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NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Like people, pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes.
Some are big. Some are small. Some are round. Others are not so round. But they all bring joy to those who receive them as presents from loved ones and friends.
These are not just from any old pumpkin match. They're from God's pumpkin patch.
The First United Methodist Church of New Smyrna Beach is selling hundreds of them at its makeshift pumpkin patch in front of the Home Depot on State Road 44.
They range in price from 50 cents for an apricot-sized one to $18 for a humongous one. All peoceeds benefit the church's programs.
"This is the first time United Methodist has had a pumpkin-patch sale," said James Tharp, one of the organizers.
Tharp, who writes a column, "Financially Sharp" for NSBNEWS.net, said a trailer truck unloaded close to 1,200 pumpkins Thursday from New Mexico.
Heather Stretar, one of the many volunteers for the fundraiser, said it's an exciting family treat. "We're trying to do god things and share the love of God with this pumpkin patch," she said.
The pumpkin patch is open seven days a week until 9 p.m. rihjt up to Halloween.
Everyone who buys a pumpkin receives a small orange pamphlet entitled "God's Pumpkin Patch." It reads: "Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off you. Then he scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate and greed. Then he carves you a smiling face and puts his light inside of you, to shine for all the world to see. Today, be the best one of God's pumpkins you can be!"
In addition to the wide array of pumpkins, children receive free stickers and homemade brownies are two for 50 cents. Soft-drinks are 50 cents as well. And volunteers are taking $8 orders for homemade pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie.
NSBNEWS.net photo by Sera King. Cutline: James Tharp and Heather Stretar are among the volunteers selling pumpkins as a fundrasiser for the First United Methodist Church, 310 Douglas St., New Smyrna Beach.