Vehicles decorated in Halloween and Autumn themes offered up fists full of candy from the dark depths as little ghouls (kids of course!) ran amuck from trunk to trunk sniffing out goodies. Celebrate Love Church opened its doors and car trunks to the community for a Harvest Party to show what their vision entails.
Lesley and Shawnell Bradley launched their church on December 29, 2019, right before the pandemic. She and her husband co-pastor the ministry that is ideally located at 254 West Main St., Ravenna. “God wanted us to be planted with our feet on the ground for a reason,” said Lesley. “It’s a blessing to be so accessible for people walking by.”
Hosting events like their recent Harvest Party allows the growing congregation to connect with the community, she explained. “The vision for the church is to connect people to God’s love and the power of his presence.”
Her car, named the Trunk Monster, with chopping teeth that guarded the candy was one of the many adorned for the festive event. About 20 children came out to trunk-or-treat, play games such as candy corn chopsticks and color matching Skittles. Laughing and liveliness were present at every table as attendees enjoyed activities.
“The main goal is to provide a safe and warm environment to experience God’s love,” said Damien Hill, also a minister for the CLC. About 50 people took time out of their schedules on a Thursday night to come visit us, he said with elation.
Devan Butcher, a member of Celebrate Love Church, said her trunk used colorful foliage and scripture verse as décor. “The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.” Psalms 85:12.
She brought her sons Carter, 8, and Leland, 2, both dressed as Spiderman to participate. Carter was most impressed with the gum game where whoever blew a bubble first after eating through a plate of Cool Whip won! But, this Amazing Spiderman also held the Oreo on the forehead game in high regard!
Celebrate Love Church can be reached at 330-687-7460 or blbsis769@aol.com. Information and videos can be found on their Facebook page.
