Friday, March 20, 2009

Neighborhood Creation Care and Mission Focused Industry...

"Build houses and live in them and plant gardens and eat their produce." -Jeremiah 29:5

If you look behind our church van and measure from the left where the two trees, the one closest to the van and the other one across the yard; then all the yard to the right, all the way to the wooden fence on the right, is the area that will be our new Jacob's Well garden. We will remove the fence behind the van and stretch it across the yard or build a wood fence to mark off this new project. We will remove the cement path and the old metal shed as well. We are arranging plans now for the work and materials and layout. The landlords of the house have arranged for the separation of the yard to allow us the opportunity to begin this garden...they attend the church and are leading the project.

We look forward to producing fresh food on the church block and sharing it though our Community Resource Center and incorporating the produce into our Tuesday night (5-7PM) community dinner. One of the challenges in neighborhoods that access Government food programs; is the lack of fresh produce. This is one of our attempts to supplement those needs. We are also working on a relationship with some CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture); which are farm based programs where you buy a share in the harvest for a certain amount of money. We are aiming to partner with Brian at St. Margaret's Community garden in Vinegar Flats, to provide additional access to fresh produce this season.
This is stage one of our rain water retrieval project that will help water our garden by collecting rain run off from the roofs on our buildings. The barrels were donated by another church. This is the mastermind behind the project, Daniel Dailey, he's building this water retrieval system and working on our "Alternative energy project" which includes possible wind energy and solar panels that will help (if everything works out with the fabrication and implementation of the first panel) us reduce our energy costs and model purposeful Creation Care as a local church.

We are also working on plans for some Neighborhood Recycle Bins as options for neighbors to discard used appliances, various metals and other material that we can sell at a local recycle center for cash. This will help in improving the neighborhood by removing unsightly household waste and help us raise funds through earth friendly industry.

I get such joy seeing different gifts and talents, visions and passions merging together in a cooperative synergy for mission, it's an exciting work to be part of. Please pray for us as we aim to not just "Move" but "Mobilize" one another for mission, in practical, creative and fruitful, God glorifying ways.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I yearn to be there for this project. How very cool! Props to the "landlords" for their generosity. This isn't the first time it has been evident in the ever-growing journey of Jacob's Well. like I said, I wish I could be there to lend a "strong back/weak mind" to the effort!
I really look forward to our next visit.

Unknown said...

Yah, totally your type of thing brutha, sorry you are not here to throw wood and dirt around with all of us Neanderthals...of course I will make sure Mike growls out some good Gorilla sounds in your honor... ;)

FCB said...

I'm impressed Eric, what a great project; man, my green thumb is just throbbing thinking about it.
I can see a compost pile simmering out fertilizer and it will be fresh strawberries and tomatoes galore! Bless God!
Love Dad

Serenity said...

hey there,
its been a while since I've visited...and here you are GROWING THINGS! One of my favorite things. So excited for you guys. You are still at the top of our list of favorite places and on the top of our list to come back to visit. Plus, I think after being back home for a few months we'll be itchin' to go somewhere. Since you are so close.....

Mel said...

Jacob's Well Rocks! During that great reward ceremony in Heaven, I would vernture to say there will be an especially long and meaningful portion of the proceedings dedicated to the Jesus-followers who are involved in these practical, life-enhancing projects. I am so proud of all of you, and so long to see this same spirit of generous creativity breathed into every Bible-believing church out there. Are you going to put garden-style artwork in your garden? :) I do hope so.

Chazzy Chaz said...

I would love to help in any way possible! Just let me know if you need something done. I can weld, and stuff like that, and have a shop full of tools I can use, so if you need me to make anything, I would be more than happy to!

-Chaz

Unknown said...

Thanks for the kind words and the props...I give thanks to the Lord for the awesome people around here who pour so much of themselves into the unfolding work.

The beauty is seeing the reflections of passions being tapped more than ministry assigned. Helping people explore their gifting and interests in relationship to community and ministry life.

Tim said...

This is Awesome. We just tilled up our 500 sq ft garden and are going to start planting this week. We are working on 100% sustainability, with plenty of extra to use for hospitality for our least of these friends. Also, we have 1000 gallons of rain water capacity for the garden and toilets. Also I am in the process of building my own windmill and can send you the plans if you want? Just think if all Churches practiced this model of community. U rock!
-Tim

Unknown said...

Tim,

Good to hear from you bro, is the little one here yet?

Yes, send us the plans for sure!

Tim said...

The baby is coming in May. I will send you the plans and maybe I can come up and help you make it after I make mine:)

joey said...

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/04/01/recession.garden/index.html?iref=t2test_livingwed