Creation Care
“And God saw everything He had made, and behold, it was very good.” ~ Genesis 1:31
Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A prayer for the conservation of natural resources. The Book of Common Prayer, p. 827
We focus our work as stewards of God's creation on funding local agencies that encourage care and appreciation of the land and creatures around us. This funding comes from the offering at our annual Thanksgiving Day "Blessing of the Hounds" service. We are developing part of our church grounds as "Re-Creation Spaces", designed to offer our community a peaceful retreat and spiritual sustenance.
Blessing of the Hounds
First held on November 28, 1929, Grace Episcopal Church was one of the first churches in the country to have a “Blessing of the Hounds” service–a tradition that has continued each Thanksgiving Day since.
The outdoor service attracts up to 1,000 attendees from around the area. Cider and donuts are given out before the service, and hunters from the Keswick Hunt Club conduct a fox hunt following the service of thanksgiving. We traditionally collect donations for local animal charities.
Re-Creation Spaces
We are in the process of developing a play and learning space,a series of nature trails and meadow, and a labyrinth that will harmoniously come together. These areas are designed to provide spiritual sustenance and a peaceful retreat for all.
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Play and Learning Space (PALS) includes the inviting ark, playhouse, and swings, all nestled within the serene environment of our church. Picnic tables invite families to spend time together.
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Our hiking trails include a streamside hike, as well as a wider, easily accessible wooded walk. We have plans to create a vibrant wildflower meadow installation in the near future.
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We plan construction of a 7 circuit labyrinth, set to begin in 2026. Access to this serene space will be available through the Memorial Garden or our Wooded Walk Trail
Learn about each area below
In Ministry with The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
We are pleased to announce that Grace Episcopal Church, Keswick has been awarded a 2026 Habitat Restoration Grant from the Diocese of Virginia's Creation Care Committee which will help us develop our WIldflower Meadow portion of the Re-Creation Spaces.
Partners in restoring creation
Logo | Title | Description | Volunteer opportunities | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4-H Corky Shackelford Scholarship | Grants to 4-H applicants in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna and Orange | Liaison with the area 4-H groups about students applying for $500 grants to raise animals | http://www.gracekeswick.org | |
Camp Holiday Trails | purchase some of our materials (music, soft chairs, lights, plants) for Sensory Room and Sensory Garden in the medical clinic area | Help with Pop Up Camps locally and at Fall and Spring family camps at Camp Holiday Trails; United Way Day of Caring
| https://campholidaytrails.org/ | |
HOWS | Straw bedding for the outside dog houses in the winter | Field Day to distribute houses and straw; transport dog to vet; transport doghouse materials (lumber, caulk etc.,) to a participating school or scout troop which will build the dog houses; check badges at Ting Pavilion fundraiser
| https://housesofwoodandstraw.org/ | |
Hope’s Legacy
| Vet services for rescued horses | Daily animal feeding shifts
| https://www.hopeslegacy.com/ | |
International Rescue Committee
| Volunteers to promote English tutoring available in the community. | New Roots gardens; assist in English tutoring
| https://www.rescue.org/united-states/charlottesville-va | |
Keswick Sensory Farm
| Animal care and sensory activities for children with autism and their families | To be explored with manager
| https://keswicksensory.org/ | |
Montanova | Scholarship for 1 child | Providing snacks for riders preparing for riding lessons after school
| https://www.montanovastables.org/ | |
Ride with Pride
| Therapeutic riding, veterans, foster children and reading to horses | Assist with students on horses (some students need 3 volunteers); barn chores or fundraising activities
| https://ridewithprideva.org/ | |
Rivanna Conservation Alliance
| Education of 6th and 7th graders about ecology of the river | Participate in monitoring the river; help with community education events
| https://www.rivannariver.org/ | |
Service Dogs of Virginia
| Blessing of the Hounds 2025---funds for training service dogs | Puppy raisers at home; Puppy sitters at whelping station so that during first 8 weeks the puppies are never alone; assist with outreach events
| https://www.servicedogsva.org/ |