IMAGE BY DEVON WIGGINS

The butterfly is a symbol for Jesus' resurrection. The Lord is risen; this is the heart of our FAITH.

The Monarch, "King" of butterflies, is a fitting symbol for our faith in Christ [King] Jesus.

Eastern Monarch butterflies winter in Mexico and begin a jouney northward in spring.

This "first generation" arrives in our southern states, lay eggs on milkweed plants and soon die.

Then a "second generation" goes through the Monarch's life cycle, egg, caterpillar, pupa to butterfly.

These fly north and the cycle is repeated. In mid to late summer a "third generation" reaches our area.

We help these Monarchs by planting nectar plants to nourish them and milkweed on which to lay their eggs.

A "fourth generation" matures and in the fall are ready to fly south on a one-time journey to Mexico.

Like the Monarch, in its amazing journey, we also Keep on Keeping on amidst life's challenges.

We live with the confidence that our lives do make a difference; this is the HOPE God gives us.

 We Hope in the truth of our Lord's Prayer: "Thy kingdom come; thy will be done, on earth as in heaven."

God's creation is one of incredible beauty; if only we take more time to notice and express appreciation.

How beautiful  to see a Monarch Butterfly take flight in the bright sunshine and land on a colorful flower!

Most beautful of all is the LOVE God has for us; the love we are given to share with one another.

The Bible compares God's love to light; Jesus challenges us who are his followers: "Let Your Light Shine." 

We share God's love in faith that Jesus is alive, and in hope of God's kingdom coming on earth as in heaven!

We encourage the planting and tending of Monarch gardens, including needed milkweed and other nectar plants.

With a little tender loving care we provide for the Monarch on its journey and brighten our own life journey as well.

This summer, you will be able to see Monarch gardens at our church and at Roland & Nancy's home in Boonsboro.

Roland will also be able to help those get started who would like to plant their own Monarch Garden.

Share the beauty of God's creation and let the Monarch help you tell God's story of faith, hope and love!

For Butterfly Garden Resources go to:

Link to Prairie Moon Nursery

Link to Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

Butterfly Gardens Slideshow

Slideshow includes first monarch caterpillar found on a butterflyweed milkweed in Roland's raingarden--06-30-15

Two more were found same day on a swamp milkweed; these were ready to transition to pupa stage by July 2.

Roland saw a Monarch Butterfly at the rain garden on May 30, likely the caterpillars are from eggs laid at that time

First Monarch caterpillar was found in church butterfly gardens on Rose [Swamp] Milkweed, August 10, 2015

Last Monarch shown was seen on October 25