The congregation to which I belong, Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Vadnais Heights, has been a Care-of-Creation Covenant Congregation for about a year and a half and about a dozen people are involved in its Care of Creation Ministry team since it was formed shortly after the vote to become a Care-of-Creation Covenant Congregation.

A few weeks ago, at one of our meetings, we decided to plant a pollinator garden on our church property and we knew just the spot. We have an octagonal enclosure known as a gaga pit that hasn't been used much lately and would be a great place for a pollinator garden. Now, if you don't know what a gaga pit is, don't feel alone. With my tongue in cheek, I asked if it was a place where Lady Gaga held concerts? Well, no! There is a game called Gaga Ball, which is played in an enclosure shaped like an octagon, and is similar to Dodge Ball. Being the curious type, I looked up the rules and if I were younger, the game might actually be fun to play.

Now, beginning this summer, that gaga pit will be put to a different use. Native plants have been ordered and will soon be planted. The team is excited about doing something to care for this home that God has given us. Those who love to garden are especially excited. One of them, whose mother recently passed away, is donating plants in memory of her mother. Many are volunteering to take time to water and to care for the garden once it is planted.

When I first proposed that my congregation become a Care-of-Creation Congregation and form a ministry team to carry out that mission, I wasn't sure where it would lead. I even wondered if I would get some push back. I should not have been concerned. Many have embraced the mission and have more ideas about what we can do in the future. One of them has taken on a leadership role, which has pleased me tremendously. I didn't want to place another item on my busy schedule. Now I wait to see how it grows this summer. Now I praise God for all that He has done.