nne MacKellar Meditation Garden

Gardens are often places apart, where one can experience God's presence. The Meditation Garden was created at the request of and with a bequest by Anne MacKellar, an elder who passed-on on March 26, 1999. It is located on the east side of the church, and is open to the public. From the entrance at the north parking lot, a path leads through 5 sections, which demonstrate these truths about God's Kingdom:

* God's Kingdom is inclusive. The garden includes plants often called "weeds", that offer food and shelter for wildlife. There are cultivated plants, and places for people to meditate. God does not separate people into the categories that we do, nor does he separate humans from nature, but offers His grace freely to everything in His Creation. All forms of life are important in the web of life.

* God's covenant with humanity asks us to "till the garden and keep it" (Gen. 2:15) in the same manner that God cares for Creation. Our care for the garden involves less use of chemicals and cultivated plants, and more use of natural means such as manure and native plants. Flower heads and seeds are left over the winter to feed and shelter wildlife. This will promote a healthy environment for many forms of life.

* The garden has been created as a metaphor for the spiritual journey, which every person makes as they grow closer to Jesus. The five sections represent five components in our spiritual growth.

Section 1 - This contains perennial beds of many flowers and grasses. It calls us to reflect on the rich diversity of colour, shape, and smell in God's creation, which points to God's abundant love for us. Nature and people may open us to experience and appreciate God and His grace.

Section 2 - This desert section represents the suffering in life when we feel troubled, alone, or separated from God by life's experiences. There are only rocks and a stump here, but the bridge offers God's "Grace" which helps us to cross difficult times and to learn valuable lessons.

Section 3 - The meditation centre gives a chance for quiet reflection. The gazebo faces three statues in a garden filled with plants from the Bible. A stone Inuksiuk reminds us to be "living stones" or steadfast witnesses for Christ, a rock fountain represents the living water of the Holy Spirit, and the Iroquois symbols of the turtle, the pine, and the eagle, combine in a statue which represents the earth, the community, and the Great Spirit living together in peace. Eight stained glass symbols are inlaid in the gazebo floor, which represent the means of grace and the Trinity.

Section 4 - The butterfly garden contains wild and cultivated plants which nourish the larvae and adults of butterflies. They represent the beauty and fragility of life, and are a symbol of the resurrection. Human activity is threatening the existence of butterflies. Here we are called to reflect on how we can work with God to encourage new life and beauty in our daily lives.

Section 5 - The labyrinth is an ancient tool for "walking meditation" which is still found in the pilgrimage cathedrals in Europe and other holy places. One follows a single winding path into the center and then out again. This process mirrors the spiritual journey, which involves letting go of the world, learning to see God at work in life, and living in harmony with His will. The 7 circuit labyrinth is of inlaid brick.

Death's Door - This wooden gate represents leaving behind our old life to begin anew in the grace and love of Christ. The path leads around the front of the church to the side parking lot.

Everyone is welcome to use the Meditation Garden at any time. May your time there be a spiritually nourishing experience.

The outside of the church also offers other, smaller, yet no less beautiful memorial and babtism gardens.