Heartland District Office
of the United
Methodist Church
Heartland District Office
of the United
Methodist Church
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9:00 am - 4:30 pm
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Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
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ISSUE 43 ISSUE 42 ISSUE 41 Newsletter Archives
March 5, 2010
As congregations seek fresh avenues to draw seekers not currently involved in the church, some are forming relationships with neighbors through community gardens. Parkrose United Methodist Church in Portland, Oregon has taken a portion of its property and turned it into a community garden with plots available to those who live in the neighborhoods surrounding the church. They have a community garden coordinator who helps with the organization and education related to the garden. The pastor and other church leaders volunteer time to create a great space and a warm welcome.
The local elementary school has promoted the opportunity to families from the school. The garden is drawing people from various backgrounds into conversation and connection with the church. Local church members also have plots and are part of this emerging group founded on a common interest in the garden.
In Cornelius, Oregon the United Methodist Church has taken their front lawn and created a community garden in the shape of a labyrinth, combining food production with an ancient spiritual practice. It is uniting the community and the congregation. The small congregation recognized that they could not do all the work alone. Participants in a local family literacy program that empowers Hispanic/Latino families and meets in the Cornelius church were more than happy to work together with members of the congregation.
Community gardens touch a deep chord at several levels. They address local hunger issues by allowing families to grow their own food and some churches donate excess produce to food banks. Gardens draw people together to work side by side, creating opportunities for the cultivation of mutual relationships across generations and economic status. Amidst worldwide concern for environmental justice, gardens become a way to share creation care principles from the Christian tradition.
Some Questions for Discussion
-- How might your congregation increase its visibility in the community and develop mutual relationships with diverse populations in your neighborhood?
-- How does your congregation help people connect Christian discipleship with environmental and social holiness?
Kevin Witt is Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries at the General Board of Discipleship. He can be reached at kwitt@gbod.org.