We often talk about gratitude and generosity as core aspects of our faith, values we aim to live by in every interaction and decision. But every so often, God offers us a reminder, woven into our everyday experiences, that His generosity is greater than we could imagine and that He knows exactly how to meet our needs. One of those moments came recently through the efforts of Pastor Jenney Rice and the volunteers who support Vineyard Columbus’ Creation Care ministry.
Pastor Jenney leads our Community Outreach Ministries and oversees our community gardens, which serve our neighbors in more ways than one. The gardens not only provide fresh produce to those who visit our Northside Food Pantry but also serve as spaces of connection, growth, and shared purpose. This ministry involves countless hours of care and commitment from our volunteers. Yet, sometimes even the best-laid plans are met with unexpected challenges.
As Pastor Jenney shared with me, one such challenge came in the form of a large tree limb that fell into a neighbor’s yard. This might seem like a small issue, but removing a tree limb of this size was no simple task. When Pastor Jenney contacted the city, they offered to assess the damage, but they made it clear that the financial responsibility for removal would fall on the ministry. It was daunting, to say the least. The expense was one thing, but Pastor Jenney was also concerned about the time and labor required to handle it. Despite praying over the matter, she continued to carry the burden of finding a solution. Her story highlights the struggle many of us feel. We know God calls us to “not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present [our] requests to God” (Philippians 4:6, NIV). Yet, we also know the difficulty of releasing our worries and trusting Him fully.
Pastor Jenney prayed for a solution, yet the “how” remained a pressing question in her mind. And then, in a way only God could orchestrate, Pastor Jenney’s answer arrived in the most unexpected place: the bread aisle at Meijer grocery store. She felt a nudge, an inner impulse, to shop there (a place she typically never shops). As she browsed the bread section, she ran into a volunteer who also happened to own a landscaping business. This volunteer, sensing something was amiss, asked her how the garden was doing. Pastor Jenney shared the story of the fallen tree limb, and without a moment’s hesitation, he offered his help. This generous man and his coworker arrived at the garden the following day, ready to take on not just the fallen tree but also several other tasks around the garden.
They moved compost piles, trimmed trees along the fence line, leveled a mound of soil, and more, providing what amounted to two hours of intensive labor—completely free of charge. What might have taken our ministry a week to address was completed in a single day, saving us thousands of dollars and countless hours of work. The volunteer’s response to Pastor Jenney’s gratitude was simple: “I had goosebumps.”
It was a powerful reminder to him as well that God is present, even in our routine errands. This story reminds us of the importance of both giving and receiving with a heart of gratitude. As Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” The landscaping volunteer’s generosity was a blessing to our ministry, but he, too, was touched deeply by his involvement—so much so that he felt God’s presence in his work. Our community gardens at Vineyard Columbus are managed almost entirely by volunteers, many of whom bring a heart for service and the belief that we are called to steward the land and bless our community. These gardens are an ongoing testament to the generosity of our members, providing fresh, nourishing food to neighbors and fostering relationships that strengthen our community. Each season, as plants are nurtured from seeds to harvest, God’s provision is reflected in the produce that fills our pantry. Yet, moments like these remind us that God’s provision doesn’t end with the fruits and vegetables we grow. He is attentive to every detail, including the challenges we encounter along the way.
Generosity like this is a reflection of Christ’s own example. As we read in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV): “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously… And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” This scripture not only encourages us to be generous but reassures us that God supplies us with what we need to continue doing His work. Our faithful volunteer in this story didn’t hesitate to give of his time and resources, and in doing so, he mirrored the generosity of Jesus. It’s easy to see generosity as merely giving financially, but it also involves giving of our time, talents, and willingness to step in when there’s a need. When we allow God’s love to work through us, we become instruments of His peace and provision, even in small, unexpected ways.
The fallen tree limb was no accident; it was a divine appointment, a moment designed to reveal God’s faithfulness in answering prayer. For each of us, this story is an invitation to pause and consider: How is God calling us to be generous? How might we be an answer to someone else’s prayer today? It could be as simple as offering a kind word, giving our time to a ministry, or sharing our resources with those in need. Let us take to heart Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 (NIV): “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When we focus on God’s kingdom—serving and giving with joy—He provides for our needs in ways we may never expect.
As we move forward as a congregation, may we continue to give generously, trusting that God will use our offerings to bless others and meet their needs. And may we always be open to receiving with gratitude, seeing each blessing as a reminder that God cares deeply for each of us, guiding us in every season of life. Whether it’s a tree limb or a small word of encouragement, may we see His hand in all things, knowing that His provision is never out of reach, even in the bread aisle.
