Maryland Church Provides Community with "Safer Alternative"
On October 30, 2004, over 1,800 people from the community attended the seventh Annual Harvest Fest hosted by First Assembly of God in Elkton, Maryland. The church advertises the fall event as a "safer alternative to Trick or Treat." The goal is to get kids off the street and into a safer environment on Halloween night.
According to Alan Bosmeny, pastor of First Assembly of God, the family event provides activities for all ages with over 35 Bible-based games, food, face-painting, sand art, Creation Walk (cake walk), hayrides, moon bounce and even an appearance by the local fire and rescue squad. The obstacle course/rock wall, a new addition this year, was one of the highlights. The main attraction: everything is free.
This was the first year that First Assembly joined with two other community churches for the event. Planning began as early as June to secure vendors. Nearly 90 volunteers were involved – from setting up booths and games weeks in advance to operating the booths and games, and providing security and a parking crew on Harvest Fest night. Bosmeny says their only real challenge was coming up with over 30,000 pieces of candy.
Help from local businesses plays a huge role in making the event a success. Thirty-five businesses sponsored the event this year by donating food items, supplies, money and give-away prizes. Two bicycles were given away as a result of the sponsors’ generosity.
"The community response has been overwhelming," Bosmeny says. "We have received phone calls, letters of thanks, cards with money and even Letters to the Editor in our local newspaper expressing appreciation to the church for providing this ministry."
The mission of Harvest Fest at First Assembly of God in Elkton is not necessarily to evangelize, but to be a blessing to the community – to bless those who only attend church three times a year as well as those who attend regularly, and to make every child feel welcomed and comfortable.
"God is glorified and the gospel shared through our efforts, says Bosmeny. "This has been a positive force in bringing the community to our church and our church to the community."
– Caroline Foster
