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Church of the Cross block party brings fun to Salina neighborhood

Children participate in a candy-bar walk at a block party Sept. 13 hosted by Church of the Cross UMC in Salina. (photo by Therese Davis)

Written: 10/26/2009

By Rev. Greg Lindenberger
Special contributor
SALINA—Church of the Cross United Methodist Church in Salina hosted a block party Sept. 13 for the neighborhood that surrounds the church and the families of the children who attend the church’s preschool. This was the church’s second annual celebration coinciding with Open House Month.

The youth Sunday school class delivered door hangers in the neighborhood a week prior to the event. The door hangers had information about worship times, the block party and the youth and children programs on Sundays and Wednesdays.

The door hangers also included the message, “We recognize that times are hard for just about everybody. So we thought it was time for no stress, no worries, just plain fun.” They also stressed that every thing was free of charge.

“We didn’t want to have any

Games and other activities provide fun for attendees at Salina Church of the Cross UMC's block party. (photo by Therese Davis)

The church includes money in their annual budget for a block party, and members made cash contributions and donated food and candy for the event.

At the 10:45 a.m. worship service, approximately 350 to 400 adults, youth and children gathered, nearly quadruple the normal attendance. The children who attend the church’s Angel Academy Preschool sang at the service. Most of these children do not normally attend the church.

After worship, guests and members shared a hot-dog lunch. Then, everyone was invited to join in several games around the grounds, including a golf-putting challenge, a fishing pond, a spinning wheel and a candy-bar walk. Other activities included a bounce house, and bingo games were held inside the church building. Every child went home with a sack full of prizes.

The feature event was a classic-car show with 20 cars from a local car club. Votes were cast for the “Best of Show” car. During the event, music was performed by Cornerstone, one of the praise bands of the church. Other members also provided music, with several of the youth adding their musical touch.

It was a great day to celebrate and visit and just enjoy the wonderful day that the Lord had made. The congregation just wanted the people in the neighborhood to know that they are here and like to have fun together.
The people of Church of the Cross look forward to next year’s block party and another opportunity to share radical hospitality with good neighbors.

Rev. Greg Lindenberger is the pastor at Church of the Cross UMC in Salina.

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