Charlotte Church of Christ has been very intentional the last few years in its efforts to make outreach into the community. This spring, the congregation is taking another new approach to getting to know their neighbors while at the same time doing something to help the community — starting a community garden.

Named the Garden of Feeden, community members can register for either a 10-foot-by-10-foot or 10-foot-by-20-foot plot in the organic garden beginning April 22. Loren Smalley, member of the Church of Christ outreach team said registration will remain open until all plots are filled. Members of the Church of Christ congregation began registering for plots April 8. There are 30 10-by-10 plots and 15 10-by-20 plots available overall.

Smalley said planting will take place around Mother’s Day in May, but will depend on the weather.

“This is another way to make connections with people in the community,” Smalley said. “It’s a great way for people to get involved in their community and another way for people to get to know each other.”

The garden has been plowed, fertilized and fencing will be added as soon as the weather provides the opportunitity.

Smalley said those that register for a plot will be responsible for growing and maintaining their own crops. They will be free to utilize their harvest however they choose, but Smalley said he sees an opportunity for the community garden to help fill gaps that may exist for community members in need.

“Hopefully we can create an abundance that can be shared in the community,” Smalley said. “It can be sometimes hard for people to get organic vegetables.”

He said several Church of Christ members are putting together recipes that will help put vegetables to good use.

Smalley recognized the contributions of Meijer, WalMart, Tirrell Farms, Family Farm and Home, Jim Baum, Dave Walton, Charlotte Church of Christ, and its outreach team in making the Garden of Feeden a possibility this spring.

For more information on the Garden of Feeden, including cost of a plot, contact Smalley at (517) 213-9922 or find him on Facebook.