Pumpkin sales aid
ministries, outreach
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By Rachel L. Toalson
Staff Writer
Susan Flores of Helotes knows how much work is needed to run a pumpkin patch effectively.
There is the physically exhausting work of unloading the pumpkins—typically a six-hour job. There is the recruiting of volunteers to run the patch and the filling of times that no one else wants—usually in the midday heat. There is boredom of slow times, when volunteers can sit for hours without seeing a customer.
But there are so many benefits, she said.
“People get to know each other who didn’t know each other before,” said Flores, who organizes the pumpkin patch at Helotes Hills UMC, Helotes. “You get to talk to people in the community and see the little kids and their excitement. It’s just a lot of fun to be out there.”
Joyce Codd, one organizer of the first-ever patch at St. Mark’s UMC, San Antonio, noted, “There’s just something about a pumpkin patch. It’s so magical.”
Many Southwest Texas Conference congregations operate pumpkin patches during October to raise money for various ministries.
Codd said running a patch appealed to her because she had volunteered for one at another church. She knew that selling pumpkins would be an ideal volunteer opportunity for members in her aging congregation.
“Once the patch is set up, for our congregation of retired people, it’s perfect,” she said. “They sit and visit. That’s what they love to do. They’re excited about it.”
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Uvalde UMs preserve historic windows
By Rachel L. Toalson
Staff Writer
When leaders of First UMC, Uvalde, began discussing renovations to their 99-year-old building, members had one request: keep the stained glass windows.
The renovation project has been “on the table” for some time, said the Rev. Scott Bradford, pastor of the 717-member congregation. Leaders considered tearing the building down and starting new. But most members couldn’t bear the thought of damaging the windows.
“They’re gorgeous,” Bradford said. “They catch your eye immediately. That’s probably largely why we’re not (tearing the building down). Maybe they could have been saved and put into a new building, but it would have been a lot of work, and maybe more costly than the project already is.”
Because the art of making stained glass has changed in the 100 years since the windows were created, Bradford said great care has been taken in the renovation process.
[full story]
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Musicians sought for Thanksgiving event in Seguin
A Victoria District music leader is calling “anyone with vibrating vocal chords” to help provide music for the 7th Annual Bishop’s Thanksgiving Gathering Nov. 18 in Seguin.
Keith Robinson, music director at First UMC, Seguin, is assembling musicians for the gathering at the Seguin-Guadalupe County Coliseum. He said he hopes many will volunteer to help.
“If you don’t have a choir but you have some folks who love to raise their voices in praise, I really want them to be a part of this celebration gathering,” Robinson said in a letter to churches. “I am also inviting youth choirs and individuals to sing with us.”
This year’s gathering, planned for Bishop Joel N. Martinez’s hometown, is to be his last as leader of the San Antonio Episcopal Area. The gatherings began in 2001 as a response to Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington.
[full story]
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