The church first started the garden on its property in 2007. Retired members lead the effort, but people of all ages – including children from local schools – participate.
The church has four goals for the garden:
• Strengthen relationships.
• Teach children foundational food growing techniques.
• Cultivate patience and appreciation of God’s creations and the rewards of work.
• Create surplus food for those in need.
The garden is grown in five raised beds that include vegetables such as sweet peas, green peas, spinach, radishes and onions. People work in the garden every Monday and Thursday for two hours.
The project also includes an after-school program called the Children of the Valley. Children eligible for free lunches in five surrounding grade and middle schools come in after school to receive help with schoolwork. During the summer, the children help with the garden on Thursdays (see accompanying photo).
“We have received really positive responses,” says Andy Anderson, the garden coordinator. “The kids really like it. In the future, we want to explore how to become more effective relating to the children in spiritual matters.”
