Sunday, October 6, began bright and clear. In Portland, that is a huge blessing when planning an outdoor event, especially in October. Management, later staff, and over 70 of our dedicated volunteers arrived to set up and help for the day. The excitement was palpable.

Rossi Farm's red barn is a well-known landmark in the East Portland community where Portland Adventist Community Services (PACS) resides and this is the third year PACS has held their annual Fall Festival on their premises. The choice has been intentional. It is under two miles from PACS. If we want to reach the community we serve, we need to be present there. A big plus is that the PACS Fall Festival is the only one on the east side of Portland!

Following Christ's example, PACS aims to nourish the mind, body, and spirit while fostering dignity among those they serve. They do this through the food pantry, dental services, and low-cost items in the thrift clothing and home goods stores. At the Fall Festival, they nourished the minds, bodies, and souls of everyone who attended.

There were fun activities for every age group. Curly the camel was the star attraction of the petting zoo! Bounce houses, fall arts and crafts, the Great Bubble Show, caricature drawings, and face painting all added to the fun. The axe throwing, Oregon Cave Maze, and climbing wall were inviting for the more daring. Of course, everyone had to smile at the photo booth!

Food carts added more Portland flavor to the mix. PACS thrift store staff curated a high-quality, stylish fall gallery that attendees could shop. Some vendors even gave discounts, acknowledging PACS' impact on the community.

In the evening, PACS held their annual award dinner in the barn. The Directors Award was given to Donna Cavanaugh, a recently retired, long-serving PACS volunteer. PACS depends on community-loving volunteers like Donna to carry out its mission.

Since Covid-19, the number of people who need help has increased significantly. Birch Community Services has been a significant food provider. About a third of the food we receive for distribution comes from Birch. With them, PACS can help as many people as we do. They deservedly received the Barbara Nelson Excellence Award.

Robert Hoffman later expressed these thoughts: "I've been around PACS since 2008, but have never felt the spirit of inclusiveness as strongly as is present today."  W. Derrick Lea, NAD, ACS executive director, who also attended, shared his thoughts, "PACS embodies the mission of ACS serving the community in Christ's name, every day!" These are encouraging words as we continue to serve our Portland community.