Outdoor
Sanctuary Report
As the world navigated the second full year of the Pandemic, the Outdoor Sanctuary continued to provide a sacred space for prayer, worship, fellowship and exercise. Worship and Fellowship Happily, some of Trinity’s scheduled worship and fellowship gatherings that had been suspended during 2020 resumed. Most notably, the Easter Sunrise service was celebrated at dawn on Easter Sunday, with 125 worshipers in attendance. The Blessing of the Hounds and the Blessing of the Animals once again gathered as an outreach to the greater community. The second annual Trick or Treat Trail on All Hallows Eve provided an opportunity for adults and children alike to celebrate the season in a safe, outdoor venue. The outdoor sanctuary also hosted two weddings of members of the Trinity family during 2021. What a joyful variety of events! Tree Dedications
During 2021, Trinity bid farewell to Beth and Wayne Gibbens, who moved to Houston, Texas. The Gibbenses have been extremely instrumental in visioning, developing, and in maintaining the Outdoor Sanctuary since it’s development in 2012. In recognition of their contributions, the Trinity Congregation dedicated some native bluebells to be planted near the
Pantherskin Creek as a living thank you in the Gibbens’ honor. Look for the bluebells to come up in April, and Lord willing, to be fruitful and to multiply! In addition, the Blue Ridge Book Group gifted a Serviceberry shrub in honor of Beth Gibbens, who was one of the group’s members. These were the only additions to the plantings at the Outdoor Sanctuary during 2021. A cumulative list of all the plantings at the Outdoor Sanctuary follows this report, and is published annually in lieu of placing plaques. Thanksgiving A faithful group of volunteers waters the trees each summer by filling the gator bags during the hot, dry months. They are cheerful, resourceful, and essential to the thriving success of the beautiful young trees. This summer’s Tree Team included: The Bibbs, Joan Eliot, the Gemmers, Halls, Hoeckers, Knapps, Moores, and Carol Miller.
“The Easter Sunrise service was celebrated at dawn on Easter Sunday, with 125 worshipers in attendance”
Thanks to Tommy Breeden for mowing and weed whacking, to Ken Knapp for bushhogging, to Ruben Bonilla-Sosa for help with general maintenance, and to Jerry Crenshaw for making the best looking hay bales in the land.
Ken and Stephanie Knapp 35
