As a Lutheran I was honored, and a little suspicious, when Kate Campion asked me to write something in the St.  John’s on line newsletter. I told her I would do it on one condition, that she accept my donation of the complete works of Martin Luther and display them prominently in the St. John’s library.  She said she would be the first to read them, cover to cover.

Melissa Aitken, with Kelly Baughman, promoting sustainable living one flat at a time.

The HSC plant sale is the last fundraiser of the school year. It is also the best fundraiser of the school year.  Not only do you have the opportunity to give money which  helps support the quality education all  SJE children receive, but in return you receive items that will make you smile (flowers) or feed your family some decent food (vegetables) for a change.

In order to drive home the nurturing power of plants, I spoke to parishioner and school parent, Andy Aitken.  Here are some excerpts from my interview:

“Gardening? Yes I garden.  In fact you can say gardening saved my life.  I used to be addicted to video games.  I went weeks without eating, showering, etc. until one day there was a knock on my door.  When I answered, all that was there was a packet of carrot seeds on my welcome mat.  I picked them up and started crying, because I knew my life needed to change.  The next morning I planted the seeds in a small patch of soil.  Every day I would water, fertilize and weed this little carrot patch, until finally on the 4th of July they were ready to be harvested.  To this day the Aitkens eat heaping bowls of carrot soup every Independence Day.  From that small carrot patch my yard and home have become a botanical garden.  You can find orchids, heirloom tomatoes and a nice field of maze growing on my third of an acre in Silver Spring.  I welcome everyone to stop by, and if you come between 4-5 AM you will find me wandering around my house talking to and encouraging each of my plants. Do I garden?  Yes, I do, and I am proud to be called a gardener.”

I hope this testimonial inspires all of you to become gardeners too.  And what better way to start this process than a purchase of plants from the HSC plant sale.

Phil Droege – Concordia Lutheran School, Class of 1981

[Note: Due to unprecedented demand, patrons who wish to read the complete works of Martin Luther must add their names to the waiting list].