Artistic rendering of the threshold space beneath the live oak on our front lawn.

Something is growing on the front lawn of Grace Lutheran Church — and it started with a tree.

This summer, we created a new outdoor gathering place beneath the shade of one of our beautiful live oaks: a circle of Adirondack chairs set on a pea gravel surface, open to anyone who passes by. It will be a threshold space —where our church property opens naturally into the life of our parish neighborhood, creating opportunities for congregation members and neighbors to meet.

Why a Threshold Space?

At Grace, we believe the church is not just a building people come to — it is a community that also goes out. A threshold space is an expression of that conviction made visible and tangible. It says: You don’t have to come inside to belong here. You don’t have to pay for anything, as you would at a coffee shop or pub. Take a seat and enjoy God’s creation. Now more than ever, we need green spaces, and third spaces — beyond home and workplaces — to meet face-to-face, slow down, and linger in conversation.

The space will serve our congregation for informal gatherings, s’mores nights, and special events like the Blessing of the Animals, and our Earth Day singalong. It will also be a home base for our growing campus ministry to Florida Southern College, giving students a welcoming and convenient place to gather. Signage offers an invitation to our neighbors walking by: Grace is here. You are welcome.