SANLANDO PUMPKIN PATCH 2009

October 1 - October 31

               The pumpkins arrive October 1st and 12th!

      It is August and planning for the Pumpkin Patch is underway.  The plans began in January when we placed the order to plant OUR pumpkins and continue throughout the year. The planning involves meetings and discussions with church members regarding all areas of the Pumpkin Patch. Some of these discussions included advertising, decorating ideas, extras that we sell at the patch, Story Time and especially how to get our church to fill the volunteering areas that are needed. We will need all the help we can get to make this year a big success!                                                                                                                      

       PUMPKIN UNLOADING: The pumpkin unloadings are always noted for times where camaraderie is a promise and smiles are shared with each passing pumpkin. The pumpkins will be unloaded starting at 4:00 pm on Thursday, October 1 and Monday, October 12^th. Please come join us even if you can’t get there until after work. All hands are welcome!

      STORY TIME:  October 12 – 30 from 9 am - noon.  Johny Blunt is the Story Time Coordinator this year and will be taking calls to schedule groups for this popular Pumpkin Patch activity.  The needed positions for Story Time include Story Tellers, Host and Hostesses, Song Leader and Tour Guides. As you can tell, several people are needed in order to make Story Time a success. The patch benefits greatly from this outreach effort and we would like to continue this sharing time. For more information, please contact Johny at 407-831-6498. 

The PURPOSE of the PUMPKIN PATCH is three-fold

           First, it is to raise funds to support the Youth of our church on MISSION TRIPS in 2010.  The Shine Choir Tour, under the direction of Linda Dares, Director of Music & Worship, travels to churches, children’s hospitals, children’s homes and Youth Detention facilities. This year, the Shine Choir along with Patrick Keely and Robin Kapur as chaperones, attended the SonPower Conference in Panama City, FL. The Youth Group works together as a team on LOCAL MISSIONS by repairing and/or painting homes, cleaning up yards, and other projects arranged by Chad Garmon, Director of IMPACT Ministries.        

Second, it is a way to bring our congregation and our youth together as we set up, decorate, unload, help customers, and sell pumpkins.  It is a great way to get to know each other.  Our church is a FAMILY and the focus on the Pumpkin Patch will be Our Family this year.  Even if you do not have a child in the Shine Choir or Youth Program, our Youth need to know that our Congregational Family is willing to support them in their desire to learn about God, to be HIS HANDS and VOICE through missions to others. Please prayerfully consider how you may fully be a part of our family in service this year.                                                            

Third, it is an outreach to our community.  We advertise pumpkins and hay, but the important part is the loving experience the customers receive when they meet members of our congregation.  We want to share God’s love with each person that comes here. Let God’s love shine through your warm, smiling face and attitude of joy. 

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