Over the course of the summer I have been talking a lot about composting, gardening, eating organic/buying local, and how to be more green. Many of which have been a apart of my life for a while, became apart of our small home church's lives more recently. I am amazed that such a small group of our size (no more than 15-20 regular attendees) built a beautiful community garden, maintained it, and used it to build bridges to the larger community. The Mustard Seed Garden through Phoenix Metro Community Church worked with a local nonprofit, Preserving Traditions, to learn about growing organic, buying local & organic, facts about food, and canning. These skills helped Phoenix Metro build community relationships with one another, those in the larger community, and the opportunity to become a bridge in the community. With the organic garden produce, Phoenix Metro had healthier food options for each member plus a section of foods donated to a local nonprofit that feeds the hungry. Further, taking ingredients from the their garden and local organic farms, Phoenix Metro had a canning day in early September in which 133 cans of salsa, tomatoes, garlic-dill pickles, and pears were made. Also in mid-September they hosted a apple day assisted by Emily & Julie with Preserving Traditions at the Pittsfield Grange for the larger community. The Mister Laurence Experience also had a sing-a-long rocking 'ole time with the children. Apples came from the same property that Mustard Seed Garden resides on. Many people with families within the community came by to share in the experience. It is quite amazing that something so small, turned into something so beautiful.
