It's picture perfect outside, and the pumpkins at St. James are calling.

Each year St. James Episcopal Church, located at the corner of McCree and Audelia, stages its famous pumpkin patch.

Thousands of fresh pumpkins of every size and shape are awaiting new homes – ready for carving, decorating and even cooking.

According to Reverend Brendan Kimbrough, who I had the opportunity to visit with yesterday at the patch, pumpkins sales are actually the primary fundraiser for the St. James Youth Ministry.

Youth directors, Ashley Flowers and Jared Phares, say this annual event is so successful, the church doesn't need to underwrite the youth program.

Funds raised support youth outreach activities as well as local, national and international mission trips, particularly by providing scholarships.

St. James international ministry reaches all the way to Africa – where members have long been involved with the Batwa people of southeastern Uganda.

Closer to home, Rev. Kimbrough told me about the joint venture between the church and the Southwest American farmers.

It's these farmers who plant, grow and harvest the pumpkins that are made available each year in the Lake Highlands pumpkin patch.

"This year's weather, including the drought we're experiencing here and the floods in the north, has greatly affected the pumpkin crop."

"Our relationship with the New Mexico farmers is one that has been ongoing for years," Kimbrough told me.

"It's a win-win for everyone."

In addition to the thousands of pumpkins that are delivered in two loads, about two weeks apart, there are also picture boards and staged photo shoot areas.

Neighborhood residents are always welcome to come take their annual Halloween photos in the patch.

There's no doubt that visiting those St. James pumpkins is a Lake Highlands tradition.

Make sure you stop by soon.

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St. James Episcopal Church is located at 9845 McCree Road in Lake Highlands.

The Pumpkin Patch is open every day from Sunday, October 2nd through Halloween.

Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information about St. James visit the church's website.