A new community garden has been established at Four Oaks United Methodist Church. The church hopes to grow healthy food for the community as well as having a space for people to use for community gatherings and reflection.
Four Oaks United Methodist starts community garden
Submitted by FOUR OAKS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
FOUR OAKS — Four Oaks United Methodist Church is excited to announce installation of a community garden. “God’s Small Garden,” as it is known to the congregation, was established on the church grounds located at 302 N. Church St. in Four Oaks. At God’s Small Garden, Four Oaks UMC hopes to not only grow good, healthy food, but also provide an outdoor space for community gathering, sanctuary and respite. So far, raised garden beds, lettuce 12 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]
towers and potato grow bags have been constructed and filled with soil. More raised beds will be added in the near future. Broccoli and sweet peas have been planted. The garden will also have radishes, lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes, squash and zucchini. In God’s Small Garden, Four Oaks UMC will grow all produce with sustainable and environmentally sound methods. A community garden has been a goal of the church for several years. The congregation had the vision of transforming a part of their unused green space into a garden that would grow healthy, fresh food. More inspiration was
provided by Four Oaks UMC members Alex and Janelle Blackman of Allis Farm in Benson. “Along with a passion and calling to share God’s gift of good food with our community, the Blackmans have provided an immeasurable gift to the garden with their practical expertise and experience, said Rev. Adam Charville, lead pastor of Four Oaks UMC. Besides growing healthy food to eat, the congregation at Four Oaks UMC established God’s Small Garden as a place to gather together. The purpose of this is to build and strengthen relationships among people. “This is not only for people and
