![]() ![]() Kim said, but even so, it’s another way to offer something to the community. ![]() There’s not much for the church to do beyond handling the reservations, Rev. “I think, in general, this church is a very open, very welcoming, and a very outward-reaching congregation,” she said. ![]() Sooyoun Kim, the program is simply another point of connection. RV guests don’t typically engage with the congregation, but one couple did ask to see inside the church during their stay.įor Wesley’s pastor, Rev. When guests reserve their spot, Komer shares the church website, which has an online giving function, as well as an invitation to join Sunday worship. She recalled one comment from a woman whose relative had been a United Methodist pastor, “so she had kind of wanted to stay at a place that's familiar in a way.” The space where the church is is picturesque,” Komer said. “I think, for the most part, people have enjoyed the location of the church. Guests also have the opportunity to leave comments. Tracking page views, Komer said there have been about 1,000 since they started with Harvest Hosts. Some of whom have returned for a second stay. Since April, the church has hosted 14-15 guests. Wesley UMC launched the program in November 2021 and had one guest before that winter. Two RVs at once, but they typically host one at a time. The church’s lot is also flat and level, which is an asset for those parking an RV. The rural location is quiet and allows guest to have time alone unlike a crowded campsite, Komer said. The church can accommodate The church, Komer said, offers RVers a “sense of security and a safe place for people to stay the night.” While she was not a member, Komer, her husband, and son have been RV living full time since the start of the pandemic, so this was “kind of was up my alley,” she said. Wesley UMC Trustee Sarah Komer did the initial research into the program and handles the reservations and contact with guests. Hosts do not provide water or any services other than a place to park. Harvest Hosts members can reserve a free one-night stay at one of 7,000 locations across the U.S., and in return are encouraged to make a donation to or purchase from their host. Harvest Hosts is a membership program for RVers that offers access to unique RV camping options such as farms, wineries and, yes, churches. But Wesley UMC in Hadley, MA, has done just that by becoming a Harvest Host. ![]() We get to learn about our hosts’ regions and businesses.United Methodist churches are known for opening their doors, but perhaps less so for opening their parking lots. It was a stay filled with superlatives.Īnd at every stop, the people we meet are kind and hospitable. And next door, Yalaha Bakery had the most delicious streusel. Outside, Eddie served us some of the best barbecue we’ve ever had (and we LOVE our barbecue). Plus, we were minutes from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, which Eric had wanted to visit since childhood.Īt Misty Acres Alpaca Farm in Maine, I got to purchase a beautiful scarf made from the wool of alpacas I had just met!Īt The Yalaha Bootlegging Company in Florida, I tried award-winning moonshine and took some home that tasted like apples and cinnamon. We have had some of our most memorable experiences through Harvest Hosts.Īt Licon Dairy outside El Paso, we stepped out of our door in the morning and took a self-guided tour of an amazing petting zoo.Īt Fly Creek Cider Mill in Cooperstown, New York, we got to see the inner workings of a cider mill, feed ducks, eat delicious food, and Caspian had a beautiful lawn to play on with other kids. This goes back to the qualitative value I mentioned earlier. Licon Dairy has an amazing self-guided petting zoo (Texas) ![]()
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