Tampa Church Breaks Ground on Community Garden

Tampa, FL, April 23, 2015 --(PR.com)-- A community garden is springing up across the street from Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church to help nourish and support the Tampa community. Fruits and vegetables will soon be sprouting at the church-owned lot of vacant land at 4011 E. Curtis St., Tampa, FL 33610.

The church will host a garden gathering from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 16, to break ground on the faith-based garden. Mount Olive’s garden committee invites families, children, and members of the community with an interest in gardening to join in the fun-filled day of planting. The pastor at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Michael V. White, will offer a blessing of the garden and helpful planting tips. Extra shovels, seeds, sponsors, and donations are welcome.

Special garden plots for sponsors and donators to harvest individually, group activities, celebration dinners, as well as fresh-food drives for the needy are planned for the future fruits of labor.

“We’ve organized a group of passionate individuals wanting to help feed the needy as well as promote awareness for healthy eating habits,” said Pastor White, who notably has decades of experience in operating a landscaping company. “I’m excited for our community to enjoy the spirituality of gardening.”

Ideas for the garden are rooted in Mount Olive’s mission for “Growing Our Church Family -- Faith, Family, Fellowship.” The word “growing” relates to the church’s plans to grow its spiritual garden by increasing membership and more actively serving the community. A key aspect of the church’s new ministries will be on health and wellness to support a healthy mind, body, and soul. In March, over 60 Mount Olive members set sail on a Caribbean cruise, which provided time to bond and unwind together. Pastor White hopes the garden will provide a place that also encourages members to share and relax.

“Mount Olive is growing in both size and scope, and we invite the community to join us on this inspirational journey to discover the blessings of holiness and healthiness,” said Pastor White.

For more information about Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church’s services, ministries, and events, please contact 813-621-2766 or visit www.mountolivetampa.com.

About Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church: Established in 1949, Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church is an independent church serving the community of East Tampa in Florida. The church incorporated in 2014 under the name Mount Olive M. B. Church, Inc. The church’s mission is to preach and teach the Holy Bible in their services, ministries, and Sunday school classes. Rev. Michael V. White has led Mount Olive since 2012. Mount Olive’s ministry has experienced significant growth over the years, including a new focus on health and wellness. The present church and property at 4008 E. Cayuga Street, Tampa, FL has been updated to accommodate a growing congregation.