joy and comfort to be surrounded by the earthly remains on our own saintly ones.
Do take a few minutes to stop, pray and enjoy the beauty.
