Compassion & Community
Meditation Chapel
The Meditation Chapel is located on the west side of the Pine Shores Community Center. This lovely room was a gift from member and elder, Charles Montgomery, in loving memory of his wife Mona. Mr. Montgomery was instrumental in the Building Committee which oversaw the new Sanctuary / Education building and the refurbishing of the Community Center and its Chapels.
About the Chapel:
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The window in the meditation chapel is leaded stained glass. It was designed by Kate White of White Stained Glass Studio and inspired by Psalm 19. “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.”
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The movement of lines and color in the bottom of the window tell the start of creation with separation of dark and lightness. All the colors here are greens, which symbolize the earth. As your eye moves up you see the separation of land and water. Here blue waves move both peacefully and restlessly. The red movement just above the blue represents humankind. Taking a closer look at the window you may notice double vertical lines running up the center. At the top of the window on the right side, a dove (Holy Spirit) glides inward. The movement in this area represents the heavens.
Azalia Oberg Memorial Prayer Garden
The Azalia Oberg Memorial Prayer Garden was dedicated in 1966 when Mrs. Azalia Oberg provided the first plantings with azaleas being the primary flower since this was her favorite. Mrs. Oberg, at her death, also provided an Endowment Fund with the stipulation that the income from the fund be used to assist in maintaining the garden.
For more than 50 years, the garden has been a special place for prayer and meditation at the heart of our community. It is also a memorial place for loved ones. A monument with bronze plaques lists the names of those placed in the garden. Arrangements can be made to have the ashes of a loved one located in the garden and the bronze nameplate can be obtained at a set fee. Read More Here
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The Green Thumbers oversee the care of the Garden which is done each week by members of the committee.
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Labyrinth
Our church campus is home to a beautiful Labyrinth that is open for the community to use. Its very existence is a reflection of how much we value contemplative spirituality.
What is a Labyrinth?
In a sense you could call a Labyrinth a meandering path that leads only to the center. It is not a maze. The point of a maze is to find its center. It is out to trick you. The point of a Labyrinth is to use this path as a tool to find your center. There are no decisions to be made. One simply puts one foot in front of the other as a way of trusting that God will speak to us, and lead us to the center, where we can be still, and rest.
Labyrinths evoke metaphor, sacred geometry, spiritual pilgrimage, religious practice, mindfulness, environmental art, and community building.
Come. Slow down with us.
Community Garden
Welcome to our thriving community garden! Cultivate a sense of patience and joy as you join us in the shared journey of tending the earth. Explore our application form and discover the rules by emailing info@pineshorespres.org.
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Wondering what to plant this month? Embrace the spirit of patience and kindness, as our diverse garden awaits with bush beans, onions, rosemary, and more. Sample the harvest and revel in the beauty of butterflies attracted by milkweed, offering moments of peace and reflection.
Contribute to our compost initiative by recycling fruit peels, coffee grounds, and more. The 11 cubic feet of finished compost will enrich our beds, thanks to the generosity of sunshinecommunitycompost.org.
Volunteers are essential! Join us year-round to nurture the garden, claim a raised bed, or simply enjoy the bounty. Contact Susan Keal at 941-925-8253 to get involved.
Come plant with us and foster a harmonious garden that flourishes in unity!
