prayer. A Community Prayer Box has been installed on the corner of Three Cross Road and Heritage Avenue, just across the street northeast of the church. Prayer request papers are provided at the box.
The people of First Lutheran conclude each worship service by reminding one another of our mission statement, “Gathering to know Jesus, serving to make a difference”. We believe that part of our “serving to make a difference” includes being stewards of the land upon which our campus is located.
Recently we’ve begun plans to restore the walking trail area north of the drive-in to native Iowa prairie, including native grasses and forbes (wildflowers). In addition to a more beautiful and colorful landscape across the growing season it will afford many other benefits. The native prairie plants will improve the soil health, act as a natural filter for water, increase biodiversity and wildlife habitat while also reducing erosion and nutrient runoff.
This conversion has involved several steps including an initial controlled burn of the present vegetation in the spring of 2025, mowing throughout the summer and herbicide applications to make way for an early winter 2026 seeding of native prairie seeds to take root and come up in the spring of 2027. We will invite congregational participation for seeding, care, and education as the opportunities arise in the months ahead.
By spring of 2027 we’ll only be seeing the first fruits of this restoration project. Prairie conversion takes several years to achieve. There’s an old adage that goes: First it sleeps, then it creeps, then it leaps.
2027 – Year 1 “Sleeps” – Many prairie plants, like perennials, spend their first year establishing a strong root system, rather than focusing on above-ground growth.
2028 – Year 2 “Creeps” – In the second year, the plants start to emerge and expand their foliage, continuing to develop their root system.
2029 – Year 3 “Leaps” – By the third year, the plants have reached maturity and exhibit a full display of growth, including vibrant blooms and foliage.
At that point our focus will be on developing a maintenance schedule so that generations to come will be able to steward and enjoy First Lutheran’s native prairie area.
Our intent is for the walking trails to remain in place throughout the conversion and restoration. Depending on the stage, there may be times when access to the trails is temporarily closed for safety or to limit disturbance. Please adhere to any signage in order to aid in the success of the restoration and re-open trail access as soon as possible.
If you have further questions, call the church office or visit with Pr. Brian.
