Ebenezer...Not Scrooge, Though

The Urban Fresh Gardens Newsletter - December 2023 - Issue 5

Urban Fresh
December 17, 2023

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^{For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.}

Isaiah 9:6 KJV

The Lord, our Ebenezer

Monroe Webster (UFG Board Member); State Senator Joan Hartley; Mayor Neil O’Leary; Board Member, Fanny Marone; UFG Founder, Gregory Knight; CT Dept of Ag. Commissioner Bryan, P. Hurlburt; and CT Dept of Ag Bureau Director, Jaime L Smith.

As the year draws to a close, we acknowledge the Lord’s goodness and thank Him for His provisions. He gets the credit for any progress that we’ve made. We say with the prophet Samuel that the Lord has been our Ebenezer, our stone of help. Yes, truly, “The Lord helped us all the way to this place.” (1 Samuel 7:12 ERV).

One milestone that comes to mind is that we obtained the right to use the land at 77 Hill Street from the City of Waterbury, through the assistance of outgoing Mayor, Neil O’Leary. It was a door that the Lord opened, and we’re thankful. Above is a picture taken with Mayor O’Leary shortly after the occasion.

LTE and Church Life

One of the goals of the Learn to Earn Program (LTE) is to incorporate participants into church life. Apart from helping with cleaning out the church basement and assisting with events, one young man, Jose, is finding a place in the audio/visual ministry on Sundays. Under guidance, Jose helps out in the sound booth, runs through praise and worship rehearsals for about an hour before the service starts, adjusts lighting, takes pictures, and serves as needed. We are inspired by his dedication (he gives us a wake-up call as a reminder to pick him up for church on Sunday mornings).

A Garden Tour with North End Coop

Greg at the beginning of the tour near the herb beds. [Credit: Alicia Pittman]

Back in November, Alicia Pittman from North End Coop (https://www.northendcoop.com/) brought a group of school-aged children to Urban Fresh Gardens for a tour. This was our first time hosting kids in this way, and it was such fun. Greg led the 45-minute tour through garden beds and 3 greenhouses. He also talked with the kids about the importance of eating vegetables and growing food.

Urban Fresh garden beds. [Credit: Alicia Pittman]

A highlight from the visit was the reaction of a kid who smelled peppermint and noticed that it “smells just like my toothpaste”.

Greg talking with the group about planting plans for 2024. [Credit: Alicia Pittman]

Andre McGuire on the Urban Fresh Podcast

Pastor Andre McGuire tells his story of losing his law license, struggling to get back on his feet after being incarcerated, and founding ALM, a men’s ministry in Connecticut. Check out that episode here: https://app.alitu.com/episodes or subscribe on Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-urban-fresh-podcast/id1715465920)

The Year 2023 in Pictures

Two LTE participants who helped to erect the large greenhouse

A few more pictures from 2023.

Helping with Pizza Day at Walnut Hill Community Church

LTE participants repairing bikes in the bike program.

Keep in Touch

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