Serenity Garden

A Dream Come True

This talk was given by Jane C. Hokenstrom (Twito) at the dedication of the Serenity Garden on 31 August, 2003, at St. Philip's Lutheran Church, Fridley, Minnesota.

This dream was a vision of a place of peace, of comfort, and of hope which evolved after many members of the Parish Nurse/Wellness ministries lost loved ones in 2001 within a short period of time.

The monies for a Serenity Garden became available through the vision of those families who designated memorial money [monies were provided from the memorials of Irving and Leona Twito] and garden benches for this project [were provided as a memorial to parents of Karen Landeen].

Many ideas were tossed about after researching serenity gardens at the library, visiting such gardens while vacationing or visiting gardens here in the Twin Cities.

Before the Garden looking South South-East.

What we learned was how to create a sacred space outdoors, a garden for the soul...a Serenity Garden.

We were Blessed with a spectacular setting already here at St. Philip's that nature provided. This setting is near our outdoor worship site.

To create a feeling of tranquility, the colors of the garden are purposely muted. Water gives a sense of peace, and Moore Lake is now visible as you look over the reeds gracefully blowing in the breeze. The woods provide a serene, shady haven where you can comfortably sit as you pray or meditate while gazing through the arbor into the forest foliage. Having pondered all this we wondered how to make our dream real.

Then in 2002-2003 a young man by the name of Brad Weegman was looking to become an Eagle Scout and he needed a project. Boy, did we have one!

The Serenity Garden started small and quadrupled in size at its completion. Many people, about 40 in number, ages 12-80, volunteered. Brad, his brother Greg, the rest of his family, many friends and fellow scouts as well as the Parish Nurse/Wellness Committee members and Wednesday Work Crew provided the labor. Many other volunteers also offered their expertise and services at reduced costs.

Phase I looking South Southeast from the back of the church.

Phase I looking South from the back of the church.

We are so thankful for all the help we have received and pray that this Serenity Garden will be a blessing for everyone at St. Philip's.

The garden was dedicated on Sunday, August 31, 2003, during the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Following the service people were invited to visit this sacred space—the Serenity Garden—and enjoy a few refreshments.

Prayer Card created for the Dedication.

Brad Weegman speaking at the Dedication. Left to right are Pastor Jan Hartsook, Lynette Thompson, Brad Weegman, Jane Hokenstrom, and Jane Hastings.