A growing Padanaram church is turning to more community events to drum up awareness and needed funds to continue thriving.

One such event – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church’s Fall Harvest Fair – brought vendors, children’s activities, and outreach to the Elm Street congregation.

Betty Furness, the church’s senior warden, attended her first service on Mother’s Day in 2013. At that time, the number of parishioners was 13. That number has since soared to more than 50 regular parishioners.

“We’re constantly growing,” Furness said. “We see new faces every week now, and we’re trying to expand ourselves into the community.”

When the idea of a fall harvest festival was pitched to raise money for needed church maintenance, Furness was quick to begin organizing it. She reached out to the Padanaram Business Association, which hosts a summer festival every year, to find interested vendors.

The church attracted 16 vendors to sell their wares – including everything from artwork to jewelry to homemade soaps and holistic medicines. The church also offered children’s games, face painting, and other activities for children and families.

“We have something for everyone,” Furness said.