As we dedicated the Claremont Presbyterian prayer and meditation garden last Sunday in Leanne Bauman Kerchner's name, I watched with delight as congregants and visitors wrote words of praise and hope on rocks and placed them in the fountain. Water washed over them and they glistened in the morning sunlight. We reflected on the words of the dedication plaque: Rest here, pray, be at peace. Even in the opening hour of the garden, I felt its purposes being fulfilled.

Rocks placed in the fountain during the dedication ceremony

I have visited almost every day since. The place bring solace. It spreads peace. It reminds us of the healing power of water. Ezekiel 36:25-25 tells us:

I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Earlier, pastor, Rev. Karen Sapio, spoke of the invitation that the labyrinth and meditation garden extend. "It's on the edge of our campus. People who are not members or churchgoers can incorporate it into their spiritual practice, if they have one. Or it can simply be a place for quiet contemplation. In addition to coming here and walking the labyrinth. We have a spot where you can sit quietly and pray, meditate, or contemplate."

Come. Rest. Invite a friend.