A Sanctuary From Strong Smells

AVON PARK - Grace Garnett's allergies used to keep her from attending church, but when Resurrection Lutheran Church started a fragrance-free service, she was able to return to worship.

"This is the most wonderful gift they could have given me," said Garnett, who attends the services every Wednesday at 7 p.m.

When she used to go to regular church services, the smell of perfume would be so overwhelming, she would have to run out the door into the fresh air. Garnett said when she smells strong fragrances, she gets pains in her chest, then starts feeling weak.

"I feel like a wet noodle," Garnett said. "It just takes away all my strength and takes everything out of me."

Not only is Garnett unable to use fragrant soap or light aromatic candles, she also is unable to go to church, where many people wear different perfumes and colognes.

"I'm afraid people think I am anti-social, but I don't have another choice," Garnett said. "I love people, and it hurts not be able to be around them."

Even visits with allergists have not produced solutions that allow her to be comfortable around strong smells.

"I don't want to affect other people because I know this is my problem," Garnett said. "The only way I could deal with it is to stop going to church."

Garnett, who said her faith is very important to her, said she continued to practice her religion at home, reading her Bible and receiving communion once a month.

Pastor John Grodzinski said during a visit with Garnett, he learned she was skipping services because of her allergy and decided to try to find a solution.

"I set up a service that would accommodate her needs, and she has been worshipping ever since," Grodzinski said. "We feel very blessed to bless her with a service that is fitting for her."

Garnett said she was very happy to be able to return to worshipping at church.

"This is absolutely wonderful because I no longer feel so isolated," Garnett said. "My prayers go out every night to everyone who has been so kind to help me."

Maureen Grodzinski, wife of the pastor, said other church members have expressed interest in the fragrance-free service as well.

"We found out there are probably more people who benefit from a service like that than we know," Maureen Grodzinski said.

John Grodzinski said he isn't sure how many other people have benefited from the fragrance-free services, but he hasn't had any complaints.

"It hasn't been a deterrent to anyone, and it has been a help for at least one person," Grodzinski said.