On Saturday, February 26, approximately 40-50 individuals, both adults and children, came together for an old-fashioned community “Garden Party,” as Pastor Ronnie calls it. These individuals, representing six Nazarene churches, took to the open area at Faithway Fellowship - Church of the Nazarene to dig, cultivate, and plant seeds in order to create a healthy, bountiful community garden.
The host church is located at 292 East E Street in Colton and, along with Pastor Ronnie Steen and Dr. G, Council Member, Historian, Community Advocate and lay minister, welcomed the ”workers” from churches representing Colton, Apple Valley, Riverside-Arlington, Menifee, Bloomington, Gateway-Murrieta, and Lighthouse-Costa Mesa.
According to Pastor Ronnie, the purpose of this event is twofold: first is, “to sow seeds for the community garden, and share our harvest with the needy, homeless, and seniors.” And second is, “to unify the body of Christ in working together.”
When we talk about community involvement, often times the great effort performed by our local churches goes unrecognized in the eyes of the greater public. Many of them offer weekly and monthly meals for the homeless, and in addition, as resources permit, offer clothing and food boxes. Some programs are huge, some are small, and Faithway Church of the Nazarene is gaining traction not only for its growth in membership but for its ministry and outreach programs.
One of those outreach efforts is the new community garden, a 1500 sq. ft. open area behind the church annex, which works nicely for this project. According to Brenda, one of the coordinators, “We’re here to start a community garden so that we can help supply food for the future.” She also stressed that, “We do all things ‘In Jesus’ Name.’” “Amen to that,” shouted Dr. G, a well-known community advocate and newly appointed “Lay Minister” at Faithway Fellowship. “This is a great outreach, and the benefits to the community are tremendous,” he added.
Now going on four months under the leadership of Pastor Ronnie Steen, the Faithway Fellowship Church of the Nazarene is in the heart of Colton. This church organization has seen its community outreach program grow from a simple dinner hour to a comprehensive service program including the following: bible study, dinner, take out, self-help classes for addiction, family movie nights, clothes closet, and now a community garden. Associate Pastor Ray explained, “We follow the leading of our Lord God.”
The City of Colton is fortunate to have so many individuals from the faith community who give their time and effort to come together to help those in need. With the excellent outreach programs such as this community garden, not only does the community work together but also offers their bounty with those in need. Pastor Ronnie also pointed out that, “the Thursday night dinner hour starts at 6:00pm. Everyone is welcome.”
For more information about CITY TALK, various community groups, Colton history, the trash clean-up, prayer list, Veteran Spotlight, Business Spotlight, U.S. “Flag Watch,” neighborhood meetings, or the online live-stream programs, text/call Dr. G @ 213-3730. Questions and comments are always welcome.
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