Thieves Steal Tomato Plants from God’s Garden
by Susan on 05/14/09 at 11:58 am
Even Tomato Plants are Fair Game in this Economy
Central United Methodist Church in Richmond, Virginia has been worshiping together since 1786. This year, they wanted to do something nice for their community, many of whom had experienced recent job losses and were having trouble putting food on the table. So the congregants created God’s Garden on a vacant lot adjacent to the church, which has been a landmark in the community since 1899.
“With the way the economy is going, we thought a garden would be a good way help,” said Pastor Tom Sweat. “Our aim is to share with the community and also to bring the congregation together to work on it.”
Sharing with the community was the idea behind God’s Garden … just not so soon. Instead of waiting for the bountiful harvest, someone dug up and removed 25 tomato plants on Mother’s Day evening. The corn, potatoes, collard greens, spinach and lettuce were not touched. The thieves just wanted the healthy tomato stalks.
“Plants that size cost about $5 each,” said the dismayed Sweat, who worked with the church’s Kids Club to plant the seedlings about a month ago. “We were taken aback that someone would come in and take the tomatoes. I supposed they’ve already been replanted … or sold.”
Sweat said the church would replace the stolen tomatoes and on Tuesday, he and the congregation planted 48 smaller ones, hoping they’ll be left to mature, so they can complete their mission of feeding the neighborhood hungry.
In an effort to thwart any more thievery, a new sign will be posted under the current one that exists for God’s Garden, reminding thieves, “God and our cameras are watching you.”
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