06/10/2026
In 2020, amid a season of uncertainty and challenge, the Cooperative Parish Community Garden took root on Oakland Avenue. What began as an idea soon became a ministry of nourishment, connection, and care.
The success of the garden has never been measured simply by the harvest. It has been measured by the many hands and hearts that made it possible. We are deeply grateful for every person who helped build raised beds, till the soil, plant seeds, pull weeds, water during dry spells, harvest produce, and nurture both the garden and the community it served. The Cooperative Parish Community Garden has been a beautiful example of what can happen when people come together in service to God and neighbor.
On Thursday, May 28, a group of volunteers and leaders gathered to discuss the future of the garden. After thoughtful conversation and prayerful reflection, it was decided that the time has come to disband the Community Garden ministry. While there is certainly some sadness in saying goodbye to something that has meant so much to so many, there is also deep gratitude. We celebrate the countless lives touched, the friendships formed, and the generosity shared through this ministry. The garden has fulfilled its purpose faithfully and well.
We want to be clear: this decision is not about being "too old" or lacking the ability to continue. We serve a God for whom nothing is impossible. Throughout Scripture, God has called people of every age and circumstance into meaningful ministry. The work God asks us to do has never depended primarily on age, strength, or ability. Rather, it depends upon our willingness to say "yes" to God's invitation.
As people of faith, we understand that every season has its purpose. There are times to plant and times to harvest. There are times to begin new ministries and times to lovingly release them. This decision allows us to let go of one faithful ministry so that we may be open and ready for whatever God is preparing next.
We give thanks for the Cooperative Parish Community Garden, for every volunteer who served, for every vegetable harvested, and for every neighbor blessed by its ministry. As this chapter comes to a close, we look forward with hope and anticipation, trusting that God is already planting the seeds of something new among us.
Thank you to everyone who made this ministry possible. The harvest of your love and faithfulness will continue with great abundance!
The next steps will be to remove the raised beds, the sign and to clean up the area as we begin the process of giving it back to the city of Sharon. Help is needed to dismantle the garden on June 13 at 9am. Thank you!
