Local nonprofits and organizations might want to take a page from the folks at Luverne First Assembly of God.

Since the start of the year, the church has been the source of at least two highly successful new events. A few months ago, members organized the church’s first free yard sale, providing coats and clothing hundreds of people.

Saturday’s Easter Eggstravaganza was another successful new event. The church drew a crowd by inviting Life Flight to drop Easter eggs from a helicopter to an open field. The day included tours of the helicopter, cupcake walks, sack races and a performance from a praise dancing team.

Church members Michelle and Roger Barker suggested both events. The couple did not reinvent the wheel. They simply researched successful events online and brought the ideas to a church board open to new ideas and a church body eager to help.

It has been refreshing to see positive energy at work. The church’s free yard sale has spawned a new ministry of monthly giveaways and Saturday’s event was a great success long before the helicopter landed. I look forward to attending future events.

There is no way of knowing whether a helicopter will be available for next year’s event. But, based on the people behind the scenes, one thing is certain. The event will be worth attending.