Trinity church one with nature
Published 7:00 am Friday, March 7, 2014
Prayer Garden: The Prayer Garden at Trinity United Methodist Church is accented with carved stone benches and statuary. The concrete walkway is in the shape of a Celtic cross. The garden was completed with memorial funds donated by the Larry Barker family.
Jodi Marze | Picayune Item
Nestled in The Woods subdivision, at 3021 Woods Rd., is Trinity United Methodist Church. The church was founded June 18, 2000, and was chartered on August 13, of that same year.
Carle and Donna Cooper were developing the subdivision that the church is located in and donated ten acres with an existing lodge to give the church a start. The congregation worked on renovations themselves. The church is an example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together and works hard to accomplish a goal.
While renovating, the church members kept the rustic feel of an upscale lodge, which gives those who worship in the sanctuary a sense that they are actually worshipping outdoors due to large windows throughout.
Trinity members have also added a parsonage, multi-purpose building and prayer garden.
The beautifully landscaped Larry Barker Memorial Prayer Garden was dedicated in 2012. This was another project completed through the work of members.
Sandra Barker Bolton said the prayer garden was something she and her husband Larry had seen at other churches and were eager to have their own. Other church members shared their enthusiasm, and a committee was formed, which Larry Barker was on, when he fell ill.
“The prayer garden was drawn on paper when Larry passed away,” Barker Bolton said. “In his memory, we started a memorial fund to complete the garden and we were able to contribute $10,000 through that fund. We took care to use the funding wisely and we all did what we could, but in the end we have the beautiful garden. We were even able to install a sprinkler system to keep the plants always looking beautiful.”
While there is beauty to be found on the grounds of Trinity United Methodist Church, members are quick to point out that the church is not a structure, but people, and their legacy is not buildings but how they portray Christ to the world outside their church and treat their fellow Christians.
Trinity United Methodist Church has many interest groups referred to as circles, as well as youth and men’s groups.
For more information on Trinity United Methodist Church visit: http://www.trinityumcpicayune.org/ or call 601-799-4567.
