Planting and Blessing a Little Forest

 

                                  Photos provided by Betty Clost, tree-planting shaman

Call to Worship

One: We gather on the river’s edge,

where water moves with patience and power.

All: Here we give thanks for God’s gifts of soil, water, and light.

One: Today we plant a Little Forest,

to mark the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada,

joining creation’s song of renewal.

All: Praise be to God for roots and rivers, for life that grows among us.

Scripture

“Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food.” Genesis 2:9a 

It finally happened, on a perfect Fall day, and on the auspicious occasion of the Feast of Francis, the conclusion of the Season of Creation. 

Earlier this year, when snowflakes were still flying the board at Trenton United decided to approach Trent Valley Conservation Authority about planting a version of a Little Forest along the Trent River within the city. The variety of native trees was obtained, a date was set, although we were experiencing a cold, wet Spring. Then the CA discovered that the site chosen wasn't workable. 

Of course a very hot, drought-like Summer set in and Helena, a long-suffering church member, undertook the epic task of keeping forty or so saplings alive for months. Her family, as part of a group of about twenty congregants, came together yesterday to plant the trees in a prepared plot. Even though it started out looking as though we were at a funeral it was a birth, or so we hope. 

In a delightful example of "many hands make light work" we dug holes, placed the trees and shrubs, and then applied a liberal layer of mulch. There were half a dozen children and youth who were energetic participants in the project. After an hour of our collective labour Rev Isaac led us in a blessing and we were on our way.

This morning there was another dedication at the Trenton United Church site, this time of two trees planted to mark the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada. While not everyone could be there yesterday, over $1300 was contributed by congregation members to help these initiatives come to fruition. 

We were so glad to be part of this tangible statement of hope with two other generations of our family. We are often filled with dismay at the way our Baby Boom generation has laid waste to Planet Earth so to be literally working alongside grandchildren was meaningful.

I noted to the representatives from Trent Valley CA that the scriptures mention trees more often than any other creature other than humans.While they didn't ask if I would lead them in bible study it was good to give a shout-out to the Creator. There may be billions of humans on the planet but there are trillions of trees, quietly going about their business of keeping all of us breathing on Turtle Island. Here's praying that our small forest will one day be mighty. 

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Blessing

Creator God,

we give thanks for this land,

for the river that sustains life,

for the soil that holds promise,

for the air that carries seed and song.

Bless this Little Forest—

basswood and birch, maple and oak,

hazelnut, serviceberry, plum and pine—

a gathering of native trees and shrubs,

woven together for the life of this watershed.

As their roots sink deep,

root us in your love.

As their branches spread wide,

open our lives to welcome.

As they reach toward the sky,

lift our vision beyond ourselves.

We remember those whose gifts in memory and celebration

made this planting possible.

May this forest grow as a sign of hope,

a testimony to our calling as church,

and a blessing for generations yet to come.

Through Christ, the tree of life, we pray. Amen