March 28, 2024

Five downtown churches to host family event

Outdoor service, many activities scheduled for Sunday

Five downtown churches have joined forces to provide its congregations an uplifting morning of worship, a place for family fun and a free luncheon.

First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, First Lutheran Church, Congregational United Church of Christ and the Salvation Army are hosting a special Worship Downtown and Rally Day. The outdoor block party event will begin with a combined worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday in the 200 block of North Third Avenue East in Newton.

The idea originated during a regular planning meeting about the newly organized Youth Downtown group.

“We thought it would be a way to encourage the partner congregations to offer greater support to this new youth ministry that is open to all regardless of church affiliation. The purpose of this Worship Downtown and Rally Day is simply to join together — to come together to worship, to break bread, and to have a great time,” the Rev. Jessica Petersen said.

Following the morning church service will be a festivity of family fun and fare as organizers will provide hot dogs, side dishes, salads, desserts and drinks to those in attendance.

There will also be plenty of activities for churchgoers, especially those with children, to enjoy and participate in.

“I am attending because I think it is a great way to kick off the school year as church families,” First Lutheran Church member Robyn Friedman said. “I have always loved Rally Day at our church and this year it is even bigger and better since we are combining worship and post worship activities with the other four churches. My whole family is looking forward to the giant worship service on the street and the carnival activities afterwards, too.”

A bounce house, dunk tank, cotton candy, a sock puppet craft, face painting, sidewalk chalk, watermelon seed spitting contest, photo booth area, bean bag toss, ladder golf, Bingo, balloon twisters and music are listed activities for children of all ages.

“It’s going to hopefully encourage youth as much as anybody,” First United Methodist Church member Dick Thomas said.

All events will be along North Third Avenue East as well as on the properties of the participating congregations. Organizers recommend attendees bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and/or sunscreen, as shaded areas are limited.

In the case of rain, worship and activities will be moved inside of First United Methodist Church. This event is free and open to the public.

“I think it is amazing that these five pastors have been able to work together so well to pull an event like this off with five separate church bodies and I am excited to see the finished result of all their work,” Friedman said.

“We can do wonderful things when we work together; we are all followers of Jesus after all,” Petersen said.

Contact Kate Malott at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or kmalott@newtondailynews.com