Bishop opens community garden and loves all things Crosby

Jul 22 2010 by Mark Johnson, Crosby Herald

Bishop opens community garden and loves all things Crosby

THE Bishop of Liverpool heralded the new community garden at St Luke’s CofE church – and spoke of what he loves most about Crosby.

Bishop James Jones made the trip to our town to celebrate last Sunday’s official unveiling of the masterpiece which was created with the help of parishioners.

The garden project was part of Operation Eden – aimed at running the church’s grounds in a more environmental way.

The beauty spot is an oasis for all, and boasts a majestic eagle, a wildflower meadow and reclaimed Yorkshire stone.

The Bishop told parishioners: “What you are doing is at the heart of the gospel. Through the community garden you are giving people a taste of heaven.” He added: “This community garden you have created is not just for the people of Crosby you have done it for Christ’s sake. Because you do it for him you do it for all of the people. It is for him that he has given you his only son – Jesus Christ.”

The special service was attended by MP Joe Benton, members of Crosby in Bloom and Sefton landscape designs.

Steve Matthews, coordinator of the garden project, presented a DVD of the gradual creation of the garden. While children joined parents, family and friends for the singing of hymns and confession.

Officially opening the garden the Bishop praised St Luke’s and said: “It was lovely to see people of all ages in the community – from the youngest children to the oldest. St Luke’s church is fantastic and it was full of joy and happiness. Given the mood of the people in the country – because of the way the economy is – it is great to see people being positive. St Luke’s is a great example of what a church should be because it really goes out to the community.”

Crosby has a special place in the Bishop’s heart and he rejoiced ‘all things Crosby’. He said: “I visit Crosby a lot. I'm the Bishop of Crosby as well as Liverpool. Crosby is one of the first churches I visited 12 years ago when I came to Liverpool. Crosby is a well-defined community and people do get together and look out for each other which is fantastic. Crosby is a great place to live.”

When asked what his three favourite Crosby things are, he said: “The people here; in the way they take their faith seriously. I love the Ironmen – I hoped that they would become a permanent feature. And I love driving up this way because you feel the elements of the world with the seascape – Crosby is fantastic.”

Canon Pete Spiers, vicar of St Luke’s, said: “The Bishop spoke very eloquently about Christian faith and environment. The bible speaks a lot of the beauty of creation and our need to care for it – that’s the message he was telling us. People are very welcome to come and look at the garden and enjoy it.”