Mt Zion A.M.E. Dover Dedicates Community Garden
By Cheryl Fisher, 1st Episcopal District
Taking our health into our own hands has never been more important than at this very moment. In the midst of a pandemic, it is crucial that our churches pool resources to provide fresh food to our communities. Planning, planting, and harvesting our own food in our own gardens is the key, according to the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.C.) International Health Commission to Prevent Food Insecurity and Food Injustice Program. The immediate past President of the A.M.E.C. Health Commission, Bishop Harry L. Seawright, said, “The vision of the A.M.E.C. is to take our health into our own hands and to grow our own food; it starts with each church doing its part. Growing a garden on church property should be a vision for all churches.”
The vision of a community garden on the grounds of the Mt. Zion A.M.E.C. in Dover, Delaware, became a reality with a dedication service on Sunday, June 13, 2021, when church and community members planted the seeds of hope and bell pepper plants.
Rev. Dr. Erika D. Crawford, the pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E.C. Dover and the Connectional President of the A.M.E.C. Women In Ministry (A.M.E./WIM), set a goal this year to have a real impact on the community. “Our goal is to go outside the four walls of the church and into our neighborhood. This community garden, which is for everyone, is so important in fulfilling a need for affordable, fresh vegetables in our own neighborhood where sometimes there is a scarcity of healthy, fresh food,” she said.
The dedication service began with a welcome message from garden committee member Dr. Bobby Jones who told the audience how they too could get involved. Dr. Wilma Mishoe, Past President of Delaware State University and garden committee member, said a prayer that honored the men and women of Mt. Zion who envisioned a community garden on the church property. Garden committee member Ms. Doris Cooper read the scripture from John 15:1-5 (NRSV), which states: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”
“The mission of the community garden is to create an inviting garden that is inspirational, educational, and sustainable to the community that surrounds our church,” said Kent County Master Gardener and garden committee member Mrs. Cheryl Fisher. Garden committee member Mr. Alvin Fisher said this garden belongs to everyone in the community. “Yes, we want everyone to enjoy the harvest, but first, we must put in the work,” he said. Mr. Carl Batson, a church trustee, said, “We are thankful to have this garden on our property, and we will support the effort in any way we can.”
Several guests attended the dedication. City Council President Roy Sudler, Jr. said, “It’s been a while to make this happen, and anything the city of Dover can do to help, we will be there.” Delaware State Senator Trey Paradee joined in the praise for a community garden. “What a glorious day to get together to celebrate this garden. I predict that this garden will double in size by next year, and you are off to a great start.” Mike Waskylkowski, with the Delaware State Small Farms Office, said, “My job is working with community gardens, and I just don’t see how this can miss.”
Rev. Crawford then scooped up a handful of soil and blessed the garden. She added, “We are asking you to join us as we make our garden grow. We are all brothers and sisters placed on this earth to help one another and love one another. What better way to serve your neighbor than to help plant a garden.” Finally, with garden trowels in hand, garden committee member Mr. Gregory Smith and several people, including children, planted the very first pepper plants.
In just one month, the garden team planted, watered, and weeded the garden. Since the garden dedication, Mt. Zion A.M.E. has distributed squash, cucumbers, zucchini, and peppers to the neighborhood and food pantry. In addition, every Sunday, church and community members can help themselves to fresh vegetables. The garden team even donated fresh vegetables with homemade zucchini bread to neighborhood churches as an incentive to get them involved and perhaps start their own gardens. A sustainable garden can help sustain a neighborhood with fresh food and community involvement.
Cheryl Fisher leads the Mt Zion A.M.E. Church Garden Ministry and is a Kent County Master Gardener.
