Summer Garden Ministry Celebrates 28 Years at Anderson Japanese Gardens

Join us in celebrating the 28th anniversary of the inspirational Summer Garden Ministry at Anderson Japanese Gardens! This beloved program, co-hosted by The Salvation Army, has been a cherished tradition since 1998, offering a serene and peaceful setting for worship in the heart of one of Rockford's most beautiful spaces.

The Summer Garden Ministry welcomes individuals of all denominations to come together in song and prayer each week. Over the years, more than 50 Christian churches and organizations have participated in the half hour service, with local pastors and musicians from a wide variety of traditions taking part. The result is a uniquely shared worship experience that reflects the diverse faith community of our region.

The ministry is open to the public and FREE to attend. We invite you to join us every Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. from May 26 through September 1, 2026. After the service, you are welcome to explore and enjoy the beautiful gardens at your leisure. Anderson Japanese Gardens is located at 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL.

For those unable to attend in person, we continue to offer the opportunity to watch the services via livestream on the Summer Garden Ministry Facebook page.  People from all around the world have joined us virtually to take part in this inspiring program, extending its reach far beyond Rockford.

Reaching 28 years would not have been possible without Sonja and Jodi Beach, who have coordinated everything from scheduling speakers and musicians to managing weekly logistics season after season. Their faithful service has kept this ministry running strong and growing for nearly three decades.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Anderson family for their vision of a non-denominational Christian worship experience and to Anderson Japanese Gardens for their continued collaboration and support. Please mark your calendars and join us in celebrating this special milestone. We hope to see you there!