At St. James of Jerusalem, stewardship of the land is more than a commitment—it’s a spiritual calling. With a lush, peaceful garden open to the public, a shift to green energy, and a deep desire to care for God’s creation, the parish is now sowing the seeds of a new initiative: Farm to Table at St. James, supported by Episcopal Ministries of Long Island.
This new vegetable garden will be lovingly cultivated by parishioners, local high school students, and volunteers from partner churches. It will not only grow fresh, organic produce for the church’s “Food for Those in Need” program but also serve as a community classroom. Through the Chef’s Club, led by Father Michael Delaney and other parishioner-cooks, volunteers will learn how to prepare healthy meals with the harvest. Recipes will be shared through a new parish blog, Breaking Bread, and through hands-on cooking classes for youth and families from neighboring congregations.
The project also embraces pollinator-friendly, organic practices, ensuring the garden sustains both people and the planet. It’s a ministry that brings people together across generations and backgrounds, cultivating care for one another and for creation. For the youth who participate, the program offers service learning hours and life-changing lessons in environmental stewardship, community service, and healthy eating.
Farm to Table at St. James is where faith meets the soil, relationships grow alongside tomatoes and bok choy, and Christ’s love is shared in every harvest.