GOD'S CREATION, ADVENT'S MEADOW

Advent's property at the corner of Landis Road and Route 113 (Harleysville Pike) includes quite a bit of land, some of which we cannot dedicate to any permanent use because it is designated by PennDOT as right-of-way for a possible future bypass of the nearby accident- and backup-prone six-point intersection in the Village of Lederach. Some portions of our usable land are taken up by the playground, the gaga pit, and most recently, the Memorial Pavilion.


Of the remaining land, several members (see the Background entry below) suggested that we turn some areas into a meadow of native wildflowers, plants, and grasses, not only providing a beautiful backdrop but also attracting and supporting beneficial species.


That suggestion is taking root, literally, in the form of "God's Creation, Advent's Meadow." See below for pictures, new developments, and news about our Meadow! In addition, we encourage members and friends to consider their own 'home' meadow projects, and we will welcome submissions of resources, project reports, and any shared wisdom.

  • BACKGROUND

    Ever since Advent constructed its building on the grounds at the corner of Landis Road and Route 113, members have made suggestions for various ways to use the remaining property. Most recently, the decision was made to add a pavilion; what began as hesitation about such a significant step has evolved into appreciation of an additional worship space, a picnic venue, a youth activity space, etc.


    An informal Advent discussion group, mostly Advent participants in the Salford Mennonite / Advent Lutheran Church Garden, began deliberating the comments offered by the SEPA Synod Care of Creation Team. The discussion group wished to pursue developing on our church property several areas of meadow grass land and or space where wild flowers grow. 


    Further interest beyond the original discussion group has led to the formation of a (still informal) Meadow Team.

  • Faith Perspective

    “Fair are the meadows...” is from verse two of the familiar hymn “Beautiful Savior,” offering a treasure trove of New Testament focusing on Jesus as well as many elements of the Creation story from the Old Testament. In that story, we read that humans are also told by God to be good stewards of the earth God created. The Meadow Team is imagining that portions of mowed grass around the church be transformed into meadows -- supporting the intricate network between plants, bugs and water quality that support human life. We propose starting small by changing two areas that are currently being mowed to be restored into being meadows. Parenthetically, it is noted that we follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther, renowned for his interest in planting an apple tree...

  • Steps

    - Follow appropriate approval process, beginning with the submission of this proposal to the Stewardship Committee for its June 2025 meeting.

    - In the summer of 2025, prepare a budget, with the goal of procuring a Thrivent Action Team Card for the expenses. Also arrange with our Coordinator of Spiritual Development to schedule an Adult Forum presentation in October about this project. (That Adult Forum took place on October 12.) We will work with our Office Administrator to communicate with the congregation via the ADVOCATE and the weekly bulletin.

    - In the fall of 2025, direct the landscaper not to mow the two designated spaces (one for grasses on the eastern side of the

    parking lot near the entrance to the church office, and the second for wildflowers in front of the sanctuary outside wall. 

    - Over the 2025-26 year, we need to have Meadow Team members assist with planning for selecting seeds, caring for the spaces allotted for development.

    - Over the 2026-27 year, evaluate the progress of the two test plots and consider expanding meadow areas, including confirming with the township and stormwater best management practices that these plans are in compliance with local ordinances.

  • Meadow SPace #1

    Staked-off area on the east side of the property, to the east of the parking lot.

  • Meadow Space #2

    Area covered in blue tarps below the cross next to the west side of the building.

  • OUR SEED SOURCE - ERNST SEEDS

    Here are some links to learn more about our seed supplier. Ernst Seeds is located in Meadville, PA, about 300 miles away. They are the largest native seed producer and supplier in the eastern USA, and create seed mixes based on location!


    General Link: //www.ernstseed.com/


    Two of the seed mixes we will be using:


    Mesic to Dry Native Pollinator Mix


    Deer Resistant Mix


  • informative youtube videos

  • MORE RELATED AND INTERESTING LINKS

    Here are some other links on the subject of meadows:


    From the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, information about many options for how to prepare a meadow site organically.