On December 23-24, boxwood trees swathed in ribbons will adorn the stage of Bishop O’Connell High School along with garlands, bows, balls, fairy lights, candles, and a boxwood advent wreath. Two large wreaths wrapped in Christmas lights will flank the auditorium as our church family gathers again as one body to celebrate the birth of the Messiah. Who are the mysterious workers who orchestrate efforts to deck the halls with greens, pine cones, and flowers? Here is a helpful introduction to one of many behind-the-scenes ministries at The Falls Church Anglican – a unique guild of artists who quietly bless our congregation all 52 weeks of the year with an eye for beauty and a desire to create a sacred space for worship.
“Arranging can be an act of worship – a mini spiritual retreat. I can attest to the refreshment of soul that can come during these times.”
Kristina Kroon, Flower Guild member
A few years ago, a Christmas wreath-making workshop led by Jeanne Domenech led to a fun discovery. When Jeanne asked me if I had thought about joining the flower guild at The Falls Church Anglican, I replied, “I didn’t even know there was a flower guild!” I had always loved flowers and wanted to learn more about floral design, but I told her I didn’t have much experience arranging bouquets. “Perfect!” Jeanne assured me. “I’m happy to train you.”
I joined The Falls Church Anglican flower guild with several clear goals in mind: I was eager to adopt a new creative outlet for myself, to cultivate my skills in floral design, to deepen and widen my church community, and to find a flexible way to serve in our church. In the time that I’ve been part of the flower guild, I have found all this – and more.
For me, one of the most exciting aspects of the flower guild is the wonderful women I’m getting to know. As an early-thirties single professional woman, I’m forming friendships with older women in the church whom I may not have met otherwise. My life is richer for their mentoring.
Another highlight of the flower guild is its flexibility. At our convenience, we sign up for conditioning the flowers on a Thursday morning and/or for arranging the flowers sometime between that Thursday and Saturday afternoon. Some guild members enjoy working with a partner, and I relish the fellowship that comes in such times. Other guild members prefer to sign up solo. Arranging can be an act of worship – a mini spiritual retreat. I can attest to the refreshment of soul that can come during these times too.
The flower guild is a great way to be involved in the life of our church. The guild is always looking for new members. No prior floral arranging experience is necessary – we’ll be glad to train you. To learn more about getting involved, contact Kitty Hayes.
Kristina Kroon is an elementary teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools. She has been attending The Falls Church Anglican since 2015, when she moved here to Northern Virginia from Michigan.
“In the Sermon on the Mount – a sermon that predated the birth of Christianity, a sermon so profound and timeless that it would endure throughout the history of Christianity and would (in fact) shape and distinguish the character of everything Christian – Jesus pointed to lilies as examples of a splendor superior to that of Solomon’s. He considered them to be better dressed than kings – lilies, that is (and a lily is one of the most naked flowers known to us). He did not apparently blush or stutter when He commanded His followers to consider them. He gave that command with the same authority that He gave the command to “let your light so shine” and the command to “turn the other cheek.””