The Village Church is hosting a plant exchange this May 19, 2024, from 10 a.m. to -12 p.m. Even if you don’t have your own items to exchange, you will be welcome to have a few items. Photos by Village Media Team
The event offered more than just greens; it fostered the excitement of growing beautiful surroundings, promoted the therapeutic consequences of playing in the dirt, and provided a wonderful opportunity to get up close with nature to see how God’s creation develops. And, Pastor Ron Kelly said this event is a fantastic opportunity to encourage Adventists to get back to their agricultural roots.
One of the most heartwarming parts of such events is knowing that it creates an opportunity to connect with community members or church members who have not been attending for a while. One of the Village Church’s online viewers had a daughter in the area who had not been to church for a while. The online viewer encouraged their daughter to go to the exchange and check out the planting options. Thankfully, the daughter did decide to come to visit the church. You never know what higher purpose God might have for church socials designed to care for, and share with, the community.
Plants that were shared included tomatoes, squash, watermelon, flowering annuals and perennials, herbs and more. Several people dug up seedlings to share, and others gave away old plants they no longer wanted.
Not just plants were provided. Healthy fresh food, in the form asparagus, grape tomatoes, and packets of onion sets were shared with those who wanted them. Furthermore, seed potatoes were provided that could be planted in something as simple as a bale of straw. Seed packets were also given away. Ten people went home with handmade bird houses.
Volunteers collected unused or donated garden equipment to share with those in need, including: multiple small rototillers, garden gloves, fertilizer and more. The church generously donated hundreds of dollars worth of seed starting soil to help gardeners get growing.
The event was largely organized by Village member, Diane Trickett. Flowers are one of Diane’s passion and they continually remind her of other people. She said that anytime someone divides a plant or shares with others, it creates a memorable token of joy to remember others. Diane asked, “Whenever it blooms, who do you think about?”
At the end of the previous event, no plants, seeds, soil or tools remained. Many people are anticipating the event this spring. The upcoming plant exchange will offer free items such as grass seed, garden hoes, rake, shovel, a bulb drill and more.
Please plan to attend this May 19 from 10 a.m. to -12 p.m. Even if you don’t have your own items to exchange, you will be welcome to have a few items. Also, spiritual books will be available for participants who stop by.
Robert Rice is the Village Church Bible worker
