On Wednesday, March 12, Christ Lutheran School students planted “seeds of change.” The day began with a chapel service in which students learned about God’s earth and the ways they can help protect it.

Youth and Families Minister Tom Hafer held up an aluminum can.

“Instead of throwing cans on the ground, we can collect the cans for recycling. We can earn money for our missions, and protect the Earth as well.”

For some of the Special Angels preschool students as young as 2 years old, this may have been the first time they had heard about recycling.

After the service, over 150 students eagerly walked to the church’s organic garden, where they where were treated to a skit put on by Hafer and Chris Casey, the school’s physical education teacher. Casey threw down a can and was playfully chastised by Hafer, who explained in detail the dangers of littering and the possibilities of recycling. The church has set up recycling bins on campus.

Next, after a heartfelt prayer around the garden, the students began the process of planting seeds. On this day they were planting peppers. This will be followed in coming days by planting tomatoes, cucumbers, peas and green beans. The garden had been cleaned of rocks and weeds the previous Sunday by members of the church youth group.

“It should be really pretty,” said Emily Daniels, 14. “It’s very unique that they decided to use all natural stuff.”

Daniels was referring to compost the church is using as fertilizer. Students and congregation members are encouraged to bring in their kitchen waste such as vegetable peels and coffee grounds, as well as certain dried leaves and dryer lint. Containers are available on campus for people to drop off their refuse.

“I see egg shells, apple cores, peanut shells and rotten potatoes,” said Nathan Stone, 14, as he peered into a large compost bin. Stone is a Christ Lutheran School student as well as a member of the church youth group. “I’ve helped plant the garden,” said Stone. “I come to Youth Group on Wednesdays to hang out with Mr. Hafer.”

“The whole concept is to try to redirect this generation to be kinder to the Earth,” said Hafer, an environmentalist who uses a bicycle rather than a car for transportation. In addition to gardening and other tasks, Hafer leads youth in bi-weekly workout sessions.

“True wellness incorporates a sustainable planet and an end to world hunger,” he said. “These three: individual health, environment, and mission, are all addressed with one simplified integrated effort. I think we are offering the world an alternative to consumption.”

Hafer’s efforts have not gone unrecognized. He is the author of the book, “Faith and Fitness: Diet and Exercise for a Better World” (Ausburg Books, 2006). Hafer’s wellness program and the church’s organic garden have been profiled on an “E Entertainment” television special. Hafer is also serving as health and wellness manager of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Youth gathering in 2009, when 36,000 youth from across the nation will convene in New Orleans for fellowship and learning.

The garden project serves another important purpose: bringing together all generations of students and congregation members. Al Basler, 87, is a volunteer groundskeeper at the church. A lifetime farmer and landscaper, Basler is an important advisor on the gardening project.

“This is how we used to spade the garden,” explains Basler, holding up a garden spade. “I remember the horse and farrow plough. As a kid the garden was important, because that’s how we got our food. During the early 1930s, a dime was hard to come by.”

Basler recognizes the need to educate children about gardening.

“It’s good for kids to know where their food comes from. It’s not from the frozen food aisle in the grocery store,” he said

The garden had a more simple, yet profound effect on a much younger member of the church and school community.

“When I was in the garden, I felt the heart of Jesus come to me,” said Darien Fertitta, 4. “I’m excited about planting the seeds.”