Friends,

It is nearly pumpkin season, and I am quaking with anticipation in my St. Luke’s branded loafers (which you can buy here), because this is arguably the most active and joyful time of the year in the life of our Church. You would think this title would belong to one of our high holy days, like Christmas or Easter, but upon some reflection, I think this makes perfect sense.

Christmas and Easter are festivals for the believers. Many go to these services, even if they are the only services they go to during the year, to celebrate the incarnation of God in the world and the mystery of the incarnation. The pumpkin patch is something else entirely. It is definitively part of our Church’s identity, but it is frequented by everyone, because people of all faiths or lack thereof, love pumpkins. The families in our surrounding neighbors have created traditions around getting their pumpkins in our patch, getting family pictures, seeing how much everyone has grown, and enjoying the pumpkin bread and soup mix. St. Luke’s is a community of believers, but we thrive whenever we are able to host our neighbors and give them a space to make meaning. Sometimes the craft fair, BBQ or pumpkin patch are avenues into becoming members for the Church, but most times people smile at their haul of pumpkins when they check out and they said they will see us next year. Christian communities have a long history of being outward facing elements of communities that may or may not embrace our ideals and beliefs. Yes we are called to spread the Gospel, but when we can host people and do something innately appealing, wholesome and good, like the pumpkin patch, we are still spreading Christ’s love, and we are providing a small window into the heart of what makes St. Luke’s a loving place.

If you have not experienced our patch before here are some interesting things that may not be immediately apparent:

• The pumpkins come from he Navajo Nation.

• The proceeds are split between the Navajo Nation and St. Luke’s. As an incentive to sell more, they give us a greater cut of the proceeds based on the percentage we sell, so buy lots!

• Our High School Youth Program, “Journey to Adulthood” benefits from the funds we receive from the patch. Each youth earn funds for their pilgrimage based on how many shifts they work.

• The youth work many of the shifts, but others like to take shifts as well, because it is fun and it is a chance for you to meet new people!

• I especially encourage those with children too young for J2A to volunteer, because getting your children to greet people, do points of sale on the iPad, and everything else is a great way for them to learn and gain confidence.

• If you are new, be sure to let us know, so we can be sure you get trained and feel comfortable. Let us know by e-mail Courtney Jukuri at courtney@saintlukeschurch.net

This is a chance to put our best foot forward with our community by giving them a place to make memories, and see that St. Luke’s is a place not just filled with pumpkins, but saints as well.

-Nick