By: Erich Nowe

You can see Holy Cross Community Garden through the fence. The people inside plant 4x8 foot plots and soak them with water for a few months in hope of cultivating food. They send a portion of that food to the food pantry for distribution to the needy.

Gardeners face challenges such as weeds, hail stones, difficult soil, rabbits, grasshoppers, voles, and dry air.

"You can walk past the garden every day and never truly see who is growing."

You could tithe a portion of your crop every year to the food pantry and never see all that is growing. You could receive a bag of vegetables from the food pantry and never see where it is growing.

And if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday. -Isaiah 58:10

"Doris doesn't see all that well, but she tends her plots with vigor. You can't miss her squashes and her wisdom."

Rod wants to help lighten the load. Trish is looking out for thirsty plants. The Ogilves move mountains of mulch. The Guidos have a soft spot for empty garden plots. Jill is more than just another pea in the pod.

"The garden is people helping people."

Would you stop, help, and listen? Gardeners face challenges outside the garden and yet, they freely give. Fruit trees get planted and garden stones get crafted as memorials. No grocery store can nourish the body and grow the spirit like this. The fruit of the labor is a blessing.

"The abundance comes from God."

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. - Isaiah 58:11

"Come Grow with Us!"

Every year the garden hosts an Open House open to anyone who would like to check out all the wonderful fruits, vegetables, and herbs being grown and meet the community of gardeners. The date will be shared soon in the weekly news, website, and on Facebook. If you’d like to grow with us next year, applications and information are at the Ministry Center. All are welcome at the garden whether you are a seasoned pro or just learning.