On an early August Saturday, Rita, Hope, and Paul showed up for a work day at 
Anathoth Community Gardens, located just a few miles north of Hart’s Mill near the town of Cedar Grove. We waded into a hoop house full of cured onions splayed on racks and filled bag after bag destined for cold storage. In the process, we learned more about the extraordinary story of creating community and connection through food that is unfolding here. Here is how it all started (excerpted from their website):
In 2005 Bill King was murdered at his bait and tackle store down the road from the current community garden site. In response, Cedar Grove United Methodist Church held a prayer vigil for healing and peace at the site of the murder. At the prayer vigil two visions came together: Scenobia Taylor, an African-American woman, had a vision to donate 5 acres of her family’s land to the church for the healing of the community; Rev. Grace Hackney, the pastor of the predominately white church, was exploring ways that the community could reconcile with the land by growing food sustainably.
Ten years later, Anathoth Garden and Farm is a vigorous enterprise with a CSA program that provides fresh seasonal food for dozens of families. As the day progressed and the heat and humidity climbed, more volunteers drifted into to the open-air pavilion to pack boxes with peppers, squash, onions, okra, and more. High school and college student interns and community members worked together, contributing to this enterprise which creates connection and restoration one box—and one potluck—at a time.
Later, Rita, Paul, and Hope trudged up the steamy hill for the weekly potluck. 
Standing in a circle, we learned about the death of an elderly volunteer and heard stories about her contributions to the farm; how much she’ll be remembered and missed. We left the farm feeling inspired and energized by our encounters and so very glad to have made a connection with this marvelousplace. To be continued…
