Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Fall 2012 Issue | Page 18

Mustard Seed
Focus on Food
Ashley Cameron

Every year churches strive to develop new ministries, expand
existing programs or improve facilities to grow their ministries.
When the resources are not there to complete these goals, that’s
where the diocesan Mustard Seed Fund comes into play. Grants
from the Mustard Seed Fund support and strengthen growth within
the Diocese of Virginia. The 2012 grant cycle showed a common
theme among applicants: food ministries. It has been said that
God comes to us and nourishes us so that we may nourish those
who need it most. Churches and individuals across the Diocese are
following this call.

All Souls', Mechanicsville is a
mission church that worships in an
elementary school building. When All
Souls' was given a piece of land, the
congregation voted to use it to create
a community garden. In early 2012,
they planted a variety of seedlings,
and groups of volunteers now harvest
their crop two to three times a week.
As of August, All Souls' has grown and
donated 1,241 pounds of fresh food to
local food banks.

“It has taken on a life of its own,”
said Donald Brown, a leader of the
ministry. The project allows a mix of
generations to work side by side. With
the $4,000 Mustard Seed Grant, All
Souls' will be able to purchase a tiller
and better tools, and shore up the
fencing to better protect from animals.
“We want our time to be more effective
and productive,” said Brown.

All Souls' hopes to expand the
project by providing cooking classes to

allow people to learn new and healthy
ways to prepare fresh vegetables.
They would like more interaction
between the parishioners and th