Marquette, MI – August 16, 2015– Despite 90° temperatures and high humidity, the Marquette United Methodist Shared Ministry community block party brought the community together for a fun Sunday with neighbors and distributed school supplies to all children attending. Open to all, the block party fulfilled the Shared Ministry’s goal to demonstrate how all three churches — First United, Grace United Methodist Church and Skandia United Methodist — work cooperatively to strengthen and serve the Marquette area.
Held from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at First United Methodist Church, 111 E. Ridge Street, hundreds of peopled attended the party and each child received a school supply bag featuring crayons, pencils, erasers, paper and folders for the upcoming school year. The Marquette Fire Department brought a fire truck and kids scrabbled to get a closer look while local firemen did safety demonstrations.
A bouncy house, face painting, a giant slide and games with prizes all were all a hit, but a water balloon fight using more than 500 water-filled balloons proved most popular and brought some relief to the heat. Additional photos are at Church Facebook Page.
Live music from local community bands and free food and snacks were also provided. Five bands played: 41 West Band, Grace Church Musicians, Skandia Church Musicians, playing bluegrass favorites on fiddle and guitar, and the New Day Worship Band (“Hearts on Fire“).
GLR provided a 34-foot concert stage with concert grade sound, amps, bass rig, monitors and keyboards. Audio expert Luke Noordyk mixed the music and instruments to deliver pristine sound for all to enjoy.
“We’re very excited to hold this event for our neighbors and the community,” said Rev. Kristi Hintz. “Community outreach is a huge part of our mission. This is a great way for visitors to learn more about us and have a fun-filled family day.”
“This is our second Shared Ministry Event. Earlier this summer, our Shared Ministries Vacation Bible School was a huge success, so we really have good momentum going forward,” said Rev. Christopher Hintz.
The party, the food, the school supplies, and music were all provided free of charge. Thanks to volunteers and excellent organizers, many party-goers commented that it was “a blast.”
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