Church’s green getaway

Visitors to St. Mark Presbyterian Church’s new site in Newport Beach might find themselves soaking in the surroundings before going into the sanctuary.

Rev. Gary Collins, pastor of the “eco-friendly” church, said he thinks the outside areas offer their own sanctuary from the pressures and struggles of everyday life.

An outdoor amphitheater faces the Canyon Nature Preserve and Memorial Garden, providing what Collins described as “a peaceful place for remembering loved ones, or taking a quiet moment from a busy day.”

St. Mark’s plan to create “a warm and welcoming campus that would seamlessly weave the buildings with nature” recently received a stamp of approval by Audubon International.

St. Mark has the distinction of being the first church in the U.S. to enroll in the Audubon International Signature program, which designates a project as a “green,” low-impact development.

Audubon International is an environmental organization committed to educating and assisting communities interested in protecting and sustaining land, water, wildlife, and natural resources in the areas in which they live and work.

Use of native plants including sycamore trees, elderberry, coastal sage scrub and California poppy to reduce water consumption and protect a diversity of wildlife is part of what defines St. Mark as a “green” campus.

The church received certification from the National Wildlife Federation that the wildlife access corridor in the canyon had been retained, daylight and views were incorporated in 90% of the building spaces to reduce lighting needs, and more than 530 trees were planted throughout the property.

The Nature Center at the base of the canyon, along with a six-sided peace pole inscribed with the words, “May peace prevail on earth” in 12 languages, will explain more about the church’s environments, stewardship programs and activities.

Collins has been the pastor at St. Mark for almost 18 years and stressed that while he never “envisioned a place like this,” the church has always had a commitment to environmental preservation.

This location also offers a chance for St. Mark to reach out to the community in different and unique ways.

“There are places outside where people can go to pray, or commune with God.”

One of those places includes a labyrinth in the courtyard of the building, modeled after one at the Cathedral of Chartres outside Paris.

A prayer labyrinth, also known as a meditation labyrinth, is the symbol for journey, and walking it gives people a way to take time to reflect on their lives.

Collins said some people might compare the winding around to a maze, but reaching the center of the labyrinth on the first circuit, or path, symbolizes renewal and enlightenment.

“Stand in the middle and contemplate whatever you want to contemplate, listen for God’s voice, then walk out the same way you came in with a new life.”

Collins is hoping “folks will come over from Fashion Island and Newport Center and walk at lunchtime.”

On the third level, adjacent to the Canyon Nature Preserve, is the Memorial Garden and columbarium, a place where cremated remains are kept.

The columbarium is framed in granite, with 240 niches that could hold two urns in each space, and there will be benches where members can sit and reflect.

The Bonhoeffer room, named for Diedrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor and theologian put to death because he opposed Hitler, will have a “Starbucks/Borders kind of feel to it,” Collins said.

He wants people to walk around, have a cup of coffee, read a book — it’s another form of outreach to the community, which is really what Collins said his church is all about.

At Saturday’s open house, Collins hopes St. Mark will get the message out to the community that this is their place.

“This is a community asset that you are welcome to come experience and use,” he said.

“I think what attracts people to St. Mark’s is that we never let up on our obligation and desire to help people who have less than we have. That’s the heart of this place.”

IF YOU GO

WHAT: St. Mark Presbyterian Church Open House

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: 2200 San Joaquin Hills Road, Newport Beach

INFO: Call (949) 644-1341 or go to www.stmarkpresbyterian.org

SUE THOENSEN may be reached at (714) 966-4627 or at sue.thoensen@latimes.com.