Trinity United Methodist Church Launches Community Garden Initiative

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GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Trinity United Methodist Church In Hastings, a dedication ceremony was held for 'Haven Garden' on Sunday.

The church stated that the garden serves as a secure environment for growth and obtaining both physical and spiritual sustenance.

April Wegehaupt, who serves as the senior pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church, mentioned that their aim with the garden project is to keep motivating individuals to honor God through acts of service towards their fellow community members.

We are energizing this neighborhood," stated Wegehaupt. "We are sharing hope and faith with everyone nearby—Christian love. Our church’s mission is to provide food for them, which is why I am very enthusiastic about this opportunity.

Carol Stoppkottee, who founded the garden and is a member of Trinity UMC, mentioned that the concept for the garden emerged several years ago when she and her spouse prayed about it.

We aim to support the community," stated Stoppkottee. "We want to tackle food insecurity among people. Many individuals lack space to cultivate a garden even if they wish to do so, which motivated us. I was genuinely thrilled when they agreed to move forward with this idea.

The garden serves as an addition to the church’s other outreach programs like Loaves and Fishes and their drive-through food pantry.

It isn’t an obligation for me; it’s a calling," stated Deb Brummund, co-founder of the garden and a member. "I feel God has summoned me to support our community and be part of this church. The individuals here at the church are truly remarkable and eager to extend their outreach in numerous ways.

The garden is supported by McClain Foods as part of their Plant-Friendly ambassador initiative.

We stumbled upon a flyer that we had been searching for a garden for some time," explained Ambar Enck, an HR translator at McCain Foods. "We were thrilled that someone wanted to undertake such a project, so we were more than happy to assist them.

Beginning with the first Sunday of June, after their 9:30 a.m. service, Trinity UMC will serve meals at 11 a.m. each Sunday.

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