Letting God's Love, Shine through Us

“God can't give us peace and happiness apart from Himself because there is no such thing.”  ― C.S. Lewis

Today, here in Murfreesboro, we woke up to beautiful fall weather. Everything feels fresh...clean...new. Today is a day that it is easy for us to walk outside and be grateful for God's creation. Days like today are so refreshing and necessary for those of us who work at Greenhouse because it helps to renew our gratitude and redirect our attention to the heart of what we do...love. Despite what people may think, everyday life at Greenhouse is not always pleasant. There are times when staff, volunteers, and clients alike just don't seem to be feeling it...i.e. they are grumpy. But push past our flesh and earthly feelings and we get the heart, which beats fast with a love and dedication to serving that can only come from God.

The main goal of Greenhouse Ministries is to help people improve their life situation-to give them hope and help them realize their dreams are worth fighting and striving for. We are so much more than just a food pantry, although that is the starting point for this life changing journey we want our clients to set out on. We know there is no point addressing the emotional issues in one's life and completely leaving out the physical, so the physical is where we start.

Clients can come into Greenhouse every 30 days for an emergency food box. We can also provide basic household goods, clothing, baby and feminine products depending on what the clients' needs are. We have a thrift shop attached to us as well where anyone can purchase (at very low prices) clothes, books, furniture, and really anything! For the physical needs we provide, we rely mainly on donations. The less money we can spend on these things, the more we can spend on other areas like our education programs.

When a client comes in to have a physical need met, we also address the spiritual. We show everyone who walks in the door love-mainly, by listening. We ask people about their lives and situations and show them love, despite the choices they may have made to get them where they are now. We use this counseling time to let them know about our education classes. We want to give hand-ups, not hand-outs, so we have a Learning Center where anyone can take classes for free. Our most popular classes are budgeting, GED/HiSET tutoring, parenting, and our computer classes, although we offer several more. Our education classes are important because they address skills and give clients education that is lacking, but they also give people a niche…a place to go, and people to talk to.

At the root of everything we do, and what we believe is the only way to bring about change, is love and relationship building. We form relationships and partnerships with our clients so they begin to want to change their lives. They realize the cycle of poverty they have been living and operating in their whole life is not their only reality. There is a lot in life to strive for, and with hard work and difficult decisions, every one of our clients has the chance to be better.

Some of you may have already been very familiar with what Greenhouse does and what we stand for, and if that is true, thank you for reading through! We need to be reminded every so often of who is really in charge here, and what part we play in this glorious masterpiece He is creating right here in Murfreesboro Tennessee. Service is who we are, and love is what we give; we are overwhelmed by the support we get from the community and how each and every one of you has helped us get to where we are today.

Lives are being changed daily, and we are humbled to get to have a front row seat as God works His miracles. So from all of us here at Greenhouse...who are feeling especially peaceful and grateful on this beautiful day...Thank You!

Veterans for Volunteers

Picture found here

Greenhouse helps a lot of people, and there are many people in Murfreesboro who are at least familiar with what Greenhouse does. When asking the average person, "What does Greenhouse do?", the kind of answers you will typically get include "food pantry", "homeless help" and even "helping the poor". While these are all true, Greenhouse does much, much more than this.

In an effort to educate more people on the many services and opportunities Greenhouse has to offer,  I will dedicate this blog post to a different area every week.  Last week, we talked about the Garden Patch Thrift Store, and I am still looking for your social media pictures with the hashtag #gpdesigns! This week, I will highlight one of our newer, but definitely thriving, programs; Veterans for Volunteers!

A while back, we noticed that a large number of our clients--whether homeless or working poor, young and old, men and women--were veterans.  Once we got to know these people, we noticed a lot of them had the tendency to sit at home and do nothing. They had no desire to interact with people.  They didn't have jobs; they sat at home living off of their benefits and tried to work out the many issues they were feeling by themselves. Most of these men and women had been to war and were dealing with the effects of things they had seen and experienced while overseas. They were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress, and didn't see a way out, or that there were people just like them who could relate and bring them through the darkness. That is where we come in!

A volunteer counselor from the VA worked with us to start a program that would cater to the needs of the veterans, while not holding them where they were. An opportunity to move past what they had been through and seen, and go forward with their lives.

Our volunteer coordinator trying to prove that his Army skills are still holding strong!

With volunteers from the community, we reach out to veterans and offer them the chance to enroll in our Veterans for Volunteers program (V4V).  V4V is a six month program that pairs struggling or hurting veterans, with healthy, stable, active veterans who can help guide them out of their current situations.  They become a "Battle Buddy" to them, someone who they can confide in, someone who knows what they are going through personally, and someone who can build them up and help them see all the options in font of them.

Program participant Roger

The veterans will spend time at Greenhouse and in the community volunteering...we do this for two reasons.  The first, we love volunteers, and would like the chance to build relationships with our veterans.  The second, and more important reason, is that giving veterans a place to volunteer gives them a purpose and something to look forward to every day.  It is a reason to get out of the house.  It is an excuse to stop the substance abuse that many are dealing with out of a mixture of pain and boredom.  We provide an outlet for their energy and a way for them to use their talents to shine, which benefits us both!  Leaving the military does not have to mean an end to living...we hope to show these veterans that there is a lot left to live for, and that we are grateful for their service and sacrifices, and proud of the work they have done to keep us safe.

We have seen our program participants make significant improvements and take steps toward their recovery that would not have been possible before entering the program. The main goal is to help these veterans reintegrate back into the community. While working with us over their six month program, they go into the community and volunteer at other organizations, and we hope to help them find jobs.

We are so proud of our veterans and the major work we have seen them do! We have seen men come out of their shells, get jobs and apartments, find talents they didn't know they had and hobbies they enjoy, get closer to Jesus, and generally just rediscover their passion for life!

Andy Pounds, V4V Coordinator

If you are a veteran, or if you know a veteran, who could benefit from this program or who would like to volunteer with us, please do not hesitate to stop by and talk with us! Our V4V coordinator Andy Pounds, and current volunteer mentors would love to sit and talk with you!

The Garden Patch Thrift Shoppe

Greenhouse Ministries has many facets...you can frequently hear us saying that if there is a need in Rutherford County, and no one to meet it, we will step up and see what we can do! Well, how many of you knew that we also have a thriving business connected to us, that feeds into our ministry and helps us pay the bills? Well we do, and it is the oh so popular Garden Patch Thrift Shoppe!

If you have never been into the Garden Patch, you are missing out! GP sells everything from household items, to clothes--books to furniture. We truly have it all! We only sell the clothes that are in pristine condition, and a lot of time goes into pricing the items that come in, so we can offer a fair deal. We offer weekly sales and daily discounts, just to further the fun! Are you looking for anything specific? Just come on in! Sometimes our items can be obscure, but we hold by the belief that there is a home for everything we get!

Tuesdays...are you a Veteran? Come in and get 25% off your entire purchase on Thankful Tuesday!
Wednesdays...are you a senior over 60? On Wise Wednesdays we offer 25% discounts for you!
Thursdays...are you a student? With a valid student id, you can save some extra $$ on Thrifty Thursday!

With a little help from our Greenhouse staff, volunteers, and the wonderful ladies at Oh Magnolia, we bring you just some of the styles that came completely from the Garden Patch! Do YOU have some inspired fashion from Garden Patch? Share it on Instagram using #DesignsByGP, so we can see how you style your Garden Patch wears!

Julie knows a good deal when she sees one! She is showing us how to stay chic in an all black outfit with adorable lace touches on the shoulders!

Jane dazzles in this blue number with always appropriate black slacks. Jane knows that blue is a hot summer color and stays up to date with the season fashions by shopping at Garden Patch!

Not one to be outdone, Cliff shows us a great blue menswear option! Quality men's polos at a great price? Only at the Garden Patch!

Want a way to dress up jeans for work? Learn from Shelley, who pairs a leopard print cardigan with a solid color shirt and heels...just enough pop to make it fun, but keeping it work appropriate!

Want a great casual outfit that doesn't look simple and boring? Well turn to Emily's option with a bright shirt and skirt! The colors are fabulous and she looks comfy AND chic!

Whatever your style, we get it! You can rock vintage and eclectic looks from the Garden Patch as well! Also, take a cue from Elsa, who's rocking her fave heels with a different outfit!

Kristen shows us that you can embrace the care free attitude while still looking cute and put together. She is having a great time in this dress and cardigan purchased at the Garden Patch!

Kacey knows how to make a scarf look summer cool! This bright scarf isn't heavy and adds a great pop of color to an already great dress--a little something extra that puts this outfit into the amazing!

 Summer means it gets hot, hot, hot outside! As the temperatures rise, make sure you stay cool in fun sundresses like the one Shelley is wearing! Extra bonus with this outfit--stripes are so in!



Sandy is feeling sassy today! And why shouldn't she? She got this to-die-for pink top at a fraction of the store price! The color is great, and the style is perfect for these hot summer days!

We have great menswear selections at the Garden Patch! Drew shows us how a polo with jeans should be the staple outfit for every man during the summer!

 If there is one thing Candace knows, it's that comfort is key! She demonstrates how you can look cute, while staying comfortable and cool! Her outfit perfectly embodies "Effortless cool"!

Norma hasn't been at Greenhouse long, but she learned early that the Garden Patch was quite the treasure! She rocks this striped shirt and capris outfit, looking calm, cool, and collected!

Need clothes for the little ones? No problem! Sophie loves her Garden Patch finds...and why shouldn't she...they're adorable!

Rain is not fun! But Lincoln's cute raincoat he found at the Garden Patch prove summer showers can be a good thing...the fashion that comes with it can be at least!

Can't make it to the beach this year? That's okay! Ruby Jane is still having fun in this beachside inspired look! Kids need something easy and fun for these long summer days spent outside!

As you can hopefully see, the Garden Patch has a lot to offer! Check out our summer sales and make sure you come by and see us! We are located adjacent to Greenhouse Ministries at 309 South Spring Street in downtown Murfreesboro! Have questions? Call us, (615) 494-0499. or visit our website!

Volunteerism

Greenhouse Ministries started 15 years ago as a place where the hopeless in Murfreesboro could come and dare to dream about their future.  We started, and have continued to be, a place where people can come and get their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs met in a way that furthers them in life.  It was also founded as a place where the people in this community could come and volunteer; a place where the community would want to give back to and rally around.  In all of our 15 years we have depended on these volunteers to keep us going and to help us achieve our goals.

Lately, Greenhouse has been going through some changes...changes are inevitable as we grow, and also painful.  Because of these changes and growth, we have found ourselves in a season where we need even more volunteers.  We have entered summer and a lot of people go on vacations and stay home to spend time with their families...this is another reason why we need extra help right now.  Rutherford County is filled with wonderful people who have kind and generous hearts that have been the driving force behind our continual success.

We ask you now to pray to see if God leads you to volunteer with us.  We have opportunities in office and administrative work, peer counseling, teaching classes, helping in our Garden Patch Thrift Shoppe, processing and sorting donations, a volunteer nursing clinic for LPN and RNs, and general maintenance in the building.  Basically, if you have a talent, we can use it!

We can have volunteers of any age, if they are under 16, they just need to be accompanied by an adult while they are here, but volunteering as a family is always an option!


Our next Volunteer Orientation is Thursday June 12th at 10 am and 5:30 pm.  If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please call our offices at (615) 494-0499!

Thanks for being AWESOME supporters of Greenhouse...whether you volunteer, donate, or support us through your prayers, we really appreciate you!

Mayors' Prayer Breakfast

Greenhouse Ministries was honored to host the 9th Annual Mayors' Prayer Breakfast on Thursday May 1st.  We have hosted this for the past 7 years, and we are so proud and so excited to have the opportunity to join with our community leaders on this special day of prayer for Rutherford County and our whole nation.  Every year we follow the points of prayer set out by the National Day of Prayer Task Force, praying for: Government, Church, Military, Family, Education, Media, Business, and we add our own in there--Health.

This year was a particularly special occasion because it is an election year for Rutherford County and Murfreesboro, and we were lucky enough to have our current Murfreesboro Mayor pray for and introduce our incoming Murfreesboro Mayor! All in all, the event went off great and we found a seat for everyone, which is surely a miracle because we counted more people than seats! A complete rundown is below, and we will add pictures as soon as we get them, but please take a look at the National Day of Prayer website and familiarize yourself with this great event. Next year, plan to be with us at the Embassy Suites on the first Thursday in May to participate in the 10th Annual Mayors' Prayer Breakfast!

Feed the City

Can we just brag a little about our supporters? Greenhouse Ministries is such a strong organization, and we have so much going on and have grown so much! There is no way we could be like this if it wasn't for God's never-ending grace! God's grace, and the love he puts on other people's hearts to serve and support organizations like this one.

This past weekend, City Church hosted an awesome fundraiser for us called Feed the City.  All the money raised from this event is going straight into Greenhouse to help us put food in our pantry and serve the people of Rutherford County for free! It was a great night-full of music, magic, and laughs-but most of all it was a night where we were surrounded by love, and mercy, and were reminded of why we do what we do.

So thank you, City Church, for being people who have a heart for service and for our city.  For helping others who can't help themselves, and for sticking so strongly to the vision you have laid out for your church...

Remember the Gospel
All of the Bible points to the gospel and all of our lives should respond to it. It is not only a truth to be understood, but a story of grace and justice that calls for daily response from every person in every area of life. It reconciles us to God and is instrumental to our growth in our relationship with Him.

Live in Community

Gospel-centered life happens with one another. We must know one another, share life together, sacrifice for and love each other hard, spurring one another on in a relationship with Christ.

Live on Mission

We exist for the good of the city and the glory of God. We are a missional community. We are not satisfied with a “its just us” mentality, but are compelled by the gospel to share it, in word and action, by generously giving our time, talent, and money to bless our city and world through the church.

If you missed Feed the City, check out our pictures below, and be sure to go to City Church's website, or check out their services on Sunday morning and night!

The organizer of the event, Mr. Drew Fleming!

Some of our amazing performers of the evening!

Christopher and Stephanie Teague of Out of the Dust

Jeff Woods

Trevor Atwood and Travis Prater from City Church

Some more pictures from the night!

The Big PayBack

Exciting things are happening for the Non-Profit community of Middle Tennessee! Community Foundations of Middle Tennessee presents The Big PayBack! The Big PayBack  is a community-wide online giving day that’s a special occasion to celebrate Middle Tennessee’s spirit of generosity and support the work of nonprofits.

This 24-hour online event will help nonprofits, like this one, raise much-needed unrestricted dollars and bring awareness to pressing needs in our communities. Plus, your gifts made during The Big Payback will be increased by incentives and awards for participating nonprofits and may also help your favorite nonprofits qualify for special prizes and bonuses. 

For 24 hours, beginning at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6 to 6 a.m. on Wednesday,

May 7, donors can make gifts to participating nonprofits that are located in or provide services in the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee. We will be eligible for incentives, bonuses and additional prizes throughout the day so your gift would be greatly appreciated. 

For more information, contact us or visit www.TheBigPayback.org.