Pumpkins!

Sheila and I have been members of Trinity United Methodist Church since the year we married 1971 -- and I had been a member from 1962-1967 as well, while my father was pastor there. For the last thirty years or so a major fundraiser for the church has been our annual "Pumpkin Patch." As strange as it might seem, this annual pumpkin sale developed into something of a ministry of the church. First it brought members of all ages together in staffing the patch during most of October, feeling very good about raising money to support our flourishing youth ministries. It also attracted groups of children from day-cares and schools all over the county as well as just the general public, for storytelling and pictures. Sometimes new members's very first experience with Trinity was the "Patch". 

When our kids were in their teen years we took many turns in the Patch, not quite so often since. But we were back out there today with great Trinity friends Anita and Quillian Stewart and Lynn and Sandra Popham. And you never know who's gonna show up to choose a pumpkin. It was an absolute delight for Anita and me to see Lexie Terry who had been our fourth grade student at Armuchee Elementary when Anita was principal and I was a fourth grade teacher. 

The sky was gorgeous and the pumpkins make an interesting photo subject so I took a few iPhone pictures.

Y'all drop by and choose a pumpkin or two and maybe a little pumpkin bread, a visit a while.

I love our sanctuary. Our church has been blessed with many outstanding pastors like our current leader who preaches scripture-based sermons that challenge me to live the gospel more faithfully. 

This is our little columbarium which holds the ashes of several friends .