Pumpkins with purpose

The largest pumpkin pie ever made was over five feet in diameter and weighed over 350 pounds. If you are interested in beating that amazing record, choose to pick up pumpkins at the Bay United Methodist Church pumpkin patch that opens on Oct. 12. The amount of pumpkins needed to create this tasty treat can help rebuild a home in Appalachia. That’s right. This isn’t just any old patch, the pumpkins sold there are pumpkins with purpose.

OK. So maybe you don’t want the world's biggest pie and you just want a jack-o'-lantern for your front porch, a slew of toasted seeds, or a small delicate pie to offer your neighbor. The assumption is that we all love pumpkins and the tradition of picking out the perfect one. When you add supporting those in need, the tradition is so much sweeter. 

The Bay United Methodist Church pumpkin patch is a fundraising event to support about 50 youth and 20 adults on a trip to Appalachia with Appalachian Service Project (ASP) to help make homes warmer, safer and drier. The team fundraises and studies for a full nine months because they have a deep love for our southern neighbors and a desire to make their lives better.

This is the church’s 30th year supporting this program. Well over 100 homes have been improved as a result. Bonds with the families and fellow team members have been forged. Many hearts have been mended and given hope. 

The pumpkin patch is open 4-7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekends from Oct. 12-31. All pumpkins are offered on a donation basis. On Sunday, Oct. 27, from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., the children and youth will host the annual Family Fun Fest with a rock climbing wall, trunk-or-treat (noon to 2 p.m.), not-so-haunted house, face painting, bouncy house, food and more. The festival is free to the community.

To learn more about ASP, visit bayumc.org/mission/asp

Cindy Gulley

Cindy Gulley, Youth/Communications director Bay United Methodist Church

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Volume 11, Issue 19, Posted 9:13 AM, 10.01.2019