Creekside Church of the Brethren Expands Beekeeping Ministry with Community Partnerships

Creekside Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Indiana, has long emphasized environmental stewardship, a commitment that has grown alongside the congregation’s relocation to the city’s south side. The church’s 19-acre property, featuring a creek and fields of hay and wildflowers, has become a hub for sustainable practices. Members have been planting fruit trees and maintaining a Seed To Feed garden, collaborating with Church Community Services (CCS) in downtown Elkhart to provide fresh produce for their food pantry.

The church’s connection to the natural environment deepened when members recognized the potential for honeybees to enhance pollination across their land. A memorial bequest from a member who cherished bees provided the necessary funds to start a beekeeping initiative. This effort has since evolved into a meaningful ministry, reflecting the church’s dedication to ecological care and community service.

Ron Nicodemus, a retired educator and leader of the Bee Team, has played a pivotal role in educating the local community about the importance of honeybees. Over the past few years, he has conducted programs at local schools and senior centers, highlighting the critical role bees play in the world’s food chain. His efforts have helped raise awareness and foster appreciation for these vital pollinators.

In 2024, the Bee Team introduced the concept of beekeeping to the Teen Grower Program at CCS through a seminar. Although the initial partnership did not immediately take root, CCS has continued to advocate for the idea, with plans to establish its own hives and beekeeping program by 2027. This collaboration underscores the church’s commitment to nurturing future generations of environmental stewards.

Each fall, the Bee Team harvests honey, which is bottled and sold to church members. A portion of the proceeds is tithed to the church, while some bottles are given to shut-ins. The success of the harvest varies with weather conditions and hive management, reflecting the challenges and rewards of sustainable agricultural practices.

As the church’s membership ages and some members have moved away, managing the hives has become increasingly challenging. However, the Bee Ministry continues with the support of local professional beekeepers. The church hopes to recruit younger, stronger beekeepers to ensure the sustainability of this ministry, aligning with its broader mission of environmental responsibility and community care.

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