b'Community SpotlightHow Sweet It Is: Bees, Blessings, &Giving BackAt St. Aidans Church, there is a special kind of buzz in the airquite literally. For several years now, the church has been home tothriving bee hives. These honeybee colonies have been carefullytended to by members of the Churchyard Bees and led by PeterAndersen, who saw an opportunity not just to care for creation, butalso to give back. The honey harvested from these hives is bottledand sold, with proceeds generously donated to LUSO CommunityServices. Each golden jar represents more than the sweetnesscontained withinit represents hope, support, and connection inthe community.But the Churchyard Bees and St. Aidans Church did not stop there.Their commitment to sharing the hives gift has grown, much likethe bee colonies themselves. This past summer, they opened thehives to equity-denied children connected to LUSOs Basic Needsprograms. With wide eyes and brave hearts, the children suited upin protective bee suits and learned first-hand how honey is made.The experience turned curiosity into wonder, as they watched thebees hard at workeach tiny worker reminding us of the power ofcommunal action and the beauty found in community.The day ended with a lively community BBQ, where the childrenand church families gathered to share food, laughter, and storiesof their time with the honeybees. It was a sweet reminder thatwhen people come togetherlike bees in a hivemagic happens!The Churchyard Bees, St. Aidans Church, and Peter Andersencontinue to inspire us, showing that generosity does not have tobe complicated. Sometimes it is as simple as caring for bees,sharing honey, and spreading kindness. Thanks to this buzzingpartnership with LUSO, both the bees and our community arethriving.LUSO Community Services 322024-25 Impact Report'