By Karlah Y. Burton
Meet Tiana Hargrove, Volunteer with the Community Garden at Saint Matthews UMC
A rising senior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University majoring in social work, Tiana began working with us in our community garden in February. She was referred by church member Dr. Pamela Moye and university faculty member Dr. Lisa Workman. Volunteer involvement provides students with experience that will increase their social work understanding and practice, according to the university.
The Community Garden at Saint Matthews UMC began as my EarthKeeper’s project in 2020. In 2021 we donated close to 300 pounds of fresh produce and flowers to local food banks, church members, and others. In 2022, with the help of new ministry members and volunteers, like Tiana, the focus will be on beautifying our onsite garden space counting the addition of raised beds, a variety of flowers, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and other select crops.
Tiana commented, “I love being able to plant flowers! I have also learned how to clean and prepare garden areas throughout this experience; something that I have never done before. It is nice to give back to a wonderful church community!”
We are delighted to welcome Ms. Hargrove as she completes her coursework and as we strive to share the light of Christ through acts of mission. Happy Spring!
Karlah Burton is a United Methodist EarthKeeper, chairperson of the Creation Care Ministry and Community Garden at Saint Matthews UMC, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, Western NC Annual Conference.
Karlah Burton, Chairperson Creation Care Ministry & Community Garden 
Romona Gibson, Member, Creation Care Ministry, Saint Matthews UMC 
Garden Space Onsite at Saint Matthews UMC 
Annette Kirkpatrick, Volunteer/Church Member, Saint Matthews UMC 
Inell Artis, member, Creation Care Ministry, Saint Matthews UMC 
Saint Matthews UMC/Creation Care Ministry Member and Volunteers