As part of its ongoing effort to connect with the community, Mount Carmel United Methodist Church (UMC) dedicated a community garden on May 23 and unveiled a free library box, which offers both adult and children's books for people to take and share.

The community garden, which still has plots available, features raised bed gardens surrounded by a fence. "A landscaping company built (the garden) for us," explained church member Karen Wellin, who spearheaded the effort to establish the garden at the site. "This is a cornfield, but the farmer who plants corn stopped (at the border of the garden). We also had the area around the garden tilled for us. Outside the enclosure we can plant a pumpkin patch, potatoes or corn."

Pastor Denny Emrick offered a prayer to dedicate the garden. "We pray for those who will plant, cultivate and harvest food and flowers from this garden," he stated. "We pray the harvest will be plentiful and those who consume it be blessed with good health. In Christ's name we dedicate this garden."

One of the raised beds was claimed by the Sunday school class at Mount Carmel UMC, which is led by teacher Patti Levengood. "(The children) picked green beans, lettuce and tomato plants (to plant in the garden)," Levengood shared.

Those who plant vegetables in the garden may take home what they grow or share the harvest with others. "My goal has always been that surplus will go to local food banks," Wellin noted.

The garden will continue to be maintained throughout the summer. It will also be open for the planting of fall and winter crops.

Levengood, an avid reader, was in charge of establishing the free library at the church, commissioning a friend to build the box. Prior to construction, Levengood tested the idea of a book sharing program. "Last summer we put a tote out (filled with books) and a lot of people used it," she noted.

The library box is dedicated in memory of William Baver, who was a lifelong member of the church, where he taught Sunday school, served as a trustee and served on the administrative board.

Emrick explained that the garden and the library are a way to connect the church with its neighbors. "These are just some efforts to say (to them), 'We are here for you,'" he said.

Following the ceremonies, church members enjoyed coffee, doughnuts and fellowship in the church's outdoor pavilion.

Mount Carmel UMC is located at 2203 Harmonyville Road, Elverson, just north of St. Peters Village. Currently, the Sunday service is offered at 10 a.m. in person and on the church's YouTube channel. Visitors can also remain in the parking lot and listen to the service on an FM radio station.

The church holds an in-person men's breakfast on the third Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. There is also a women's virtual coffee held every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

For more information, to make a prayer request or to obtain the link for the virtual coffee, visit http://www.mountcarmelumc.org or http://www.facebook.com/MountCarmelUMCStPeters. Those interested in a plot in the community garden may call the church office at 610-469-9151.