October 28, 2024 – Candy, mouthwatering food, and excitement filled the air at Loma Vista Community Church on the evening of Sunday, October 27, as the community gathered for their annual Harvest Party.
This event, attended by hundreds of Clovis residents near and far, offered families a delightful evening of fun for everybody.
Against the backdrop of a stunning sunset, children collected candy from the beautifully decorated car trunks during Trunk-or-Treat, with themes ranging from Bluey to pirates with a sign saying “Store up your treasures in Heaven.”
After securing their candy haul, families took Instagram-worthy photos at the photo wall, a farmhouse-themed backdrop with pumpkins and autumn leaves gracing the sides of the area.
However, the fun didn’t stop there. Families enjoyed hayrides, delicious dinners and eye-catching desserts from various food trucks, bounce houses, a Toddler Play Area, and a meet-up with Clovis firefighters while sitting in a fire truck.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the church additionally had tables set up, CHP offering coloring pages and other fun items and the church offering prayer or more information about their beliefs at their evangelism table.
This successful event was orchestrated by Danielle Stockdale, who, for the first time ever, planned it entirely on her own.
Stockdale wears many hats at Loma Vista Community Church, being the Communications Coordinator, Event Leader, and Administrative Assistant.
“This is an opportunity that we can give families a safe place to have fun and be together,” Stockdale shared. “We’re just trying to bring our church into our community.”
And what a community-oriented event it was – everywhere you looked in the Loma Vista parking lot, families were exchanging hugs, laughter, and smiles as children ran around, playing with their friends.
Danika and Jack Olson, two members of the church, walked around with their 6-month-old daughter sporting a cute family costume – Danika and Jack dressed as farmers and their baby dressed up as an adorable baby cow.
The Olsons echoed Stockdale’s sentiments about bringing the church into the community.
Danika, a 26-year attendee of Loma Vista, expressed her deep appreciation for their teachings and their role in supporting and strengthening the community.
Jack touched on the special (and relatively new) location of the church at the intersection of Shaw and McCall Avenue, out in the Loma Vista community but very closely bordering Sanger.
He stated, “A lot of neighborhoods are springing up around here and I think it’s good … People can have a home church that’s in their community, which is exactly why we call it a community church.”
Those interested in visiting Loma Vista are invited to join them on Sunday mornings at 8:30AM, 10AM, and 11:30AM. People can also download their app or visit their website at www.lomavistacc.com, where they can watch services live, submit prayer requests, and take notes on messages.