Back in November 2025, we shared with you the early stages of The Table-Irving’s community garden. Here’s how it looked then.
And here is how it looks now!
One of our guiding principles at The Table–Irving is simple: “Everything we do is about building relationships.” We believe it is through those relationships that we truly learn how to help people. As we continue investing through work at our Southeast Irving Community Center, we see this truth lived out every day. Relationships encourage people to take courageous next steps—whether it’s beginning counseling for the first time, accepting a new job despite personal challenges, or simply finding a place where they belong.
Our community garden is a perfect example. While the fresh produce is a tremendous blessing, the greatest harvest isn’t tomatoes or squash—it’s people. Since April 10, we’ve shared nearly 5,000 vegetables with families in our neighborhood, including tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, herbs, and more. Yet the lasting impact comes from the conversations, friendships, and shared purpose that grow alongside the crops.
The garden has transformed lives in unexpected ways. Our Garden Director, Cliff, rediscovered a lifelong passion for gardening after learning about the project from a neighbor. At 71 years old, he has found renewed purpose through serving others. Another volunteer, Kressie, describes working in the garden as her therapy, providing healing and hope as she moves throughout a difficult season in her life. Countless volunteers have planted, watered, weeded, and even shoveled manure with joyful hearts, returning again and again because they have found meaningful community.
Romans 12:1-2 reminds us to offer our bodies as “a living and holy sacrifice” to God. Worship is not confined to a church building; it is demonstrated through serving others with our hands and hearts. Every hour spent in the garden is an opportunity to love our neighbors, strengthen relationships, and glorify God through practical service. Our prayer is that we will all continue finding ways to “get our hands dirty” as we build a stronger, more compassionate community together.
Steve and Laura Allen, The Table-Irving, Irving, Texas