Big things are happening at St. Francis Episcopal Church in North Bellmore, and the Rev. Grace Flint took the stage at the Episcopal Parish Network conference to share the story! Speaking on the Sacred Spaces, Thriving Places panel, she gave an inside look at how the church transformed its garden and farmers market into a powerful ministry that’s feeding both body and soul.
It all started when Bishop Provenzano, visiting the parish several years ago, challenged St. Francis to connect with the community in a meaningful way—or risk closing its doors. Rising to the occasion, the church launched a garden that has since become a vital source of fresh produce for local families. Over the years, leadership has evolved, with the garden now managed by a dedicated committee. “If one person leaves and the ministry is over, then it’s not a ministry of the church,” Grace explained, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility.
One of the most impactful parts of this ministry? St. Francis accepts food stamps at its farmers market, making fresh, healthy food accessible to more people. But with funding for these programs under threat, the church is rethinking how to best support its neighbors. “People are going to be hungry and may have even less access to produce,” Grace said, highlighting why they’re focusing on staple crops like tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers this season.
She also unveiled St. Francis’ new vision statement: "Address food insecurity through a reverent and diverse partnership with the community and the earth." More than just a garden, it’s a place where people from all walks of life come together—no politics, no division, just a shared commitment to growing food and building connections. “Yes, this kind of unity happens in the Eucharist,” she noted, “but not everyone in the garden chooses to participate in the Eucharist.”
Of course, gardening isn’t always smooth sailing, and Grace didn’t shy away from talking about the lessons learned from failure. “Things go awry in a garden,” she said, “but that’s part of the journey. It’s humbling, and it teaches us resilience.”
Grace was joined by other inspiring church leaders, including the Very Rev. Amy Dafler Meaux, the Rev. Bowie Snodgrass, the Rev. Winnie Varghese, and Mr. Brian Sellers-Petersen. Together, they shared strategies for turning church land into vibrant community spaces that nourish both the body and the spirit.
Want to learn more about how St. Francis is making a difference? Stop by the garden, visit the farmers market, or get involved!