Immanuel's Chokecherry Harvest an Act of Reconciliation and Thanksgiving

Do you remember back in the spring of 2014 when parishes around the diocese planted chokecherry trees? At the recommendation of Indigenous elders, Bishop Jane Alexander arranged for each parish to receive a tree. These young trees were/are a sign of reconciliation; we are dedicating ourselves as followers of Jesus to making right our relationship with the Indigenous peoples of the land. 

The tree planted at Immanuel, Wetaskiwin has grown to over 10 ft. tall and was laden with chokecherries this summer. 

Looking at the tree, rector the Rev. Hugh Matheson wondered if there might just be enough cherries to make wine for the celebration of the Sunday eucharist. He invited members of the parish to join him for a chokecherry-picking session.

Following morning worship, on Sunday, August 28, a group of parishioners harvested about 13 pounds of chokecherries – enough to make up to 19 litres of wine. The chokecherry wine will age in bottles for around seven weeks and will be ready for the celebration of the Lord’s Nativity, on December 25. 

The congregation of Immanuel, Wetaskiwin is looking forward to tasting this wine and are grateful to God our Creator for blessing them with this wonderful chokecherry tree. Story by Fiona Brownlee; Photo by Carol Blair