It seems almost surreal to have come out of a place like southwest Florida, with its massive hurricane damage, power outages, and people residing in tents in Walmart shopping centers, and be moved (socially, and emotionally) into a quasi-festive scenario. So before I get to thinking about proceeds from pumpkins, let us all keep in prayer those in immediate distress and need, caused by Hurricane Ian.
Okay, so the Brooksville Christian Church, located at 6197 Broad Street, is preparing its grounds for its annual pumpkin sell-off. Of course, traveling just a few blocks up the street to Lowes, you can go in and fill your trunk, (or your truck) with all things Christmas, but let’s leave that story (for at least a week or two).
This get-together of godly folk and gourded grounds is another milestone moment in the life of the church, and its volunteers. There will be friendly people set up on the front yard area of the property to assist those that desire the main ingredient needed for family fun for the next couple of weeks. One of the outreach mission’s members, Mrs. Danielle Toller, has headed this project in the past years, and even though it is a labor-intensive charity event, all proceeds (after covering produce expenses) goes to the various chosen missions, both locally and abroad.
My wife and I have personally “taken our turns” at the sales booths in the past, and will have the pleasure of assisting family folk, (and curious corporate customers) who wish to do their part in the coming festive events. One question that I recall hearing from some people as they ponder how much money to spend on the varied gourds is, “Why should I buy a pumpkin from this place when I can get one a little cheaper at the Walmart or Publix up the street?”
We then gladly mention (almost every time we hear it) that all proceeds after the initial purchase from the vendor go to charities in need. It is an extension of God’s love through the works of the volunteers. There will be “example gourdes” set up on a table to give the people an idea of what the pumpkin that they picked may cost. There will also be “soft tape” measures (similar to what you may wrap around your waist when the holidays are over) and these will have prices denoted at set measures as well.
Also, My wife reminded me that the pumpkin patch will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and that our church will be having a “Trunk or Treat” (Halloween alternative function) in the main parking lot on Oct. 26th, and starting at 6:00 PM. If you wish to inquire of the church and its activities, you can call the office at 352.796.3221, go online to brooksvillechristianchurch.org, or just swing by the sales booth at the pumpkin patch out front, and we will be glad to talk to you. While you are there, you can inquire about the different missions we will be helping out (and you will be helping as well, should you decide to bring something home with you)! May God bless you and yours, and have a good week!
