Churches plan back to school events
By Kathy Thomson
Several Albany churches traditionally schedule special events during the transition from summer to the start of the school year to encourage local students to take advantage of opportunities to plug into groups where they can grow in their faith while enjoying the fellowship of other Christians.
The following activities are planned for students over the next few weeks.
Aug. 25 – C of C
The Church of Christ will have its annual back to school pool party at the Webb Park Pool on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
“All of our church is invited, including all of the kids,” said pastor Sonny McCauley. “Vistors are welcome to join us.”
The Youth in Action kids, those in junior high and high school, meet on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m.
The first Wednesday of the month they meet at The Feed Store. The rest of the month they go to various locations for their weekly meal and Bible study.
“Classes for ages up to sixth grade meet at the church on Wednesdays, eat a meal at 5:45 p.m., and then have classes from 6:15 until 7:00 p.m.,” said McCauley.
Adults also have fellowship at the church on Wednesday evenings.
Aug. 28 – FBC
First Baptist Church will host its annual back to school party for JAM (Jesus and Me) on Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
“We plan to meet at either the church or The Feed Store, we aren’t sure which yet,” said member Alison Gardenhire. “There will be supper, games, and activities.”
The event is geared toward children from kindergarten to sixth grade.
“On Sept. 4 we will hit the ground running with JAM meeting on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.,” Gardenhire said.
Dinner is served to the children on a rotational schedule during the Bible study.
Aug. 28 – Friendship
Friendship Baptist Church will host a back to school event starting at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28 by the church’s gym area to promote registration in their children’s group.
The fun event will include an inflatable jump house, inflatable water slide, and food.
Parents are welcome to come with their children and sign them up in youth groups.
“Any kids who want to join are welcome,” said member Tanya Petree. “Starting the next week, the children will meet every Wednesday that school is in session. We serve them a meal at 5:30 p.m. and then have a Bible study until 7:30 p.m.”
The kids’ group name has been changed from “Kids Rock” to “Tribe Friendship,” and each age group will have a tribe name, added Petree.
The fifth and sixth grade boys are the Lions, and the fifth and sixth grade girls are the Cheetahs. Other groups are the third and fourth grade Camels, the first and second grade Donkeys, and the pre-K and kindergarten Bears.
Friendship also has a youth group for those in junior high and high school.
“The older group meets from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays year around,” said Petree. “Caleb and Laura Tiemeyer come from Abilene to lead the youth ministry on Wednesdays.”
