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Jul 01

Church, Community Garden Healthy for Mind, Body, Soul

Carol L. Smith

Anthony Walcott (left), elder, who created and maintains Bethel Church garden, is pictured with Dwight Gayle, pastor.

A partial view of Bethel Church garden

Gardening is a healthy way to feed the mind, body, and soul of community residents and church members. Bethel Church members in Orlando, Fla., under the leadership of Dwight Gayle, pastor, dedicated their community garden to the Lord on January 13, 2024. This was a joyous occasion filled with excitement of church members and community residents.

Foods planted in the garden nourish the body with essential vitamins that contribute to its health. Anthony Wilcox started the Bethel Community Garden after Andre Grace, elder, suggested planting a garden on the church property. Wilcox began by planting seeds in two garden boxes, which have grown into a bounty of healthy food items. The garden in front of the church is prominent and easily accessible for harvesting the produce, and for upkeep and maintenance. The water for the garden is donated from the well water of the church neighbors, David and Tina Rausch, who have started a garden.

The garden gives peace of mind because the community services workers do not rely solely on food banks to provide healthy foods. The flourishing garden produces enough fruits and vegetables for community residents and church members to enjoy. During the weekly food distribution, members from the Community Services Department give away collard greens, mustard greens, cabbage, kale, broccoli, herbs, and much more from the garden.

In keeping with the adage, “teach a man to fish, he can eat for a lifetime,” Wilcox teaches gardening lessons to church members and community residents. He encourages starting a garden, even if it means using pots, pans, and a small ground area with at least six hours of sunlight. Several members have started their gardens. Maintaining the garden encourages exercise, and it helps them build relationships with their neighbors by sharing produce from their gardens. Maurice Scott, elder, testified at the dedication that he gave several heads of cabbage from his garden to his neighbor at Christmas, strengthening a neighboring relationship. Wilcox desires every church member to start a garden so they can have food to eat, share with others, and freeze for future use.

The Bethel Community Garden is a blessing for the mind, body, and soul of community residents and church members who have also started gardens and are reaping the rewards of their harvest. If you don’t have a garden, consider starting one for your health. From planting the seed to preparing each plate, having a garden is one of the best ways to know how the food eaten was grown and handled before it reached your plate. For more information about gardening, contact Bethel Church.

Southeastern | July 2024

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