Christ Lutheran Church, (www.clcscv.org) held its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 22. They set a new attendance record with well over 300 people from the church, preschool and community joining in the fun. “We wanted to outreach not only to our families, but to families in our community,” said Esther Siegen, Children’s Ministries Director at Christ Lutheran Church. “We decided to focus on the complete family experience instead of just the usual trunk-or-treat.”
This year’s Harvest Festival included a Chili Cook Off with 20 entries and prizes for first, second and third place! Some folks chose to not enter the contest, rather bring chili for sharing only. “I love making chili, and I just want to share it with folks,” said Pauline Payton, a church member and a 68 year old student at COC.
A petting zoo and pony rides by So Cal Animals (www.socalanimals.com) provided a beautiful and loving atmosphere for children and adults alike to hold, pet, and love their cute critters. It was a site to see so many children dressed in their Halloween costumes riding the ponies, from princesses, knights and the occasional Jedi. The animals, including sheep, goats, bunnies, chickens, a turtle and more were treasured by the attendees!
Additionally, this year’s festivities included a mechanical bull. People of all ages, from 4 to 84, were brave enough to give it a try! “It was exhilarating to watch and be part of multiple generations who rode the bull, and experience the laughter and love together” said Steven Neaton, Youth Director at Christ Lutheran Church.
There were crafts and a dance room, complete with a DJ for the younger children. The DJ kept the lil’ dancers dancing all night… or at least until bed time. There was also plenty of candy for the youngsters as candy stations were set up throughout the event.
Christ Lutheran Church would like to thank everyone who attended. Gathering together to share a moment of gratitude for our God, Jesus, and the community was nothing less the pure joy and an absolute blessing. None of this would be possible without Him.
