Sugary treats tend to steal the spotlight this time of year. Candy buckets, chocolate bars, and holiday desserts fill our minds with sweet expectations. While those goodies are delightful, something far greater made its way to our tables at this week’s Community Meal. 

When guests arrived prior to the dinner service on Tuesday night, each participant found a pumpkin waiting at their place—a sweet surprise with a message far sweeter than sugar. Inside each pumpkin was a simple but powerful reminder of the greatest gift ever given: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Friendship with Jesus is a gift no candy bar could ever match. His love remains far beyond this life and never fades. The “Gospel pumpkin” shared the truth that every person deals with sin. Whether it’s lying, fighting, or selfishness in any form, our sin separates us from fully knowing God. Yet God refused to leave us without hope. He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment for every sin we’ve ever committed and ever will commit. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated death and made a way for us to know Him and spend eternity with Him! 

This gift can be received by anyone who chooses to: 

• Admit their sin and ask God for forgiveness
• Believe that Jesus died on the cross and took the punishment we deserved
• Invite Jesus to be their forever friend and help them turn away from sin 

Becky, our Executive Director, joyfully shared this message with nearly 170 individuals gathered for the meal that evening. The room fell into a quiet stillness as everyone leaned in, listening deeply. The peace that comes with hearing the truth of the Gospel filled the space in a beautiful way. 

By the night’s end, participants walked out with armfuls of pumpkins, eager to share the story with friends, family, neighbors, and anyone willing to hear. These pumpkins hold a promise far sweeter and longer lasting than any trick-or-treat candy or holiday pie: the gift of Jesus, the sweetest gift of all.