Creation Care and Church Renewal

Minter Lane Church of Christ
Abilene, TX

It was a difficult time at Minter Lane Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. Marge Wood describes it as a "very low ebb in the body life." The church was choosing new leadership. Several people had left. Morale was low. One Sunday evening, Marge's class discovered an inexpensive opportunity to buy a large number of baby trees. A deacon proposed they purchase the trees and plant them as a deliberate statement of their belief in the future of their church. It would be an object lesson to all of them.

It was a great idea. The class provided the funds. The men and the children of the church did the planting. They had to dig holes, set in each individual tree and water them. These trees were very small and the summers in Abilene are hot and dry. Despite careful nurturing and faithful watering some trees died.

Many, however, survived and continued to grow and flourish, along with the church. The tree planting took place several years ago, but Marge recalls it as a turning point. "The people who participated in the planting and care of the trees will never forget it. They learned that working together on a useful project enhances friendships and community."

Today, Minter Lane Church has a vigor and richness of worship, a caring congregation and a wide variety of attendees. The trees have provided a parable on church life itself. Marge says: "Trees send out growth above ground and below ground. Trees improve life for others on earth. Trees hold the soil in place and clean the air. Trees grow slowly and spread themselves around. Trees produce food and building materials. Tree roots open up the soil so that moisture can go in; even when they die, they enhance the soil. Trees shelter smaller growing things. Not a bad metaphor for Christians!"

Adapted from an article in Creation Care magazine by Ginny Vroblesky.