The land behind of Peace Lutheran and St. Andrew's Episcopal churches in Burns is lush with grass, flowers, a vegetable garden, arches and a peace pole inscribed with “May peace prevail on Earth.”

It hasn't always looked this way. “It was just an empty lot people were putting their garbage in,” says Lorna Cagle, who spearheaded the project and applied for a Creative Ministry Grant from the Oregon Synod. That grant of $670 helped the churches buy paint for the fence and logs and bricks to outline the garden and flower areas.

One-third of the lot is a vegetable garden tended by a retired minister with the help of church members. The flowers provide fresh floral for the altar.

“It turned out to be a lot of work, and continues to be a lot of work,” Cagle said. “But when we open our doors, it's just lovely.”

This grant is given to congregations that wish to support a ministry that is unique and approaches their mission and ministry in innovative and creative ways.

I think everyone loves the part in a story, when someone’s wish is granted. Usually that person has done a lot of dreaming and planning about what their life or someone else’s, would be like......if only they had a way to make it happen. Many times, ministry feels like that. We pray, dream and hope for a day in the future when somehow the money needed might become available and that program for youth or activity for senior citizens or community wide vacation Bible school could actually happen.

Here’s some great news! There is money available. This might be moment in time, you’ve been waiting for.

The Creative Ministry Application helps us determine whether to apply Creative Ministry Fund resources toward your project. Applications deadlines will be announced in the spring. When complete, please submit your application to the Oregon Synod Endowment Board.

Download PDF Creative Ministry Application    |    Download RTF Creative Ministry Application