– Jacob Dye, Heritage District Creation Care Team
Over the next few months, the Heritage District creation care team will be sharing stories of the ways churches in our district are already doing the good work of caring for God’s creation.
This month, we’re highlighting God’s Garden at Salem UMC in Oxford. Through utilizing land on their church property, Salem UMC grows tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumbers, squash, and strawberries. Much of this fresh produce is purchased by church members on Sundays, while the rest is donated to Area Congregations in Ministry (ACIM), a food pantry in Oxford.
How does the church keep this garden running? The church welcomes middle and high school students to work the garden during the summer months as paid interns. These internships are supported by both the church budget as well as a partnership with Resourceful Communities. This summer, The Garden at Salem is being cared for by seven interns, four of whom are returning from last summer. These interns are overseen by a church member who serves as the garden manager.
Not only do these student interns work in The Garden at Salem, but they also work one day a week at God’s Garden, a community garden that is run by Oxford UMC. Much of the food there is also donated to ACIM. In addition to this, the interns also help pack boxes of local produce at Working Landscapes in Warrenton, a food hub that helps connect local farmers with local customers.
While the Garden at Salem is not certified organic, they practice organic gardening as best they can. In this way, not only are they providing healthy and local food to members of the community, but they are also building back the health of the soil on their church property.
The Garden at Salem is a wonderful example of all the good work that can be done when we commit to caring for God’s creation. From working the land on their property, to supporting two community gardens, one food pantry, and one food hub, Salem UMC is making a big impact in their corner of creation.