PRAIRIE RENEWAL
ministry
Prairie Renewal Ministry
In 2024, Memorial's Outdoor Property Team launched an inspiring project to transform part of our church grounds into a place of beauty, rest, and spiritual renewal.
​
Our dream is to create a welcoming space where both our congregation and the wider community can:
- Connect with God's creation
- Experience peace and restoration
- Engage in worship, learning, and reflection outdoors​​​​
​
A Community of Care
We believe this property is a gift from God- meant to be shared and stewarded. This initiative reflects our ministry's heart:
"To invite others into God's transforming love through nature."
​
Our Work
First Steps on Sacred Ground
Led by Pastor Karen, Heidi Kassenborg, Gary Palmen, Jerry Engebretson, and Bob Chezik, the team met with Elissa Thompson from the Washington County Watershed District in March 2024.
​
​
Stewardship Support
Thanks to this vision, Memorial Lutheran has received two exciting grants:
​
$7,214 Stewardship Grant
(Active through May 8, 2026 - with optional extension)
​
$1500 Pollinator Pathways Grant
(To be completed by November 30, 2026)
​
Both grants provide reimbursement after project completion.​​
Updates
We will begin the second year of renewal to the property in spring, 2026.
​
Look for updates on this page, as we enhance our trails built in 2025; create more resting places for contemplation and an outdoor labyrinth for prayer.
​
A fire pit is all ready for us as the temperatures warm up.
​
Winter offers down time for the earth and a place for wildlife to find respite and protection. And a thoroughfare for deer and turkeys.
​
Weather conditions dependent, sledding is a great option for all!