The congregation of Grace Community Church met at Ontelaunee Park on Oct. 8 for worship to be followed by its fall festival.

Pastor Kenneth Spence said, “God’s been doing a good work here. 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, said, “God has given us a great morning to worship him. We are thankful for what you are doing in this church.” He gave a community prayer to open the service.

Pastor Spence said it was a joy to have everyone there. Grace Community Church extends a warm welcome. 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.”

The guitarist and violinist played during the offering taken by members of the youth group.

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.”

Potluck lunch was laid out in the pavilion with inflatables, a truck to be raced through and a camouflage cabin; bean bags and more to entice the children who had to eat first.

A band is setting up in a corner of the pavilion – Arrow and Ember from New Jersey, composed of Ken and Marla Kruse and Tony Gargani. They are on the web at arrowandember.com.

As the pastor and his family talked to members and visitors he said when he awoke it was cold and wet. It was in the a.m. but God took care of it.

As the children enjoyed the inflatables someone asked, “When is the last time you laughed like that.”