FALL FESTIVAL OR BUST!

One of the longest standing mission/ministries/traditions of James Island Baptist has been our annual Fall Festival. It has truly become a community event. Do you remember how we started it? We wanted to go head to head with a fun, but questionable, night of Halloween. I know many of us had so much fun as kids going door to door getting free candy, dressed in homemade costumes. We stayed out to the wee hours of the night until everyone turned their lights out. Our Piggly Wiggly grocery bags were filled with an assortment of goodies. Very seldom was there any meanness, razor blades or poison in candies, seldom a mention of child predators and drugs were not an epidemic. That was then, this is now.

So we went head to head with a favorite night on the calendar. We offer a family friendly, as safe as possible environment that is free…affordable to every family. I am continually amazed at all we are able to offer and do at this festival. Kids get all the candy no parent wants them to have (lol); games are good clean fun; food is always delicious; and every now and again, we are able to share the Gospel story in an introductory way. The music is always the best! We have never really been tempted to offer this on another more convenient night…like a weekend. We always go head to head with Halloween. We encourage all of our volunteers and JIBC folks not to wear scary costumes or dress up in scantily clad costumes. Think family, think preschool and children. There are adult and teen parties that have more mature, frightful themes. We try to target families. By the way, we do not mind when our guestz come dressed in traditional Halloween garb. I personally love that they will see very creative costumes by our church family that are neither scary or “sexy”.

So how can you help? You know the drill: Volunteer for a two hour shift…or more if you have the stamina; brings lots and lots of candy; invite someone with children; pray for favor with God and man. Our challenge this year will include the renovation of the side of our building. That takes away, just for this year, a sizeable chunk of real estate we would use for the festival. Susan Warren and her team are already on top of the Plan B!

Hard to believe it is almost here! See you soon, good Lord willing!

Pastor Tom