In our Diocesan Plan, “Turning to Grace”, Bishop Todd writes: “As members of the gathered Body of Christ that is the Diocese of Huron, we are called to be stewards of those things held in common and those things individual to us.”
At St. Aidan’s London, we have initiated our discussions about Stewardship in our parish. Questions like: What do have in abundant resources? What can we do with those resources? Are these resources (as Bishop Todd states) held in common with others in our area?
In 2021 we were emerging out of COVID and our parish received the gift of three greenhouses that were being offered through the London Food bank. The purpose was to use the resources of our land and volunteers to grow vegetables for our neighbors in need.
During the first year a team from St. Aidan’s and other faith groups cared for the greenhouses on the property. Hundreds of pounds of vegetables were donated to the Northwest London Resource Centre Food Bank.
In subsequent years some volunteers stepped aside from this ministry for several reasons. Over the years, the exterior shells weathered and deteriorated, and in 2025 they were removed. It seemed like this ministry was coming to an end.
At a Parish Council meeting in the fall of 2025, it was decided to reimagine the space in our yard and prepare to dismantle the greenhouses. In 2026, two of the three hoops were planted with full exposure to nature and they have been tended and harvested. We were still able to supply the Northwest London Resource Centre with an abundance of chard, kale, beans, cucumbers and tomatoes. This was accomplished with only four volunteers!
And so, as we have seen time and time again, what we thought was an ending has become a new beginning. The Holy Spirit moved. Recent discussions with the London Food Bank have resulted in the offer of new shells and some volunteers to support the ongoing ministry of providing fresh food to our neighbours. Given the success of the gardens without shells, we have decided to cover one hoop, leave a second hoop uncovered, and remove the third hoop.
The need for fresh vegetables is great in London and with the proper care of the land and stewardship of new volunteers, we are excited that this important ministry has seen a new day.
“We are called to be stewards of those things held in common and those things individual to us.” We would like to invite anyone in the London Deanery who may like to garden to share in this ministry. If you would like more information on being part of the gardening team, please contact Pat Ferguson. fergusonpk01@gmail.com.
Rev. Rob Henderson
Photos: Pat Ferguson