By Rich Bunch of Fort Collins, Colorado USA

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.

The Fort Collins, Colorado Congregation recently saw the completion of a project in which it had a missional involvement. It was an all-access trail in Lory State Park located on the outskirts of Fort Collins.

Because of its proximity to the mountains and foothills, all the trails in the park are either vertical in nature or narrow and rocky, making them inaccessible to many special needs persons. This meant there was a special population that was prevented from enjoying an experience in the sacredness of creation. Most would never have considered the possibility of such an opportunity.

I am a volunteer ranger/environmental educator in the park and proposed a trail be built that would accommodate wheelchairs, blind persons, and other special needs. After five years of planning and development of funding, the trail has now been completed, and a ribbon-cutting celebration was enjoyed by members of the community and congregation.

In recognition of its mission to community and ministry to all persons, the congregation voted to make a significant contribution to the process. In addition to access to persons confined to wheelchairs, sound devices are available for blind persons to hear the interpretive messages of history and the environment. Artifacts of stone, animal presence, and history are located on each interpretive sign to further create a museum along with the nature experience. Those factors further enhance the experience by providing a touch-and-feel experience. The trail also provides opportunity for parents with children in strollers to enjoy an experience not readily available before and access to youth in school programs not included in the past.

Ministry takes on many faces. This project has provided an avenue for ministry for the congregation but also projects a spiritual dimension now available to a unique population for exploration of nature, history, and culture. The trail is rapidly gaining recognition as indicated in a front-page article in the local newspaper. Perhaps this special development is to provide a legacy for a very special congregation.

Prayer Phrase

“I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

Spiritual Practice

Light

Close your eyes and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.