Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Decatur
Before the Opening Eucharist of our Diocesan Convention at the gracious Princess Theatre in Decatur, we had invitations to visit the two churches in Decatur, historic St. John’s and Good Shepherd.
I had served at the eastern-facing altar at St. John’s on bishop’s visitations so I chose to linger at Good Shepherd, a 30-year old congregation of former St. John’s members who planted the church in the suburbs.
Every church has a personality. This small but mighty church follows the heart of Native American spirituality inspired by their priest, the Reverend Bude Van Dyke, who is of Cherokee descent. A giant, hand-carved wooden cross with a shepherd’s crook hangs behind the altar (and in front of the organ pipes). An outdoor altar and fire pit welcome worshippers during Holy Week and at other sacred moments.
A Cherokee Heritage Garden educates on the ancient planting ways of native peoples and offers healing plants to soothe the soul.
“The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on land that was originally part of the tribal lands of the Cherokee people. Various historical events including the Trail of Tears caused the removal of the Cherokee people to Oklahoma. While traveling the Trail of Tears, heirloom Cherokee corn, squash, and bean seeds were carried to Indian territory in order to preserve traditional foods. Indigenous people modeled their planting after what they observed in creation. The Three Sisters (corn, beans and squash) were planted together, not segregated into a single crop, because they helped each other survive and produce the basic staple of the Cherokee diet. The Heritage Garden will utilize descendants of those seeds that made the journey to raise seed in the Three Sisters Method in order to provide education, demonstration and reproduction of these heirloom seeds for generations to come.” (From an Episcopal Diocese of Alabama press release noting Good Shepherd as the recipient of a UTO grant in 2022)
An outdoor labyrinth invites a contemplative walk and moments of reflection and prayer. Scripture and prayers are offered as one enters the labyrinth space. As I prayed the labyrinth, I felt God’s presence walking with me. Hope and peace filled my heart.
This Prayer of Peace was a lovely guidance for my inward pilgrimage:
Healer of the Nations, from the noise of war and the drumbeat of vengeance, give us undiminished determination to wage peace. Out of brokenness, violence, and destruction let us plant seeds of hope. Out of chaos, confusion, and hatred, build bridges of love. Out of distrust, disunity, and distance, walk together in harmony. Heal our divisions and make us whole; through Christ our Savior. Amen.
I’m so grateful for those moments at Good Shepherd.
We never know when the Holy Spirit will surprise us.
Epiphany Blessings,
Judy Q+
