Our Grounds Team is a large, loosely organized group of volunteers who pitch in to maintain land and plantings around the church building. We communicate and plan our activities in an organic fashion, gathering in small groups to do hands-on work.

We aim to nurture a diverse ecosystem that includes native and non-native plants, to promote soil health, and to support a rich diversity of animal life.  We also aim to support church members and friends by providing, as we are able, accessible and beautiful natural spaces in which all can relax, play, contemplate, celebrate, and deepen connections. We strive to work intentionally, to observe and learn, and to experience connection with all in our environment.

We welcome all who want to join us in this endeavor! Please reach out the team by email. We’d love to get to know you, find out about your interest and availability, and include you in our communication and opportunity loops!

Grounds Team activities are shown in the slideshow below. Click the left or right arrow to go to the next or previous photo.

  • From left, Alan Arnold, Jeanne Murphy, sculptor Chris Morrey, Dennis Murphy and Carol Arnold worked on installing the new church sign in 2012.
  • The sign installation team took a break from its work. From left, Dennis Murphy, Janet Groat, Peter Holmes, Larry Lile, Greg Baka, Kevin Fritsche and Maria Oropallo.
  • From left, Jana Murphy, Scott Denson, Dennis Murphy and Corinne Mann worked on removing non-native plants from the parking lot planting bed.
  • Tired but satisfied work crew.
  • Patty Daus and Dennis Murphy worked on replacing pavers in the parking lot planting bed.
  • Planting natives in the parking lot bed.
  • Many hands make light work.
  • Weapons of mass weed destruction, wielded by Jan Swaney, left, and Gerti Motavalli.
  • Preparing the site for the dry creek bed.
  • Carol Arnold tending to butterfly-friendly native plants.
  • The Memorial Garden.