On Saturday, October 25, the people of St. John’s UMC (Davidson County) celebrated their trunk or treat festival inside the church and on the grounds for members of the church and for the community.
This event was the culmination of lots of hard work by the decorating team, led by Ms. Rita Jordon, generous donors from the community who helped to provide candy, and multiple community agencies that gathered together to help make it a great success. (We doubled last year’s attendance!)
St John’s partnered with Healing Housing, a ministry in Nashville that serves women who are in transition between inpatient treatment for Substance Use and Addiction as they navigate the next steps towards independent living and reclaiming their lives. The ladies were able to host trunks, assist with traffic flow and oversight, and able to meet up with their families and children to trick or treat in a safe and healthy environment. During this time, the often prevalent stigma that can precede a person in recovery disappeared, and participants were simply beloved children on God celebrating a fun time with friends and family.
We also welcomed several of our participants from the Innagural class for Beloved Woman, a nonprofit agency started by Rev. Sherry Cothron Woolsey that supports women who are economically disadvantaged with skills in business planning and micro-loans to assist with getting their concepts up and running. Several of the ladies were able to soft launch their business ideas while hosting a trunk and celebrating! These ladies will have their first graduation ceremony on November 9 at St. John’s UMC!
Additionally, we welcomed members of the AA home group that was started at St John’s in July. They too were able to help and serve and celebrate in a safe and fun environment with their families.
Mellow Meadows Animal Rescue provided a petting zoo on site at St. John’s that was no doubt the hit of the night for volunteers and participants alike!
In all, over 80 people were able to pass through the walls of the church and celebrate a fun night. Stigmas and shame were left at the door, and people were embraced for their belovedness and their place in the kingdom. Nothing matters more than being an open, welcoming, hospitable place for all of God’s people to worship.
Suffice to say, I am very proud of what the people of St John’s were able to accomplish!
Submitted by Rev. Jedediah Hanes, Senior Pastor of St. John’s UMC in Davidson County
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