Eight downtown Newton churches will come together and host the Second Annual Worship Downtown and Block Party at 10 a.m. Sunday on North Third Avenue East between East Second Street North and East Third Street on the congregations’ properties.
This event is free and open to the public.
Attendees are asked to bring a lawn chair and sunscreen. In case of inclement weather, worship will be held inside First United Methodist Church.
All of the churches are working together to provide a potluck lunch of hot dogs, side dishes, desserts and drinks. Table service will also be provided. The meal will begin immediately following worship.
Block party activities will commence at the sound of the Olympic theme song as lunch is drawing to a close. The “Opening Ceremony” will include “Olympic torches” for everyone along with the opening event: the Faster Pastor race. Then the games will begin.
All are invited to participate in or cheer on their favorite athletes through a series of eight brief events including dizzy discus, hilarious hula and cowpie the cleric. Medals will be awarded during our “Closing Ceremony.” The “Olympic Village” will be open before and after the games with a bounce house, balloon artist, chalk art and music.
The offering for the day will be donated to Jasper County Elderly Nutrition.
It is sponsored by the following local congregations: Congregational United Church of Christ. First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), First Lutheran Church, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, The Salvation Army, and United Presbyterian Church.