Since we moved into our new space here at New Garden Park, our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation has greatly benefited. We have enjoyed having a dedicated space to leave the materials that have been carefully crafted and curated –the children now have these amazing, sacred spaces to worship in on Sundays.

But the message proclaimed in that space on Sunday morning is not all that God is speaking to them. In this season after the Epiphany, we can remember how the shepherds in their fields heard the angels speaking–but the Magi saw a sign in creation in the heavens. I am struck with how the voice of God is heard through those who proclaim his message, but also in the created world around us.

One of the works that the children will consider when we expand to level 3 of Catechesis is called The Story of a Bread –it begins with a seed and tells the story of how God and humans can co-operate to expand his kingdom –it is the story of a seed that becomes the eucharistic bread. The last page of the booklet of that work says:
”In this Bread many things have come together:

• the seed

• the earth and its juices

• the action of the rain and sun

• the diligent work of human beings

• and the immense love of God.

In this Bread, which is Jesus Christ who died and is risen, the immense love of God is made present in a most particular way in our world.”

It is this approach that makes our farm a natural partner to CGS. Just as we have materials and hands-on ways for the children to think about the Word of God, the life of Christ, and the sacraments, we also invite them to get hands-on with His creation. Through Garden & Grow in the summer, the Harvest Festival in the Autumn, through our first Creation Care camp coming this July, and through our hopes to make candles from beeswax, to make bread from wheat, to be familiar with plants we read of in the Bible, to have a children’s garden –the children have seen, just like the Magi, the signs in Creation that point us to the very life of God and His real incarnate presence with us.

As you consider your commitment, I hope that you will consider the unique benefits of this location in the spiritual formation of your children and others now and how that will continue the expansive work of God’s Kingdom in the next generation – New Garden Next.

Leah Wall