ONE BODY: Nourishing N.C. | Denver Community Garden

By: Rev. Dr. Laura Elliott

In April, United Methodists from around the world will be in Charlotte, North Carolina, for General Conference. We encourage you to make plans to nourish your neighbors during the two weeks of the General Conference (April 23-May 3) as a part of our mission initiative, One Body: Nourishing  North Carolina. As the world’s eyes are focused on disaffiliation and schism, One Body: Nourishing North Carolina will combat food insecurity in North Carolina, providing an alternative narrative of hope and healing.  This initiative will positively impact our communities, highlight ongoing and new ministries, and be an outward representation of our continued commitment to the United Methodist connection.

During the run up to General Conference, we are lifting up diverse food-related ministries across the Conference that feed folks physically, spiritually, relationally, mentally, and emotionally. Feeding the hungry and addressing food insecurity are a key command in scripture, but where and how are we doing this can be a great enhancement. 

Contexts for food ministry that promote community-building, relationships among all the people involved, and ongoing, consistent ministry are key.  Here is the fourth in our weekly series of food-based ministry stories ~ these will be examples of various types of initiatives that may inspire you or remind you of something you are already doing!

As you make plans to nourish your neighbors during these two weeks, we want to hear how you will impact your community! By completing this form, you allow us to hear your stories and share the good news of how United Methodists are providing both physical nourishment and the gospel of the Bread of Life with their neighbors and communities.
 

“Denver Community Garden”
Next in Our Series of “Food & More” Ministries

By Rev. Dr. Laura Elliott

Community Gardens have “sprouted up everywhere,” becoming a great addition to many organizations, including churches. One great example in the WNCC is the Denver Community Garden started in the fall of 2022 by Denver UMC near Lake Norman in Lincoln Co., where Rev. Steve Autrey serves as Senior Pastor.

“The Denver Community Garden is our ministry designed to provide a consistent, local source of free, fresh produce to struggling neighbors, while promoting a healthy lifestyle,” said Rev. Autrey. “Space was made available on the church campus when we were able to combine two pre-existing playgrounds, opening up a large field where the garden could be started.”

Denver’s goal has been to maintain a 12-month garden, and managed to do so relatively well for its first year. They planted potatoes, cabbage, kale, arugula, carrots, peas, broccoli,collard greens, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, squash, zucchini, okra, and a variety of peppers.

Volunteers from throughout the community have been invited to participate in caring for the garden. “We start with a core group of volunteers from our church members and staff, and schedule some official Garden Work Days,” said Carol Brown, Director of Outreach Ministries at Denver UMC. “But we have also been excited to welcome local school students and other churches to help us maintain and harvest the produce. Regardless of whether you are a new or experienced gardener, all are welcome!”

Items grown in the garden are first utilized with the congregation’s own existing food ministries, including their Backpacks for Kids program and the Little Pantry set up in the church’s parking lot. Denver UMC also has a long-standing relationship with East Lincoln Christian Ministries, and donates additional garden produce to that local organization. “We were already focused on outreach to food-insecure neighbors and families through our own and others’ ministries like these,” added Carol Brown, “so starting a community garden to add fresh produce to these projects was a natural next step.”

More food grown in the Denver Community Garden is also donated to Christian Ministry of Lincoln Co. which includes a soup kitchen, and the “Corner Table” in nearby Newton, as well as to children attending their local United Methodist Missional Network's “Fun Fridays Summer Camp,” and to some local individual neighbors.

Carol Brown shared that they saved seeds from last year's harvest to plant this year, and said one of garden highlights of 2023 was harvesting a 36.6-lb. watermelon!

“Our church has enjoyed learning and experimenting with different crops,” concluded Rev. Autrey, “and we've built great relationships with each other in the process, experiencing a sense of community through the development of this garden, as well as helping our neighbors.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with the Denver Community Garden or discussing how to get started on your own church or community garden, can send an email to carol.brown@denverumc.org.