This summer, 30 high school students took on the challenge to re-design our churchyard to create a space that feeds both the body and the soul. They were charged with the task of incorporating a community farm, a prayer labyrinth and an outdoor gathering space into a cohesive whole within an area 100 ft X 100 ft . The youth took the charge seriously and the resulting six designs were creative, thoughtful and inspired. “These designs are really strong, showing that these teens thoroughly understood the goals of the project and the desires of the client. I was brought to tears frequently,” said Dawn Marie Galtieri, director of Voice of the City and the teacher for the summer session called “Design. Build. Grow. Eat.”
Over the next months, the church will study the costs and feasibility with the help of VOTC. In the meantime, we’ll simply enjoy the inspiration. 
Tongue on Fire 