Community garden in Oak Park donates produce to Austin church food pantry

Community members in Oak Park gathered at Ascension Church’s community garden to tend to rows of vegetables and flowers, engaging in a simple yet meaningful act of service. Wendy Schmiedeler and her son Tom were among those picking green beans, where they encountered a Japanese beetle trap. Clem Simon, a parishioner and fellow gardener, explained the trap’s function, noting that the beetles are lured by a mating scent and become trapped, unable to escape. The garden, a vibrant space behind the Parish Office building, has become a hub of activity and community connection.

The garden, established two years ago, is a testament to the power of collective effort. Church members, along with students from Ascension School and volunteers like John Owens, contribute to its upkeep. Owens recalled students planting dill seeds with excitement for future pickles, highlighting the educational and hands-on nature of the project. The garden’s produce is donated to the St. Martin de Porres Church food pantry in the Austin neighborhood, providing fresh food to those in need.

The garden’s origins trace back to an empty backyard that church members transformed into a thriving space. Volunteers, including Schmiedeler, who grew up on a farm in Ohio, find joy in reconnecting with the land. Schmiedeler, who lives near the church, joined after reading about the garden in the church newsletter. She shared that the experience brings back cherished memories of her mother’s gardening skills, illustrating how such efforts can revive personal and communal ties.

The garden’s success is built on collaboration and shared purpose. Some volunteers bring experience, while others are learning as they go. They plant in June and harvest until Labor Day, with hopes of extending the season into October. The garden’s layout includes beds built by an Oak Park Eagle Scout Troop and a tomato bin crafted from reclaimed wood. These efforts reflect a commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness, aligning with the values of neighbor-love and practical care.

The community garden serves as a reminder of the value of stewardship and service. It embodies the spirit of Galatians 6:10, which encourages doing good to all, especially fellow believers. By growing food for the food pantry, the garden members demonstrate a tangible expression of mercy and compassion. Their work not only supports the local community but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose among participants.

Through their efforts, the garden members embody the principle of caring for one another, as described in Matthew 25:35. By providing fresh produce to those in need, they reflect a deep commitment to justice and care for the vulnerable. The garden stands as a living example of how small, consistent acts of service can create lasting impact. It is a space where faith and action intersect, nurturing both the earth and the community.

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