More than 30 Disciples and United Church of Christ women from across the United States braved Indianapolis' unpredictable summer weather to engage in hands-on learning at Return to the Garden, a project designed to promote community gardening among churches. Creating community gardens provides excellent opportunities for addressing hunger issues and building stronger neighborhoods.
Disciples and United Church of Christ Mix in '06 women spend time in an east-side garden learning about community gardening.
|
The Springdale neighborhood, one of the most economically depressed areas of the city, was the site of the garden project. It was there that Indianapolis' worst mass murder happened only weeks before the women's event. However, the Springdale residents are optimistic about the future of their neighborhood, as seen by the women who participated. They witnessed a vision of what is possible, not only in Indianapolis, but also around the country, in neighborhoods not so different from the Springdale neighborhood. And now, more than 30 women will fan out across the country, carrying this vision.
Based on the evaluations, here are a few comments and valuable experiences:
- "Thanks for the opportunity to get my hands dirty and my heart ready."
- "… working with others to promote flower and vegetable growth in vacant lots."
- "A nice project to get close to the earth and socialize with many sisters."
- "… learning about the compost process …"
- "I have no gardening experience at all - learned a lot - will do it!"
- "Very valuable project that should be continued at other Synods and General Assemblies."
- "Knowing that there are some people doing meaningful work in this world gives me hope that I can, too."
Of the 30 completed evaluations, 25 women said they would consider volunteering in a community garden in their area. Twenty-one women said they would consider starting a community garden at their church!
Already, plans are in the works to hold a Return to the Garden project at the 2007 General Assembly in Fort Worth, Texas. To find out how you can volunteer, contact Angela Herrmann at (317) 713-2683 or aherrman@dhm.disciples.org.
Return to the Garden has been possible through the support of Week of Compassion and Disciples Home Missions. |
| Join us ... |
Disciples have returned to the garden at the 2005 General Assembly and the Mix in '06. Given its success so far, Disciples are poised to Return to the Garden in Fort Worth, Texas, at the 2007 General Assembly.
If you are interested in being part of the action, visit the Return to the Garden Web site for more information. You also can join the online discussion group. |
|
