The Pumpkin Patch
More than merely a fundraiser, the pumpkin patch has become part of our identity as a congregation. We are honored that so many Athenians consider our patch their home for pumpkins, pictures, playtime, and conversations. We appreciate the opportunity to get to know our neighbors better and to offer them an experience that is pleasant and helpful so that they return year after year. We are thrilled to welcome hundreds of school children through the free field trips we offer. We love singing songs, reading pumpkin stories, helping the students do a craft, and watching them run along the rows of pumpkins. We are so thankful for the conversations we get to have in the patch and the way we can bring our church and the message of love to our front lawn every year. We are grateful for the community’s support in not only buying pumpkins from us, but in helping us unload them too, and, most importantly, in taking the time to be present with us.
We had our first Pumpkin Patch in 2007. Originally, the money was used to sponsor a mission trip the youth were taking to Puerto Rico. As the Patch grew, it has provided mosquito nets for our sister church in Liberia, relief through Bethlehem Ministry in Haiti, and helped support local missions like Family Promise of Athens, in addition to paying for half of our 15-passenger bus. Milledge Avenue Baptist Church has become known around Athens as the Pumpkin Church. The proceeds have grown each year so that now the money is used in many more ways and to benefit a variety of areas in the church and community.
How the Proceeds are Used
Building Stewardship
We use pumpkin patch funds to help support our local service groups so they can use our facilities at no cost.
Children's Ministries
The pumpkin patch helps us cut camp costs, offer an Easter program and egg hunt, and purchase supplies for Vacation Bible School and other children's activities.
Youth Ministries
We are able to provide financial assistance so our youth can attend summer camps and retreats. These funds also help us enhance seasonal program such as movie nights, annual lock-in, and our annual Christmas Progressive Dinner.
Music Ministries
With extra funds from the pumpkin patch, we are able to purchase additional music and supplies for our choir, handbells, and instrumental ensemble.
Volunteering in the Pumpkin Patch
Most of our volunteers are active participants in the MABC church family. If you aren't a church member but you would like to help with the Pumpkin Patch, please contact the church office.
