What began as a simple plan for a small fair booth became an unexpected ministry opportunity for Elma Adventist Church, opening doors to serve families, pray with mothers and build new community connections.
When Elma Church board members gathered for their annual planning session in January, they decided they wanted their church to have a presence at Grays Harbor County Fair.
They hoped to use a booth to introduce fairgoers to Grays Harbor Adventist Christian School, a new Pathfinder Club, an upcoming evangelistic series and a new local chapter of MomCo, formerly known as MOPS, a nondenominational Christian organization supporting mothers and families.
When it came time to apply for the July 29–Aug. 1, 2026 fair, the church was notified that because there were so many applications, booth space would be determined by lottery and a booth could not be guaranteed. Furthermore, the prices were high, so the church prayerfully decided to apply for a small single-stall booth outside.
Then Shelly Opp, Elma Church member, received an unexpected call from the county fair director asking about the booth’s purpose.
Opp explained that the church planned to set up a station for mothers to breastfeed, change diapers, relax and hydrate, while also providing information about MomCo, Pathfinders and the Adventist school.
The director asked if the church would be interested in a double booth inside the pavilion right next to a new children's play area. When Opp asked about the cost, she learned that since the church was not selling anything and was offering a service to fair attendees, the booth would be free.
As it turned out, the booth was a big hit with mothers and families with babies and small children. The church set up a private canopy tent for nursing mothers, provided a changing table and offered free cold bottles of water to anyone who needed one.
Visitors expressed a lot of interest in MomCo, as there was no chapter within Grays Harbor or the surrounding counties. Sybil Logan, Elma Church member, made animal balloons, which were a big hit. Volunteers distributed miniature Jesus figures, Bible verse bracelets and pennies with a cross stamped on them until the supply was gone.
More importantly, several opportunities were presented where mothers were dealing with personal issues and trials, and prayer was offered right there at the booth.
To top off the unexpected way the outreach unfolded, the county fair board of directors awarded the booth a Best Indoor Exhibit blue ribbon. Elma Church's booth was the only church-sponsored booth at the fair.
The blessings kept coming. At Elma Church’s first MomCo session on Sept. 2, 2026, eight mothers attended, giving church members an opportunity to begin building meaningful relationships with families in their community.
Shelly Opp, Elma Church member, welcomes fairgoers at the MomCo outreach booth during Grays Harbor County Fair.
Elma Church volunteers serve families at Grays Harbor County Fair through a booth offering support, resources and practical care for mothers.
Elma Church’s booth received a Best Indoor Exhibit blue ribbon.
A group of mothers gather for Elma Church's first MomCo session, launching a new ministry focused on support, community and connection.
