From: Lexington Minuteman
The blessing of the Lexington Interfaith Garden will take place on Sunday, May 23, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at 5 Harrington Road in Lexington.
The garden — located on land donated for a one-year trial by Carla Fortmann of Lexington — grows with the support of many religious institutions in the Lexington area, including churches, temples, mosques and meetinghouses. Produce from the garden goes to the Lexington Food Pantry.
Ann Ringwold / Wicked Local Staff Photographer
The Interfaith Garden is an offshoot of the efforts of the Rev. Dana Allen Walsh, co-president of Lexington Interfaith Clergy Association (LICA) and associate minister of the Hancock United Church of Christ.
“The Lexington Interfaith Garden is a place for people for all faiths to come together, get our hands dirty and feed our hungry neighbors,” said Walsh. “It’s easier for those in need to find cookies than fruit and vegetables for their children. This effort helps fill that gap and unites so many of us in the process.”
Walsh had begun a project at Hancock Church called Feeding 5,000. Through the LICA, she asked other faith communities to participate. Participating organizations include: Church of Our Redeemer, First Parish Unitarian Universalist, Follen Church Society, Grace Chapel, Hancock United Church of Christ, Islamic Center of Boston in Wayland, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Religious Society of Friends, Sacred Heart Parish, Saint Brigid Parish, Temple Isaiah, Temple Emunah, and the Trinity Covenant Church.
“Working in the garden achieves two vital goals — feeding those in need and bringing the diverse faith communities of Lexington closer together,” said Rabbi David Lerner of Temple Emunah, co-president of the LICA.
LICA comprises clergy and religious leaders from most of the faith communities in the Lexington area, including Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Unitarian Universalism. The group’s main focus is promoting fellowship, interfaith cooperation and tolerance among the religious leaders.
The blessing of the Interfaith Garden will take place rain or shine on May 23. Parking is available at First Parish in Lexington at 7 Harrington Road.