Master Plan - The Walking Trail

When we started the Master Plan process, one of our goals was use our land in service to the larger community. With this goal in mind, a walking trail was conceived as a place for people to exercise and as a place where we could share God’s love and the story of our church.

When our congregation was discussing how we would worship during the pandemic, one of the factors deemed most important was that our church must continue. The long history of gathering in this sacred place, though interrupted by wars, societal changes, and the many uncertainties that are part of being human, is something we are committed to carrying forward. That commitment has informed the vision for what began as a simple walking path.

The current concept allows for a pleasant walk for those neighbors intimidated by the idea of trying to do so on narrow country roads. It also provides opportunities for those who wish a more contemplative experience to pause and reflect on the history of this beautiful land we occupy and the people and events that have shaped it. We can acknowledge those who first walked this land and those whose contribution to the abundance that facilitated the construction of the chapel is often overlooked. We can credit those whose determination that it be preserved allows it to continue as a living church. We can leave space for those who follow us to add to the story as this sacred place goes forward into the future.

Perhaps there is nothing simple about a walking path. A path can symbolize an individual’s journey, the journey of a group of people, or even the journey of all mankind. Developing the Master Plan has been a journey for our congregation, refining how we tell our story along the interpretive path will be another. I am personally thankful for our Rector’s leadership during this process and could wish for no better group to walk this path with. May we all continue to walk in the light of God’s love.

Christina M. Stockton