09/05/2026
Such a hard post to make but we know this is for the betterment of our community.
We love our people and plan to be here for the long haul with you. ❤️❤️
🧡🖤A Vulnerable Message From Good News Lutheran Church 🖤🧡
We need to share something that is honestly very difficult for us to say.
Since 2007, Good News Lutheran Church has welcomed our community to the Good News Pumpkin Patch. For nearly two decades, we have never charged an admission fee. Not once.
We have always believed that the Pumpkin Patch should be a place where families could come, make memories, take pictures, enjoy the fall, and simply have a good time without having to worry about the cost of getting through the gate.
But today, we find ourselves in a place we never wanted to be.
The cost of everything has increased. Utilities, supplies, maintenance, insurance, equipment, repairs—and now, our church building has some very significant and necessary repairs that we simply cannot continue to put off.
And the difficult truth is this:
Our church is struggling.
If we don't make some changes, the Pumpkin Patch may not be able to continue.
And if the Pumpkin Patch cannot continue, the impact goes far beyond pumpkins.
Because the Pumpkin Patch helps support the ministry and outreach that happens here throughout the year.
💛 GNYAC provides a safe, positive environment for approximately 300 kids each spring through youth softball, surrounded by positive peers, coaches, community leaders and mentors.
💛 Our weekly food pantry provides groceries free of charge to approximately 50–60 families every week.
💛 Our facilities are used by community groups, including homeschool families and AA, creating spaces where people can gather, learn, heal and connect.
💛 Wesley Nurse provides resources, spiritual support and medical guidance to people who may otherwise have difficulty accessing those services.
💛 And this month, we are launching a Hygiene Pantry, providing hygiene products, paper goods and other necessities to families who may be struggling to afford them.
These aren't just programs.
These are people.
Kids. Moms. Dads. Grandparents. Cousins. Neighbors. Friends.
People in our community who need a safe place, a helping hand, a meal, a resource, a listening ear or simply someone who cares.
And we want to keep being that place.
So, with very heavy hearts, we are making a change.
Beginning this Pumpkin Patch season, there will be a $5 parking fee per car on Saturdays and Sundays only.
There will still be NO admission fee to the Pumpkin Patch. ❤️
We know this is different.
We know some people may not be happy about it. And, honestly, we are nervous about sharing this with you.
But we also know that doing nothing is not an option.
This small parking fee will help us keep the Pumpkin Patch alive, help us address the repairs our church desperately needs, and most importantly, help us continue the outreach and ministry that serves our community all year long.
For almost 20 years, you have allowed us to be part of your family traditions.
You've brought your children here. You've taken family pictures here. You've celebrated birthdays here. You've made memories here.
Now, we're humbly asking you to help us make sure there are many more years of memories to come.
We don't want to leave this community.
We love this community.
We believe in this community.
And we are committed to being here for the long haul.
So please keep coming. Keep bringing your families. Keep supporting our Pumpkin Patch. Keep sharing our posts. Keep participating in our programs. And when you see the $5 parking fee, please know that it isn't about making a profit.
It's about keeping the doors open so we can keep serving the people on the other side of them.
Thank you for understanding.
Thank you for supporting us.
Thank you for loving Good News Lutheran Church and the Good News Pumpkin Patch.
We truly could not do this without you. 🖤💛🎃
With gratitude,
Good News Lutheran Church
