Just check out all the work we did last Saturday:

Why plant a garden?  And what in the world does it have to do with faith?

Glad you asked!  Give me a minute to rant and rave and I’ll tell you.

It’s clear that at no other time in human history has a society been further removed from its sources of food, produced more waste and done more harm to their environment, and all of this at the expense of our global neighbors.  Central to our vocation as Christ’s Beloved is a ministry of reconciliation, which includes all Creation.  That means that God is calling us to drastic life-change, not motivated by guilt and fear, but rather, an inward change motivated by delight in God’s good creation and gratitude for the love of Jesus Christ.  Therefore, it’s with this passion at our heart that we recognize a great need in us and in South Snohomish County for a urban garden space to offer empowerment through education, exploration, work, play and prayer.  There in the garden seemingly mundane work, such as sifting soil or constructing a green house, forms ‘good news’ relationships with our neighbors.  The Rosewood Community Garden tells a different story that offers a hopeful vision for the planet and invites hands-on participation at every level.

What you can look forward to in the near future…

Much, much more to come!  When it comes to the garden – we hope to have both community garden beds as well as rentable plots – we hope to erect a green house, expand the composting system, clear out space for an orchard and pumpkin patch.

And when it comes to workshops and events – we hope to have a full calendar of offerings from a canning and pickling party with urban practitioner Mike McGill to “The Spirituality of Gardening” morning retreat with author Christine Sine.  What types of things do you want to learn about?  Do you know about something that you can teach us?  We want to know!  (email ryan@belovedschurch.org)

The Rosewood Community Garden is getting ready for Spring and getting ready for you!  So be on the look out for the next garden work day and come get your hands dirty.  Would you believe that it’s just one small way of joining God’s dream of mending the entire universe?

Check the Facebook page for more info and updates on artists and crafters, musicians and chefs!

And by the end of the night we raised over 1k… well over the $750 needed to provide aftercare for two survivors of the sex trafficking industry!  On a holiday where lovers exchange million’s of dollars worth of gifts, I’m glad we can send this one little gift back to the world.