The Lake Washington United Methodist Church on Rose Hill is creating a community pea patch that the congregation would like to grow into a program that helps neighbors who need a piece of God’s green earth-–and feeds the hungry.

“The church has a large amount of space, and we thought we could use it better,” said Sharon Sherrard, a member of the congregation who is helping organize the project. “We try to be faithful stewards of the gifts God has given us.”

The “First Fruits Community Garden” project is designed to strengthen bonds in the community by providing fresh, organic, affordable produce for neighbors and the needy, and by connecting people of different generations and cultures to work together.

Church members are modeling their effort after one pioneered by the Bothell United Methodist Church. The church will provide plots to apartment dwellers or any neighbor in need of a plot–-they need not be members or even attend services–provided the growers donate 10 percent of their harvest to the Kirkland/Northshore Hopelink food bank.

The church also wants participants to grow organically.

“We’re asking for a donation just to cover the cost of water, and we're flexible on that because we’re a church,” Sherrard says.

The church at 7525 132nd Ave N.E. is right on the Kirkland side of the city’s boundary with Redmond, and it welcomes participants from Redmond. The church property has expansive lawns that have twice hosted Tent City encampments.

But some of that space, church members decided, could also be used to serve local needs.

“The city of Kirkland has a waiting list for its plots,” noted Sherrard.

Local Eagle Scout candidate Tim Williams has built several beautiful raised beds for the pea patch, while another candidate, Sam Watanabe, has constructed a sturdy, three-section compost bin.

The sign-up deadline has been set for March 15, but Sherrard says the church is prepared to accept more and build more beds based on need.

To sign up, the church asks that you go to its website at www.lwumc.com and click on “Community Garden” on the left--and pray for a little sunshine this summer!