Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share

Permaculture is a design system which sprang up during the 1970s oil crisis out of a reaction to the fears that the earth was running out of traditional energy sources combined with a growing desire for self-reliance. Permaculture designers will observe a place, whether it is a piece of land in the middle of a large western city, or land located on the outskirts of a third world slum and they will search for a practical application for that land using whatever techniques are available: recycling, reusing and regenerating. When applied to gardening, it suggests that not only can food be grown almost anywhere, including stacking crops one on top of another, but higher yields are attainable simply by observing how Mother Nature works, and imitating her.
Ron Berezan and his family arrived in Powell River from Alberta, two years ago. He has an MTS from St. Stephen’s College in Environmental Theology and he and his wife were attracted to the faith community of St. David and St. Paul Anglican church.
At 2pm the entrance to the church was in shadow as the trees protected the 50 or so people assembled there from the hot summer sun. Parishioners, permaculture garden graduates, instructors, and members of the Powell River community excited about the potential of this project gathered together to participate.
Ron welcomed those in attendance and quickly turned things over to Rin Innes. Rin began her remarks by saying “This is a permaculture project different than any other permaculture project I’ve ever worked on.” She went on to say that the diversity in involvement from the students, the parish and the people of Powell River was a highlight. Rin shared with the group that she is often asked by people who want to develop their own permaculture gardens, “How do I build a garden to grow food for myself?” Rin emphasized that this thinking is faulty, because it’s not about “food for the gardener, it’s about food for the community.” The greater community. A permaculture garden is about Peace. “We can only find peace when we take care of each other and make sure that everyone has enough.”
Next, The Rev. Dr. Adela Torchia, Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of St. David and St. Paul spoke to the group and offered God’s Blessing on the garden, and all those gathered there that day, and those who will benefit from the garden as the project develops over the years.
The St. David and St. Paul parishioners are delighted with what this project has brought to their church and how it has linked their faith community to the greater community of  the City of Powell River. This is truly the manifestation of MBiN (Moving Back into the Neighbourhood the theme of the 2010 diocesan synod). Patty Catcher is one of the parishioners who has taken on responsibility for  arranging weeding, cutting the grass, and generally caring for the grounds. She is absolutely delighted with the project and its bright future. During the reception that followed the ceremony where fresh fruit, locally grown was served with glasses of wine complimented by cheese and crackers Patty was heard to say “It’s awesome, this is so awesome for the entire community and we want to share what is happening here with as many people as possible.”