Churches plan back to school events
Several Albany churches 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. 19 – FBC
First Baptist Church will hold a Back-to-School/Back-to-Church social event this Sunday, Aug. 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Bumguardners’ backyard.
“We will have hamburgers, swimming, and a fun time for anyone in the community and church,” said pastor Jeff Turner.
Guests are encouraged to wear casual clothes and bring swimming attire if they want to jump in the pool, added church secretary Carolyn Waller.
“We plan to play for a while, eat supper 5:00 to 5:30 p.m., then play some more until about 7:00 p.m.,” said Waller. “You, your family, and your friends are invited!”
Aug. 22 – Friendship
Friendship Baptist Church will host a family “Back to School Bash” starting at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22.
Events at the Bash are expected to include water slides, an air castle, fun, games, and free food and drinks. Parents are welcome to come with their children and sign them up in youth groups.
“We’ll feed everybody hot dogs,” said pastor Paul Johnston. “It is for everyone from elementary, junior high, and high school.”
The Back to School Bash is a great time for parents to sign their children up to participate in Friendship’s Kids Rock program that meets on Wednesday evenings throughout the school year. Kids Rock is for children from four years old through sixth grade.
“They will start meeting at the regular times next week,” said church member Tanya Petree. “We serve them a meal at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, and then have a Bible program afterwards until 7:40 p.m.”
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.
The youth are served a meal at 6:00 p.m. before their Bible study.
Aug. 22 – FBC
The First Baptist Church youth group has also been meeting regularly throughout the summer, and they will welcome in the new school year with their annual “Messy Olympics” on Wednesday, Aug. 22, at 6:00 p.m.
“Messy Olympics is open to any student from any church,” said Turner. “And all youth are also welcome to join the group every Wednesday night, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the church basement.”
Aug. 27 – C of C
The Church of Christ will have its annual back to school pool party at the Webb Park Pool on Monday, Aug. 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
“On Wednesdays we have a big group of elementary students that eat a meal at the church at 5:45 p.m., and then have fellowship afterwards,” said minister Sonny McCauley. “The Youth in Action kids, those in junior high and high school, meet on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m., but they go to various locations for their meal and Bible study.”
Aug. 29 – FBC
First Baptist Church will host its annual “Party at the Pool” for JAM on Wednesday, Aug. 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Webb Park pool. The “Jesus And Me” group is geared toward elementary school aged youth.
“We will have registration for JAM, for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade,” said Waller.
JAM will start meeting at FBC at the regular time, 5:45 to 7:00 p.m., the following Wednesday, Sept. 5, for a meal and Bible stories, Waller added.
Sept. 5 – Beltway
Beltway East youth group will start up on Sept. 5, according to organizer Lorna Ayers.
“We’ll meet on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. to eat, and then have worship and Bible study,” said Ayers. “It is open to all junior high and senior high students.”
