his year’s Fall Fest was a refreshing change from our usual Trunk or Treat event, and I’m incredibly excited about how everything came together. In the past, we focused mainly on the Trunk or Treat aspect, but this year we wanted to expand it into something more. We introduced a prayer tent and a canned food drive, both of which brought new meaning to the event. The prayer tent was one of the most powerful parts of the day—we had 50 people fill out prayer requests. It wasn't just about handing out candy anymore. People were opening up, asking for prayers, and making connections. That was our goal: to bring people together in a meaningful way.
We also had food trucks this year, which was a fun addition. However, we did hit a snag when they almost canceled on us at the last minute. I was worried, but our volunteers offered to stepped in without hesitation, to make a trip to Sam’s Club to ensure we still had food options. Thankfully, the food trucks ended up showing up, which was a relief. But that’s the kind of commitment and heart our church has—from volunteers to community partners. I can’t say enough about the willingness of everyone involved to step up and make sure the day ran smoothly.
One of the highlights for me was interacting with families from our Good News Clubs, which we’ve been running for two years now. These families recognized me, and I had the opportunity to have deeper conversations with them—more than just the usual quick hellos in the school pickup line. It was amazing to be able to invite them to our church and let them know about all the other ways we’re involved in the community.
Overall, this year’s Fall Fest was a huge success. It wasn’t just about the numbers, though we did have over 670 kids pass through the inflatables and 30 trunks, which was beyond my expectations. The real success was the way we demonstrated God’s love, both to our two-mile circle and beyond. I’m incredibly thankful for everyone who made it happen, from volunteers to those who donated candy and canned goods. Your generosity made a real difference!
Todd Hixenbaugh,
Kids Ministry Director
