GARDEN MINISTRY November, 2008

GARDEN MINISTRY RECAP

The Garden Ministry's 7th year turned out to be very successful. Considering that we gave up about 45% of our garden space this year, our harvest of almost 23,000 lbs., about 75% of what we harvested last year, was beyond
our expectations. Truly, God blessed our Garden Ministry this growing season.

We distributed our harvest to 20 organizations this year to include food pantries, community kitchens, and home shelters. With the current state of the economy, the assistance we provided to these organizations was so gratefully appreciated.

Sincere appreciation is extended to everyone who donated their time to ensure that our Garden Ministry would continue to touch the lives of so many in our community. Special thanks are extended to the following individuals who donated
many hours of their time this summer: Bob Christoffersen, Al and Hue Sloss, Daryl Walters, Thiara Smith, Judy Hansen, and Linda Bloomer. Also, thanks to those who participated in the Ministry's "mini-farmers market" on Sunday mornings.

Planning has already begun for the Ministry's 8th year of operation. We will be having meetings during the winter to discuss the upcoming growing season. We encourage members of the congregation to get involved in this very rewarding
outreach ministry of our church. It is so satisfying to see the "fruits of our labor" touch the lives of so many needy people.