Sacred Soil Society
Care of our Church Grounds
The Sacred Soil Society was formed in late 2023 to provide an opportunity for parishioners to participate in the care and maintenance of the grounds of St James. We are set to begin 2025 well over “the curve” of what was needed to be accomplished to allow our campus to show forth the love we have for God’s gift of this place. The work is ongoing, however, as nature’s work is never done.
The SSS ended 2024 with 18 participants, all of whom were needed to fill the frequent workdays of 4-6 times/month. Two-hour stints scheduled on differing days and times and various tasks were accomplished each time. We lovingly pruned existing trees and shrubs, weeded, raked, mulched, groomed and cut back perennials, and relocated a significant number of plants to more favorable locations. We took care not to exhaust ourselves during the warmest months, but work was steady between March and mid-November.
Serving in this ministry does not require any special skills as we can teach one all that is needed to accomplish basic garden tasks. Participants can choose the day/times that work best for them; sometimes 3 work together, sometimes 7 or more. We understand that not everyone can do everything, so each of us does what we can as the tasks are made known. There is plenty to do to keep our grounds looking their best.
The SSS provides a unique opportunity to work alongside one another and to complete work needed with a sense of accomplishment. It’s fun and rewarding. If this sounds like service you might enjoy, or if you have questions, please drop me an email: pamelam1950@verizon.net We’d welcome your participation!
Fred Williams Meditation Garden
Now complete! All are welcome to visit.
The Fred Williams Meditation garden is now complete. The result reflects the generosity of many parishioners who funded the garden's development and several volunteers who took the lead in designing and implementing the plan. It has now become a quiet place of respite, a space for reflection and enjoyment of God's unique creation.
St. James hopes our parish, as well as the greater Leesburg community, will enjoy this garden for years to come.
Specifically, the garden is named in honor of Fred Williams, a long-time parishioner, who served as our Senior Warden for many years during a challenging time. He patiently addressed most all aspects of the church's ministries as needed and maintained a steady hand of leadership that has enabled St James to flourish presently. We honor him with this beautiful space, both in the efforts expended to develop it as well as the many who personally contributed to its expense.
The garden is located on the east side of the church's Parish House (8 Cornwall St., NW; Leesburg, VA). and may be visited at any time. Access is preferred via the asphalt pathway on the west side of the Parish House which will lead one around its rear and then to its east side. Seating is provided and peace is assured. Please visit soon.
