Grounds Committee

The growing season has begun. Do you spend time listening to a sermon or choir spectacular while looking out the windows at something blooming? Do you count the colors driving in the parking lot? Have you watched butterflies and bees on the flowers, feeling your blood pressure relax?

What does it take to maintain our grounds? If you’ve been to a congregational meeting where the budget was discussed, you may have noticed the grounds committee doesn’t have a budget - we mostly count on volunteers. We pull weeds, distribute mulch, pick up litter, clear the parking area before it gets repaved. Occasionally we plant new things, and we monitor what has been planted. Lately our emphasis has been on increasing the native plants and getting rid of any invasive species. We consider overhanging branches, safety in the parking areas, accessibility on the sidewalks, blockage of air conditioning units. We water during droughts. One of our goals is the easiest possible maintenance.

We have two new sheds for storage of wheelbarrows, hoses, shovels, etc. Occasionally we get donations of miscellaneous items like gloves so new volunteers can help. Our new sheds took much planning by dedicated volunteers and were paid for with a bequest from the Special Purposes Fund, which was donated through the will of a congregation member.

We would love for you to join us in taking care of our grounds. One of the groups in Church Center (the congregational database) is Yardeners. Anyone interested in plants, yard stuff, etc., will be notified here of presentations or calls to yard work. You don’t have to be an expert. It’s a great way to learn, to get to know someone else you’re working with, and learn a little history of the church grounds and our “ancestors” who created special areas.

Check at the courtyard between services to see what’s happening that week.

Committee Members: Ann Kamman, Georgia Emmert, Mike Drescher, Devin McGuire, Eve Cusack.