Good News Gardens
Originally a collaboration between the Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan and Plainsong Farm, the Good News Gardens movement grows good food for God’s people using church-owned property.
You are invited to join the churchwide movement, working to grow good food and grow stronger relationships with God, our neighbors, and with one another as disciples of Jesus.
Locally, we began in partnership with Plainsong Farm as a response to the pandemic in 2020. Moving ahead, the greater Good News Gardens Network of The Episcopal Church. The network is open to any congregation, whether you’re continuing a garden or starting your first one.
As people who study scripture, we know that life begins and is restored in a garden. Our experience in the garden enables us to grow as God’s people. The food we grow together can help feed our people and our neighbors.
Get your garden started!
- Space for a garden plot in full sun and with access to watering (sprinkler system, hose, or reliable volunteers!)
- A designated coordinator to serve as point person and program lead.
- A team of volunteers (3 or more, any age) to provide garden care throughout the growing season.
- Prayer and support for the garden team from the wider congregation.
Church Cohort Resources And Lessons
Your Growing Season
- PREPARING – Identify the space for your garden and your growing team. Consider how you will distribute your produce (food pantries, etc.)
- LATE SPRING — Plant!
- WEEKLY – The congregation prays for their growing team and for the people that will be fed. The team shares their experience and theological learnings with the wider congregation.
- TWICE PER WEEK – The garden is tended by the growing team and any community partners.
- LATE SUMMER/EARLY FALL – Harvesting! Share your bounty with your neighbors, a step towards improving community health and self-sufficiency.
- OCTOBER – Final check-in and program evaluation with your local team.
Contact Person
Katie Forsyth
Canon for Evangelism & Networking
kforsyth@eastmich.org
