For nearly two decades, Franktown Seventh-day Adventist Church has been a steady and faithful presence at the Castle Rock Starlighting, showing up year after year with a simple but powerful mission: to meet people where they are and share the love of Jesus in practical, meaningful ways.
Our involvement began in 2007, when former members Dick and Donna McClain saw the outreach potential of this beloved community event and encouraged the church to participate. When Donna later became ill with cancer, her friend Colleen Anderson stepped in to lead. With faith and determination, Colleen purchased 500 cookies to give away with a message about Jesus’ love. They ran out within the first hour. The next year she brought 1,000—gone again. The following year, 1,500 disappeared just as quickly. From the beginning, it was clear the community was hungry for more than treats—they were hungry for connection.
We continue to return each year because outreach isn’t about immediate results; it’s about faithfulness. As Ellen G. White reminds us in The Ministry of Healing, Christ’s method alone brings true success. Jesus mingled with people, showed sympathy, ministered to their needs, won their confidence, and then invited them to follow Him. That is the spirit Franktown Church seeks to embody at Starlighting.
At times, the purpose of outreach can be misunderstood. If success is defined only by visible outcomes like baptisms, Starlighting may seem unproductive. But if success means moving someone one step closer to Jesus—softening a heart, offering hope, or planting a seed—then the fruit is real. Many of our young people felt especially called to engage the crowds this year. The kids alone passed out at least two full packages of GLOW tracts—approximately 200—each one a small seed planted in our community.
This year’s atmosphere at the Franktown booths was joyful, welcoming, and energetic. It felt like meeting friends. Volunteers were comfortable engaging people, even in the fast pace of the event. One of the most meaningful additions this year was the health component. Seeing people pause for prayer, conversation, a blood pressure check, or a chair massage was deeply moving. Gratitude was expressed again and again, and relief was visible on many faces.
What made the biggest impact wasn’t one single element, but the complete experience. Snacks and giveaways drew people in. Friendly volunteers offered healthy treats, literature, and resource bags filled with thoughtfully selected materials, including health magazines, children’s Bible studies, Ministry of Healing, and information from trusted Adventist ministries.
Having medical professionals on-site shaped the outreach in powerful ways. Offering free blood pressure checks felt approachable and caring, opening the door to deeper conversations. Doctors Long and Arnott answered questions, listened, and prayed with those who asked. The addition of free chair massages was a simple but powerful expression of compassion.
Throughout the day, God’s presence was evident. What visitors didn’t see were the months of prayer and planning beforehand, or the volunteers quietly praying behind the tents during the event. Seeing it all come together was a reminder that God is always at work long before we arrive.
This year’s Starlighting outreach was both humbling and affirming. It reminded us that without God and the Holy Spirit, even the best plans are insufficient—and that community outreach is truly a team effort.
We extend a heartfelt and giant thank you to Scott and Nancy Kennedy for their leadership, vision, and countless hours of planning, as well as to the entire volunteer team who served with willing hearts. From setup to prayer, conversations to cleanup, every role mattered. This outreach beautifully reflected what happens when God’s people work together in unity and love.
At its heart, Starlighting reflects Franktown Church’s mission: building friendships, introducing people to Jesus in a natural and compassionate way, and offering practical Bible answers for spiritual, family, and health needs.
As one simple truth reminds us, the best way to dispel darkness is to admit light. At Castle Rock Starlighting, Franktown Church continues to do just that—one smile, one conversation, and one prayer at a time.