Outdoor Sanctuary Report

Worship and Fellowship

The Outdoor Sanctuary continues to provide a glorious opportunity to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Many from the Upperville community enjoyed walking the beautiful trails, and pausing for prayer and reflection at the Outdoor Chapel.

New this year, the Outdoor Sanctuary was the venue for the first, guided Stations of the Cross walk during Holy Week. Led by Julie Simonton (who also happens to be Mrs. Richard Jones), the young people of the church experienced the Passion of Christ by traversing from one station to another, tracing key events during Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection.

Easter Sunday’s sunrise service was celebrated once again, with 160 worshipers in attendance. The weather was beautiful, and many worshipers arrived early to enjoy coffee around the fire.

On June 12, the congregation celebrated a worship service of Evening Prayer at the Outdoor Chapel, followed by a potluck picnic at the Council Ring. It has been estimated that over 200 people attended.

Planting

The bluebells that were planted in 2021 to honor Wayne and Beth Gibbens survived and bloomed in 2022! In keeping with the guidelines for the Outdoor Sanctuary, only native Virginia plants have been planted. Thanks to the dedication of Trinity’s own naturalist Holly Bimba, seeds and bareroots have been planted in a number of locations. Along the Pantherskin Creek path, in addition to the bluebells, look for Virginia Waterleaf, May Apple, Cinnamon Fern, Dutchman’s Breeches, Midland Shooting Stars, White Trillium, Hepatica, Trout Lily, swamp milkweed, rattlebox water-primrose, and also snowdrops for winter interest. Holly has also scattered many varieties of seeds in pasture areas to support pollinators. The congregation is so grateful for Holly’s knowledge, patience, and dedication.

Thanksgiving

As the trees mature and their roots go deep, fewer trees needed to be watered throughout the summer. Nevertheless, a cheerful group of volunteers stepped up to ensure the trees would survive the hot, dry Virginia weeks. This year, we especially thank the following families: Sydney and Jack Bowers, Ellen and Sydney Hall, Carol Miller, Joan and Bob Eliot, Kat and Jim Gemmer, and Sabine and Brett Bibb. As always, thanks to Ken Knapp for hours of bush hogging, to Betsy Crenshaw for her cheerful service reminders, to Kit Hall and Tommy Breeden for routine maintenance, and to Jerry Crenshaw for the greatest hay bales in the county.