A Beautiful Yard Is A Work Of The Heart
Last Wednesday night at Pine Valley United Methodist Church was so special! It was wonderful seeing those of you who came to our Wednesday night supper drive through! The food was wonderful and the fellowship was much needed. Even though we stood six feet from the cars and just waved it was good to see your beautiful faces. It was very emotional for some and I understand. Never did I think there would be a time in my life that I could not go to church. I understand the rules, I am strictly speaking emotionally. I have taken going to church for granted but no more!
I am so excited that we are planning to gather, social distancing style, this coming Sunday! I cannot wait to see those of you who are comfortable coming out! I will miss those of you who are at high risk or not feeling well. Weather permitting, of course! We have an opportunity to have an outdoor gathering and we would love for our churchyard to be ready for our celebration!
About a year ago, I wrote a blog about my visit with Berry Stephens and his time working the grounds here at PVUMC! Berry said the best part of working the grounds at PVUMC is the friendships. Berry has shared his gift of landscaping for over 25 years! While doing yard work, these servants visited every week, for years, and they have become lifelong friends. I began to think of how we have all been staying at home and love to be outside. And some of us would love to be with our church family - social distancing, of course!
I knew Berry probably liked working the grounds because he enjoys the outside. When I asked him why he likes to be in charge of the grounds he answered quickly. “Because I don’t have to write.” I laughed and then he said, “Because I don’t have to speak in front of people. His third answer was, “Because it takes minimal organizational skills.” I laughed when Berry first said he would not have to write because that is what I love to do. When he said he would not have to speak in front of people I was on board with him! Then he mentioned the organizational skills and that is one of my strengths….sometimes to a fault! God can use us all - it takes all kinds! We all have different strengths and gifts. 1 Peter 4:10-11, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms….If anyone serves they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
I also talked with Tom Nunalee who used his gift serving in our churchyard from 1970 until 2016! Tom shared memories of friends he had made while working the grounds. Tom also mentioned that picking up litter seems so menial but what an important job that is! Can you imagine what our churchyard would look like if we never picked up the litter?
According to Tom, PVUMC has saved a lot of money through the years having volunteers do our yard. This is a church being wise stewards of their money. Serving is a great form of generosity and an awesome way to honor God! When we serve we worship God by stewarding our time and talents for Him. Serving with others is a blessing. When we’re working side by side with other people, bonds are formed.
Gardening is a great source of exercise. You can burn calories, build muscle mass, maintain bone density, reduce blood pressure and obesity, etc. Studies show that volunteering is good for the mind and body; that it can ease stress and depression symptoms. And you can do all of this while working outside (getting vitamin D) in God’s beautiful creation. And make friends!
What an important ministry this is for PVUMC! Our grounds show that we care about God’s yard. Berry needs a lot of help with mowing, blowing, edging, raking, etc. If you are interested in sharing your heart and time with this ministry, then please contact the church office.