Messiah’s Community Garden

Serving is an integral part of our faith. When we started our community garden, we decided to donate our fresh organic produce to Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM). This faith-based organization serves individuals and families in financial crisis, those on the brink of homelessness, the elderly, the unemployed and anyone that needs hope for a better future. They greatly appreciate the fresh produce, which is expensive to purchase. In 2018 we donated
458 lbs. of produce from five beds and year to date we have given 571 lbs. to CAM.

Chrysalis Preschool/After School Care

Our garden also serves to help children and youth learn how to plan a garden, plant seeds, care for growth, and enjoy the harvest. The “Green Caterpillars” (4-5 years-old) work with container gardening while the “Green Butterflies” (after-school kids) work with garden beds and container gardening All of them are also learning about God’s creation! Through the garden we are building future leaders who will better understand how to grow plants, appreciate healthy nutrition and care for God’s people.

Free Community Garden Classes

Messiah believes in educating our community on organic gardening.
Twice a year we offer free gardening classes to adults in our community. Other opportunities include a community seed/plant exchange and talks about the importance of bees!
People learn, meet other people, and see God’s creation anew.

Community Partners

CYPRESS ASSISTANCE MINISTRY (CAM):

We partner with CAM through our donation of fresh produce and herbs from our Community Garden. In 2018, CAM fed 10,206 people through their Food Pantry, justly distributing 455,450 pounds of food.

MATT, THE BEEKEEPER:

We provide land for his beehives and promote his “Bee Talks.” Twice this year, Matt gave engaging and informative presentations. He also sells Messiah Community Garden Honey at Farmer’s Markets and in his store. He then donates to CAM a percentage of his income from the sale of our honey ($500 in 2018).

URBAN HARVEST:

Messiah is proud to be an Urban Harvest Affiliate Garden. Their advice in building the garden and following their planting schedule was critical to our good start. We are now in their network of resources and benefits, which continues our success.

SCOUTS:

The Boy Scouts have contributed to the garden by building ADA compliant picnic tables and have helped with garden. Girl Scouts will be starting a project this quarter to help startup of the container gardening program.

TEXAS A&M EXTENSION SERVICE:

They test our soil and recommend vegetable varieties to grow and different ways to increase crop yield.

KROGER:

Through their Rewards Program, people can designate Messiah Lutheran Community Garden. Kroger then donates a percentage of the groceries they purchase.