JUST GROWING is a project linking people in the parish with food, community and creation.  This project will build on the strengths of previous years of St. Margaret’s community outreach and will develop direction for future ministry in the neighborhood.  A Rocha is a Christian conservation organization working to show God’s love for all creation.  Jen Kornelsen is on staff with A Rocha Canada as a Community Organizer for parish-based projects in Winnipeg.  The goal of Just Growing is to equip people with gardening experience, great food, stronger connections in the community, and an appreciation for environmental conservation.  The outcome is St. Margaret’s Church practicing faith in action: engaged in loving the neighborhood with veggies!

Young adults will be employed for four months to carry out this outreach which they will do collaboratively with low-income residents near the parish.  During the summer the staff will also lead two weeks of summer day camps for kids.  Other activities of Just Growing include a Lenten study group Food and Faith, involvement in the church’s centennial celebrations in June 2010 and a fall harvest festival for the neighborhood.  Jen Kornelsen will provide leadership for the project together with church staff.  The project will result in an extensive written guide for Just Growing so that it can be a repeated at St. Margaret’s and replicated by A Rocha in other parishes.