New Community Garden
Great news! The Greater Jude Tabernacle Church in Chilton is creating a Community Garden! This means increased access to fresh, healthy food while creating a space for education, service, and connection. This initiative is designed to bring people together across generations to learn practical skills, promote wellness, and encourage responsibility and stewardship.
“Through volunteer engagement and community partnerships, the garden provides opportunities for youth service learning, hands-on education, and meaningful outreach,” explains Pastor Robert Curtis of Greater Jude Tabernacle Church in Chilton.
“Our goal is not only to grow produce, but to cultivate unity, dignity, and hope. Working together in a garden, we can help meet practical needs while strengthening the fabric of our community,” Missionary Donna Curtis shares her vision.
Chilton’s National Honor Society students stand ready to dedicate their time and talents to this new community garden. Along with an anticipated growing number of community volunteers, they will till, fertilize and divide the ground into plots.
“Here, students can learn about food production, planning, and even business,” comments Chilton NHS Advisor Michelle Ramos. “Additionally, students can help their family stretch the food budget by assisting in the growth of fresh produce.”
The community garden will be located on the southern lot adjacent to the Greater Jude Tabernacle Gospel Church on 135 County Rd 4002, Chilton, TX 76632.It is open to anyone interested in growing produce.
There will be both ground level garden beds and raised beds, and a greenhouse. There will be a water supply, rain barrels, water hoses, trash cans, and compost bins. Garden beds will be shielded from animals. Mowing the surrounding areas will ensure a pleasant place for seating for visiting, reading, or studying the wonders of nature, botany, and biology.
“Soil and fertilizer are provided through Greenspaces, so the gardeners just need to add the work of planting, weeding, and watering their beds and then they can enjoy whatever produce they grow,” elaborates Missionary Curtis.
“The garden grows not only beautiful plants, but also comradery among people. Everyone can look forward to spending time there. We expect there will be a lot of laughter there,” adds an avid, experienced gardener.
“The empty lot is being transformed into garden space where the children, youth, and adults can learn firsthand how to grow their own produce. This allows the church to help meet the needs of its community. People in a community need Jesus foundationally.” Pastor Curtis explains, “They also need basic resources, education, skills… food that promotes health. We care for our neighbor; we demonstrate the Word.”
There is an overflow of benefits from a community garden. Where community gardens flourish, local environments flourish as well! The growth of new and varied plants improves both air and soil quality in and around gardening spaces. Additionally, community gardening projects are forms of sustainable agriculture, and promote healthy food production.
Community gardens can develop this connection to new environments while simultaneously meeting a need for connection with culture and traditions. This can be accomplished when immigrant gardeners are provided with the means to grow ethnic food. Vegetables, fruits, herbs, and more that are used in culturally significant dishes can bring powerful emotional benefits.
“We want to work together to elevate our beautiful community. Gardening brings joy and support to those who need it most,” supports Pastor Robert Curtis.
Contact Missionary Donna Curtis at 254-8186711 with your ideas, interest in participating as a gardener, or to volunteer. “Community gardens build a community amongst people. And we are excited to see our community grow!”