The Presbytery of Inland Northwest
Idaho, Washington
 Church members Cynthia Lambarth and Jennifer Aley sell items from Christ Kitchen, a ministry to women in poverty.
Youth Elder Kelly Hansen lives two blocks from her church, Millwood Community Presbyterian, in a quiet neighborhood on the urban fringe of Spokane. Early in 2007, when she was an eighth grader, Kelly’s faith and community involvement led her to initiate an effort for a neighborhood farmers’ market. She hoped a market would bring people out of their homes to a place where they could meet and get to know each other. Kelly knew this would have the additional benefit of helping local farmers stay in business.
Kelly presented the idea of the market to the leadership of the church and the Millwood Town Council. Her vision and initiative grew into a dedicated team of church members, farmers, and community businesses, all seeking the welfare of the town of Millwood.
The Wednesday evening market opened in the parking lot of the church in May 2007, and hundreds of community members began gathering there each week. Neighbors who came to buy produce found themselves engaged in conversation or stayed to listen to the live music. Church members hosted a booth to sell goods from Christ Kitchen, a local mission to women in poverty. The market grew in 2008 to include the participation of more than thirty farmers and artisans. It also became a source of fresh vegetables for low-income women and children through Washington State’s WIC voucher program.
Kelly received the prestigious Chase Youth Award in 2008 for community involvement for helping start the market. She serves as a great example to all who seek to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.
The Presbytery of Inland Northwest has 8,640 members in 49 churches.
Presbytery Staff
Rev. Richard Melin, executive presbyter
Joyce Bippes, administrative assistant
Michael Copas, financial administrator
Rev. Marcia Taylor, presbytery moderator
Elder David Hamilton, stated clerk
Andy Sonneland, camp and conference director
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Chris Conver, PPC
Frances Cook, GAC
Lord, help us to take initiative where our community involvement and our faith in Christ converge. Help us to seek the peace of our city, whether it be in the church sanctuary, the church parking lot, or at city hall. Amen.
Ps. 42, 146 Ps. 102, 133
Deut. 6:16–25
Heb. 2:1–10; John 1:19–28
|
