Growth and Stewardship Idea: Hearty Hunger and Harvest, Connect Local (September 2, 2026)

Does the community know you have a kitchen ready to offer helping hands to prepare foods, would welcome people to cook together, feed each other? Or maybe you don’t have a kitchen to share, but you are people who love to cook and share food together. Who might you partner with to use plentiful garden produce? Teach people to make use of harvest bounty. You might work together to create a community meal, a special outreach for tired families who would love a fun night of no cooking and crafts, games, movie night, or singing. How about a corn roast, hot dogs and a campfire, working together for a great location in your area? When is the last time you sang campfire songs? Maybe local Scouts or Guides organizations would love to have one of their units work together to cohost an event? Connect with local farmers, community gardens, local gardening club and enthusiasts. Consider a harvest theme of dishes made with pumpkins and squash or other plentiful fresh vegetables. Tomatoes or potatoes, zucchini or string beans fast become hearty soups and casserole fixings!

Explore community partnerships that will increase helping hands for community causes that grow neighbourhood connections.

Contact your growth and stewardship animator Sharon Ballantyne sballantyne@united-church.ca

This Week’s Stewardship Second:
When you listen to God with your heart—prayerfully considering the abundance in your life—what are you called to give?