Phase I
Gather with your church leaders to determine if this is an activity that makes sense for your congregation and if there is a place on the property that can be utilized.
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Cultivating Community
A Youth-led Community Garden Activity
The Presbyterian Giving Catalog has witnessed first-hand how the power of individuals and groups make a significant and lasting impact for people and communities. With this in mind, we have created a new activity, a Community Garden, to be enjoyed by all members of your church who are interested.
Community gardens in Presbyterian congregations foster spiritual growth, leadership, environmental awareness and social responsibility among church members of all ages and local communities.
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This activity through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog is designed to inspire and engage entire congregations through the creation of a community garden. The garden provides a way for all ages to connect with the earth, each other and their faith, while growing food, flowers and relationships. It can begin at your church and then extend to your community, providing a nutritious bounty to members and those in your community.
Throughout the year, participants will experience different phases of the gardening journey, with activities tailored to seasons and growing conditions. Whether it’s planning and preparing indoors during the winter months or harvesting fresh produce in the warmer months, each step offers an opportunity to come together in faith, learning and service.
This is more than just gardening — it’s a chance to sow, nurture, and harvest faith in ways that strengthen your congregation and support your community.
Just as each season brings new opportunities, we will release phases and guidance for this activity that will help participants progress through the different stages of community gardening. Sign up to receive notification as each phase is posted for download.
Photos courtesy of First Presbyterian, Aberdeen, WA.
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BEGINNINGS
Phase II
(winter preparation — indoor activities)
Learn about seed selection for the garden.
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GROUNDWORK AND GROWTH
Phase III
(early spring — outdoor site preparation)
This phase is about groundwork — both physically and spiritually — for growth.
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SPROUT INTO ACTION
Phase IV
(late spring — planting and nurturing growth)
This intergenerational experience invites people of all ages to share in the joy of planting, passing down wisdom, learning together and growing in faith as a community.
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BLOSSOM AND BLOOM
Phase V
(summer — garden maintenance and community engagement)
This phase recognizes the fruits of your labor and the blessings that come with tending to God’s creation. It is a time for sharing the yield with the congregation and your wider community.
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HARVEST AND SHARE
Phase VI
(late summer — enjoying the fruits of labor)
This phase emphasizes the importance of gathering and sharing, ensuring that the fruits of your labor benefit not only those who cultivated the garden but also your wider community. A reminder that food is a gift meant to be shared, fostering fellowship and nourishment for both body and spirit.
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REST AND RENEW
Phase VII
(fall/winter -- reflecting and planning for next year)
An opportunity to pause, reflect and prepare for the future. Just as the Earth needs time to restore itself, we too are called to rest, give thanks and look ahead with intention.
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Spanish Resources
Korean Resources
Coloring Sheets
Presbyterian Giving Catalog
Receive a fair trade, handmade ornament for gifts totaling $150 or more!