This week’s ECN local-project spotlight features Plainsong Farms & Ministry, “a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm and ministry located just outside of Rockford, Michigan.”
In 2017, the Episcopal Church approved 44 Stewardship of Creation grants for local ministries. Every Thursday, to help highlight the exciting work happening across the Body of Christ and to provide examples of what your own parish or diocese might do, we highlight one of the grant winners here.
According to a church press release, Plainsong Farm & Ministry received $8,450 to “create and publish online and print resources for the Episcopal Church to educate the church on faith and the opportunities to partner with young, community-minded farmers committed to sustainable agriculture and ecological stewardship.”
Plainsong was co-founded by Mike & Bethany Edwardson, who are the farm managers, and the Rev. Nurya Love Parish, the executive director. According to Plainsong’s website, “As a farm, we grow food for people. Shares of our harvest are provided each week of the growing season to members and neighbors. You can buy a share for yourself or donate a share (or a portion of a share) to a neighbor. Local poverty relief agencies distribute our donated CSA shares to their clients.”
“As a ministry, we grow people for God. We offer special events, learning programs and time apart in Creation. Our Sabbath at the Farm series combines rest and renewal, a short worship service, and a potluck meal.”
Rev. Nurya, a leading voice in the Christian food movement, is also the author of the book “Resurrection Matters: Church Renewal for Creation’s Sake.”
In the above picture from Plainsong’s Facebook page, visiting middle schoolers can be seen learning about alternative energy at Plainsong’s solar array.
Full disclosure: ECN’s new volunteer deputy editor was a member of the committee that awarded these grants. Both volunteer editors are now volunteers on the task force that will administer the next round of grants.
Episcopal Climate News 
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