The congregation of Grace Community Church, New Tripoli, recently gathered at Ontelaunee Park for worship and its fall festival.

“God’s been doing a good work here,” Pastor Kenneth Spence said. “We’ve started a lot of things: a youth group, a music ministry, women’s and children’s ministries. This is part of our expansion into the community.”

Steve Skekel, leader of the music ministry, also addressed the congregation.

“God has given us a great morning to worship him,” Skekel said. “We are thankful for what you are doing in this church.”

He said a community prayer to open the service.

Spence said it was a joy to have everyone there.

“Grace Community Church extends a warm welcome,” the pastor said. “We want to thank Him for this opportunity to lift you up.

“We lift up with praise for you as a real God. We lose contact with a personal, loving God. We bask in what you have created.

“I thank you God for the Grace you show us.”

Flyers with lyrics were provided for everyone to join the singing. Of note for the outdoor event was a song with the lyrics “You’re the reason we’re here. You’re the reason we’re singing” and “You lead us in the song of your salvation, and all your people sing along.”

The potluck lunch was laid out in the pavilion. In addition, there inflatables, a camouflage cabin, bean bags and more to entice the children, who were told to eat first before playing.

A band, Arrow and Ember from New Jersey, composed of Ken and Marla Kruse and Tony Gargani, set up in a corner of the pavilion.

As the pastor and his family talked to members and visitors he said when he awoke it was cold and wet.

“That was in the morning but God took care of it,” Spence said.