The New Horizon Garden at First Church

 Sunday September 10, 2017 was a beautiful day to be in the garden. Celebrating 30 years, The New Horizon garden created by members of the First Church of the Brethren in Chicagos East Garfield Park community is a beautiful beacon of life in the community.  
This celebration was a wonderful opportunity to bring together its founders, First Church, and other volunteers from the our partner church the Community Mennonite congregation, our transitional pastor Benjamin Reynolds, former pastor Orlando Redekopp, Ellen Newcomber (volunteer extraordinaire) and many volunteers and friends. Joan Gerig, one of the founders, shared her memories of the garden and made note of the many people, including the young people of the church and community members who have shared in its care taking.  
Few community gardens last 30 years; the New Horizon Garden is certainly an exception.  The celebration included a lovely spread of refreshments and take home bags of the produce from the garden. With the advent of spring 2018, the planting season will include the dedication of a flower garden dedicated to our founders. Watch for more information.               Report by, Mary Scott Borea