Recently I spoke with a friend of mine (who doesn't attend West Shore) about our new garden spaces and rehearsed with her why a prayer ministry should become involved in gardening.  To me it’s a continuation of the relationship begun in a garden long ago where human beings came to know the plants and fruit that sustain them and began their vocation as stewards to serve and protect (“till and keep” in the NRSV) the earth and its bounty.  More importantly, that garden provided a daily opportunity to walk with God, talking over the day, experiencing God’s pleasure in us, our work and in all the species that have grown from his magnificent creation.    

The following is my friend’s response after thinking over our conversation:

"I have been thinking about how much your community garden is truly an
extension of a prayer ministry. The blessings of the earth are an answered
prayer from a bountiful God—responses to laboring and sowing into God’s
creation to reap beauty, pleasure and sustenance. Sowing and reaping
reminds me of conversation with God. Speaking and listening; waiting
and watching; joy and sometimes disappointment with the results. But
always a miracle!"

If you are interested in gardening with us, please note the schedule of community garden events:

May 14                                                                 
Planting community vegetable garden plots

If you are interested in taking part in these initiatives, please contact me.

Resources Needed for Prayer Path
Tiki torches
Portable fire pit
Flowers
Rail road ties
Large lanterns

Need for Vegetable Garden
Lumber
Fencing supplies