Celebrate May Day with “Blessing Our Sacred Places: An Interfaith Celebration” at Innisfree Garden

Millbrook NY—On Sunday, May 1, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. join leaders and members of various faith traditions for the celebration of spring with an interfaith celebration
at Innisfree Garden located in Millbrook, NY.

The celebration will include music, readings, and a blessing of fields and seeds (people are welcome to bring packets of seeds to be blessed). The “Farms and Chef Food Truck” of Le Express Restaurant will have lunch available for purchase. Picnicking is also encouraged; picnic tables overlooking the Garden are available.

This event is co-sponsored by Grace Episcopal Church in Millbrook, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lithgow, and Innisfree Garden in Millbrook. Participating clergy include Rabbi Daniel Victor of Temple Beth El, Poughkeepsie, Dr. Umar M. Ahmad, Mid-Hudson Islamic Center, Wappingers Falls, Donna Coane (Ohstonha Ohskennonoton), Council member and spiritual leader, Schaghticoke First Nations of New York and Connecticut, The Rev. Canon Albert Ogle, Vicar, St Peter’s Church, and the Rev. Dr. Matthew Calkins, Rector, Grace Church. Professor Brigitte Kahl, Union Theological Seminary, will be  a featured speaker and also make an appearance on April 30 at 1:30 at the newly renovated Merritt Bookstore in Millbrook, where a selection of books on food, farm and faith are available for purchase.

The event is free and open to the public and is a part of the Food/Farm/Faith Initiative (F/F/F). This initiative seeks to grow community, nourish dialogue, and plant the future by connecting members of various food, farm, and faith communities in New York’s Hudson Valley through events and partnerships. Donations of any amount are accepted in support of Rural and Migrant Ministry’s youth leadership summer camp.

For inquiries about this event, please contact the Rev. Dr. Mathew Calkins at calkins@gracemillbrook.org or at 845-677-3064.

Innisfree Garden is located at 362 Tyrrel Road, Millbrook, NY and will only be open for this event on May 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Innisfree opens for the season on May 7, 2016. For more information about Innisfree Gardens visit www.innisfreegarden.org or call (845) 677-8000.