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The Tale of the Four Trees

Once upon a time four big evergreen trees grew by a church. They were fine trees. Tall and beautiful. Their boughs gave protection to the birds of the air and the bushy tailed squirrels that enjoyed the seeds in their cones. They were happy trees!

Then one day a sad cry was heard. The trees were going to be cut down and replaced by younger, smaller landscaping. God even cried at the news. It rained all day ! However, this rain was really a gift because it gave the people an extra day to think about what might become of the trees. The women were ready when the men arrived to cut the trees. They worked long and hard to save the branches for wreaths and garlands to decorate the church. They saved the tree trunks for "candleholders for peace", since at that very time a terrible war was being fought in a far away land and many of the people from the church were away trying to make peace. The men saved the top of one tree to make a Christmas tree to decorate the front of the church. The men helped the women. Together they worked. . . cutting and saving. . . thinking and praying. When the trees were finally down both the men and the women were very tired.

A couple days later another man came to help. He had a strong chain saw and a good eye. He helped the women cut the tree trunks into circles. A few days later one of the women drilled holes in the slices of tree trunk so that they could become "candleholders for peace."

The children came. They were excited and happy to decorate the "candleholders for peace." With garland, evergreen, candles and glue they worked. A woman came and added the Prayer of Saint Francis for Peace to each candleholder. Then the "candleholders for peace" were taken to the church to be blessed and given to those who had family members in the armed forces. With surprise and gratitude the candleholders were taken to homes throughout the community. They went to small homes and big homes, to young families and to older families. They went to the homes of children and grandparents alike. The trees were happy because now they were part of MANY homes!

Then one day more men and women came. They shaped the boughs from the trees into beautiful Christmas wreaths and lovely garland to hang near the doors of the church. Big red velvet ribbons blew in the wind to welcome the people whenever they came to the church. The pinecones that once hung on the four evergreen trees were now part of the wreaths and garland. The birds and squirrels came to eat the seeds they held. The trees were happy because their seeds were feeding God’s feathered and furry friends.

So, you see, the story has a happy ending. What began as a sad tale ended as a happy one because some men, women and children worked together to make a happy ending to the story! When the peoples of the earth learn to work together like these men, women and children peace will come on earth! Until then we pray. . . "Lord, make us instruments of your peace!"

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And now a few glimpses of the story. . . .

"Candleholders for Peace"

and

Christmas Wreaths

from Saint Linus evergreen trees

When it was learned that the four large evergreen trees in front of the church and rectory had to be cut down we thought of what might be done with "their remains."

The day came for the trees to be removed.

Early in the morning the workers began.

But it can't all end with the shredder and mulch!

And it doesn't!

Watch for "the rest of the story"!

A tree for the birds and squirrels. . .

The trunks were prepared for slicing into circles.

Not an easy job!!

And a cold night besides!

It is amazing to study the rings inside the tree trunks.

Wet years. . . dry years.

Times the trees healed themselves from injuries.

A study in God's care for all of creation!

The slices of tree trunk were loaded into the van so that holes could be drilled for votive lights in each slice.

Carefully clamping each slice to the drill press!

June, this is some drill press!!!

Bringing the slices of tree trunk back to Saint Linus

so the candleholders can be created.

Sorting the slices according to size

small, medium, large and extra large. . .

Learning to master the careful use of the glue gun. . .

Decorating the slices to create our "Candleholders for Peace"

While the "Candleholders for Peace" were being created

others were making wreaths and garlands

of the evergreen boughs. . .

Preparing the frames for the wreaths

Ready for the evergreen boughs. . .

So this is how you make a garland!

Sorting the boughs. . . small, medium, large

We need a little more wire to hold it together. . . .

In the beginning. . .

Don't Lori and Marilyn look proud of their creation?

We are getting better at this garland making!

Being sure the branches are secure!

Though the mountains may fall

and the hills turn to dust. . .

yet these branches will remain attached to the frame!

Aren't you about ready for some hot chocolate?

One more wreath finished!

Wiring pinecones for the wreaths isn't easy!

Time to decorate the church!

It's TOO COLD to smile!

WHY did we pick the coldest day

of the year to do this?

Dave, please be SURE it is securely attached!

This isn't going anywhere!

Come again!

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Candleholders are ready to be given to parishioners

who have someone in the military service.

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace!

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury–pardon;

where there is doubt–faith;

where there is despair–hope;

where there is darkness–light;

and where there is sadness–joy!

O Divine Master, grant that

I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

May God bless and protect all who work

for peace in our world!

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