Last Sunday at 12:30pm, a large gathering took over High Street Community Church front lawn and parking lot. As the warm sunlight finally broke through, Andrew Trowbridge launched his 5th Annual Lemonade Stand to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz.

Dozens of Westsiders gathered from the local neighborhoods, filling chairs and mulling around the booths. The High School Jazz Band tuned their instruments. And the fragrance of baked goods wafted through the autumn air.

Firewise began to share resources about reducing wildfire risk and the Santa Cruz Fire Department shared the space. They even pulled up a large red firetruck, parked in the front lot, and welcomed the kids to climb on in, explore, and learn.

Andrew’s stand served a hungry crowd while the local High School Jazz band began grooving out everything from classic jazz tunes to “Cruella de Vil”! Cheers broke out between every song and more goodies were served than eye could count!

Music continued with a young Jazz Quartet who to the crowds delight. More goodies were purchased. All the time, funds raised to support Second Harvest. This went on for hours!

Have you ever seen anything like this at High Street?

I’d love to share a few reflections from our team:

Andrew's support of 2nd Harvest gave me a way to invite the neighborhood to a festive event, support 2nd Harvest and get a few new people informed and connected to our neighborhood fire prevention strategies.
I counted about 30 people I invited who attended, many who probably stepped onto the HSCC campus for the 1st time.
I personally talked to 3 people who were curious about our church and wanted to talk to me more about engaging with HSCC and my faith.
I liked having it be informal and festive, with music and food...which is always a draw for people
It gave me a vision of how HSCC can host other festive outreach events that support 'service' to our community and those in need.

It was a huge success. Andrew raised $4100. Last year he raised $2600. Crazy!!! Right? God is good.
Thank you for being a leadership that didn't have to be the loudest one in the room on that day.
The church did a great job of coming alongside something good and made it better by being present.
The band was very excited to get to play in front of an audience so early in the year. And I got a lot of positive comments about the space with the trees behind and the grass area. People were very comfortable and happy to be there.
The firewise people enjoyed themselves and felt very positive about the event. They even donated $200.
The state farm agent who was there donated $500. two west side families donated, one did $300, another donated online $500.
There was all kinds of discussion about doing it again next year. we are already chatting about fun options.
The church family also came through again with treats. A number of folks baked the goodies to sell.

Wow, isn’t this amazing to bring “good news” by being good news to our community. There was such a peace and joy over this whole event—and it’s worth celebrating! Woo hoo! Good job everyone! Thank you, God! May He get the credit and multiple the work of our hands.

And, as Todd Trowbridge said so well, “Great day. Nice job church. Present, not pushy.”

Lord, continue to have Your way with us,

Pastor Dave