The forecast wasn’t exactly promising, but our community had other plans. On Sunday, April 12, following worship, a cheerful crew of volunteers headed outside to give our church grounds its annual spring refresh — and together, they beat the rain.
What made this year’s cleanup so special wasn’t just the work that got done — it was who showed up to do it. More than twenty volunteers spanning a wide range of ages turned out in force. But the day’s energy was unmistakably fueled by the enthusiastic members of Scout Troop 888, along with their parents, who threw themselves into the work with impressive dedication. We are deeply grateful for their effort and spirit in helping make our grounds beautiful. And in a wonderful twist, several relatives of Troop 888 Scouts who happened to be visiting all the way from Scotland rolled up their sleeves and pitched in as well. There’s something fitting about welcoming neighbors from across the Atlantic to help tend a place that means so much to our community.
Despite the grey skies, the crew accomplished quite a bit:
- Stick pickup — clearing out the debris left behind by a long winter
- Pruning — including trimming back the butterfly bushes, readying them for a fresh season of growth
- Stone wall repair — restoring the wall in the flower bed to keep our garden beds looking their best
- Raking — a light but satisfying pass over the grounds to clean things up
Every task, however small, was a reminder that caring for shared spaces is itself an act of love. Our grounds are waking up for spring, and thanks to everyone who gave their Sunday afternoon, they’re doing so in style. After the work was done, volunteers enjoyed some well-deserved donuts and cider. To the members of Scout Troop 888, to their parents, to our transatlantic friends from Scotland, and to every person who picked up a stick or pulled on a pair of work gloves — thank you. The grounds we share are more beautiful because of you. Keep an eye out for future Tending the Grounds volunteer opportunities as the season continues!
