Land Stewardship at Woodcreek Church
Building a Path for the Next 50 Years
The Vision: Wise Stewardship
God has given Woodcreek an incredible and unique resource - mature trees, a flowing creek, and lots of open space. When we relocated to 3400 E Renner Road in 2008, it was the intention of the elders that we wouldn’t have to worry about space for the foreseeable future. Because of their wisdom and God’s graciousness, we have a gift that can bless our church and the surrounding communities. We are excited to begin to develop part of our property to create a space for:
- Connection: Places for 1-on-1 discipleship and small group meetings.
- Rest: Shaded seating and quiet spots for prayer and reflection.
- Outreach: An open invitation for our neighbors to enjoy the trails and see the beauty of God’s creation.
Progress Report: What’s Happening Now
Preparatory Phase (Completed):
We used a herd of goats to naturally and efficiently clear underbrush and poison ivy from 3-5 acres of the back property. We are beginning professional land clearing and creek cleanup to remove old debris and "raise the canopy" of the trees to make the area safe and visible.
Phase 1 (Trail - In Progress):
Construction of a trail that connects our current campus to the back 10+ acres, which will include a multipurpose field and a bridge crossing for easy access to the surrounding community.
Phase 2 (Trail System Expansion- Next Phase):
Further development of the trail system will introduce more loops, alongside additional unique park spaces, a prayer area, and a storage facility.
Looking Ahead
Our goal is to have the initial trail system fully accessible in time for our 50th Anniversary celebration. In the coming months, there will be "Work-Day" opportunities for you to grab a pair of gloves and help us get the land ready for ministry.
"O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures."Â Psalm 104:24
Frequently Asked Questions
We want to be faithful with the land God has given us. Since 70% of our property is currently unused, we believe it’s time to open up new outdoor spaces to better connect with our neighbors, with one another, and with the Lord.
Yes! The goats were a great first step for clearing the heaviest brush, and they will make an appearance again this summer.
Over the years, debris and concrete were left in the creek area before the church even owned the land. We are removing those items to restore the natural flow of the water and the beauty of the bank.
While the trails are great for a quiet walk, they also offer new spaces for our classes and groups to meet outside when the weather is nice.
Yes. We are working with engineers to make sure our main paths and bridges are safe and accessible for everyone in our church family.
Many of our neighbors already use the city trails that border our land. By opening ours up, we invite them onto our property in a relaxed, natural way.
Absolutely. Water is a major part of our story and theology. We want to make the creek a focal point where people can be reminded of God’s "living water".
This initial work is part of our commitment to land stewardship. We are focusing on low-cost, high-impact steps like work days and natural clearing to be wise with our resources. Future projects may require specific fundraising programs; however, these initial steps can be funded by cash on hand.
Our goal is to have the first portion ready for our 50th Anniversary celebration. We will keep the congregation updated as each section becomes safe for foot traffic.