NEW VINEYARD – The 3rd Annual Fall Festival was held last weekend at Gospel Light Baptist Church on the Barker Road in New Vineyard. Well over 100 guests, representing church members, families, and friends from far and wide, enjoyed a beautiful Maine autumn day while participating in the many activities provided. Thirty special guests, all the way from Shenandoah Baptist Church of Cleveland, Tennessee, were also on hand to assist with the activities. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Foothills Christian Co-op, one of the ministries offered at Gospel Light.
“This was by far the best attendance and participation we’ve had over the three years,” Rhonda Kinney, church member and Festival-goer, stated.
It was obvious that “the Power and the Presence of the Lord” were on-site, as well.
Designed for children of all ages, choices included everything from the traditional horseshoes, cornhole, hula hoop toss, Plinko, pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, a bounce house, and a cake walk to more unique opportunities. For example, one could spend two minutes with a sledge hammer, smashing the old van donated by David Fletcher.
For those inclined towards more peaceful pursuits, there were hay wagon rides provided by Peter Durrell, a yard sale, and a photo booth featuring a background of autumn splendor.
One of the yard sale vendors, Forrest Burke, Lumberjack Tactical and Gunsmithing, offered a raffle to win chances to try out his soda can launcher. Several lucky winners were able to, literally, give this a shot. Rhonda Kinney was one of these.
“I won several shots, but gave most of them away,” she said, “My shoulder is still a little tender from the recoil kick. The girls from Tennessee were thrilled to try…”
50% of the proceeds from Burkes’ raffle ticket sales went to the Foothills Christian Co-op. This outreach of the Baptist Church provides a place and support for families who have made a decision to homeschool. The co-op offers support with curriculum, scheduling, structure, academic aid, recording grades, and accountability.
As with any successful festival, there was also cotton candy, popcorn, and a taco stand, which offered a taste of southern cooking.
Still another special feature of the festival was the petting zoo run by a young lady from New Sharon. Her menagerie featured chickens, rabbits, a white tree frog, a salamander and a toad; several beta fish, and a bearded dragon lizard named Flint. Having “always loved animals”, her career goals include herpetology and marine biology. If things go according to plan, a trip to Australia may also be in her future.
The afternoon ended with live gospel music provided by the Girls Haven Choir. According to its website, “The Haven Academy for Young Ladies opened it’s doors as a ministry of Shenandoah Baptist Church in 1997. It is a Bible based ministry focused on helping young ladies who are struggling with spiritual, family, and social issues. Our goal is to show them that true joy is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and learning to live for Him in your daily life…
“This is accomplished by placing an emphasis on Bible teaching in the home, classroom, and church. Through God’s Word we learn that our struggles of life begin with struggles of the heart. Our aim is to see Christ transform young people first in their heart. This change will then show through in their words and actions.
“While working toward that goal, we provide a safe “Haven” away from the worldly influences that have led to many of their bad decisions. The ladies are able to focus on their school studies, enjoy their social life, and experience a family atmosphere in a Christ exalting environment. We provide great academics, athletic opportunities, a wonderful church environment, and a loving home. Through these means, we strive to see spiritual, family, and social growth in their lives.”
Saturday’s Festival was followed by Sunday morning worship at the Gospel Light Baptist Church, where the Girls Haven Choir gave an encore performance.
“These girls sing from their hearts,” Gospel Light’s Pastor Steve Grubbs declared.
Pastor Grubbs and his wife, Ruth, have been with the Gospel Light Baptist Church since it opened in New Vineyard four years ago. In fact, they came to Maine from the Shenandoah Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN to start “a new church family”.
“We didn’t come just to try it out,” the couple agrees, “We moved here to stay.”
Their plan is to finish their ministry right here.
Gospel Light Baptist Church is located at 268 Barker Road in New Vineyard. Sunday school classes begin at 10:00 am, followed by worship service at 11. Nursery care is provided during Sunday morning and evening services. The Patch the Pirate Club, for elementary-aged children, meets during the adult service on Sunday mornings.
Steve and Rhonda Kinney lead the Kidz Connection Class. This youth group for boys and girls ages 3 to 13 meets at the church every other Sunday evening.
There is also a Sunday night worship service starting at 6:00 p.m. The Gospel Light Baptist Church also holds a Thursday evening prayer and Bible study at 6:30 p.m.

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