Back in April, our Junior Church planted runner beans and it has been a delight watching them grow over time! Below is a snapshot of how the runner beans have developed…

April

On Easter Sunday morning, Junior Church planted runner beans. New life had sprung from the seeds and the plants were ready to be put into the ground on Sunday. Our new gardeners took their young plants from their pots and dug them into the ground, ready to be nurtured by nature and the watchful eye of the Church Centre’s Head Gardener, Michael, who is supporting us with midweek watering.

We thank Michael for preparing the ground and putting up the bean sticks. The children designed their own bird scarers. Now the snails and slugs need to be discouraged from coming too!

May

A reflection by Jane:

People have been asking me how the Junior Church runner beans are growing in the current hot weather and I’m delighted to say that they are growing well. There is no sign of the leaves being scorched. Children water the plants each Sunday and Michael waters them regularly during the week. We trust that with our nurturing they will bear much fruit.

The plants are not just bringing Junior Church pleasure. I received this note from a member of our congregation:

One morning an old lady sat down in her chair to wait for her cup of coffee. She picked up her paper copy of SBC News and saw a picture with some writing below it about Junior Church, Michael and runner beans. She spent a lovely time thinking of the first gardener, how he would be so pleased. Thank you Junior Church and Michael. Cheers. Keep gardening!

On behalf of Junior Church, thank you all, for your interest and encouragement.

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:11-12

Lord, help us to tend your garden and nurture each other so that we do not scorch and wither but grow the fruits given to us by you, our creator God. Amen.

June

The beans, planted on Easter Sunday, are growing well and the first one is in flower:

July

This variety is called ‘Celebration’ and its pale pink flowers are just beginning to bloom.

A reflection from a member of the congregation: Well done the waterers!

A cane and then a vine gradually winds its way round and round. Surprise! A beautiful runner bean flower. Now we have to watch. Keep watering, Michael and Junior Church. Well done.

And beyond…

Stay tuned for the next update!