Community celebrates 30 years of Community Church in the Park
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ALPENA -- For 30 years, Community Church in the Park has been an ongoing staple each Sunday throughout the summer months at the Bay View Park bandshell.
In 1996, a group of Alpena church leaders, including Mary and Larry Thomson and Russ Anderson, had a dream for a special way to gather during the summer months to praise the Lord and enjoy His great outdoor creations, Mary Thomson said.
The Community Church in the Park services began on June 23, 1996.
The Community Church in the Park service is a worship service that is meant to reach out to anyone who wants to attend, whether they already have a home church or not, if they are visiting for the summer, or maybe just in Alpena on vacation for a day or two, Mary Thomson said. It is hosted by the Alpena First United Methodist Church, and in 1997, First Congregational United Church of Christ was the co-host.
"We welcome everyone," Larry Thomson said. "And we get people there that have never been to church before but they hear us and they come and join for a Sunday."
"It seems like sometime there'll be somebody riding their bike or just walking through the park and you'll see them sit down and...listen to the service," Anderson said.
Dozens of pastors and musicians have participated over the years, Mary Thomson said. Along with the weekly Bible-based messages relevant to today's life, there have been special songs, instrumental music, puppet shows, drama presentations, liturgical dance, and other unique aspects of praise.
In earlier years, Community Church in the Park was advertised as a service for "Seekers in Sneakers." Caring people are waiting to greet all who come to service at the park.
All the pastors and musicians at each Community Church in the Park service donate their time, often in addition to their regular church services. There are a number of volunteers who work on contracts, equipment, keys, publicity, PA system, set-up, tear-down, refreshments, taping, and greeting as well, with some of the individuals having served in this outreach ministry for the entire 30 years.
Speakers for this year's Community Church in the Park services have included Rev. Rob Richards, Rev. Laura Hoffman, Pastor Doug McGeorge, Russ Robel, Rev. Matthew Roney, and Pastor Jon Gougeon.
Richards and Cassie Fairchild have been the mainstay musicians playing guitar and keyboard, and the other special musicians this year have been Kat Tomaszewski and the Community Flash Choir; Free Methodist Church Praise Band; Carlos, Zander, and Irene Vivero; John Knapp; and the Josh Feldpausch family. All of these musicians have volunteered their time and talents.
Over the years, thank-you notes have been received from attendees, Mary Thomson said. For example, "Great job on Church in the Park! I loved it! It was my first experience. The fresh air, the sun, but most importantly, the message. God dearly loves me! As I felt the warmth of the sun on my face, I longed to engrave the words on to my heart, God loves me, I am precious to Him. Thank you for your time and effort, love recipient."
Another note read, "It is good to have a church away from home while on vacation. You are, as is said, user-friendly."
Services this summer start at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Refreshments are provided at each service. A special 30th Anniversary Celebration Service will take place at 10 a.m. on Aug. 30.
Richards will be leading a flash choir, and anyone who wants to sing should arrive at 9:30 a.m. to practice the two chosen songs with the choir. Monarch butterflies will be released as a special part of the celebration. If you would like one, order forms will be available at the services on Aug. 16 and Aug. 23, or anyone can order a butterfly by contacting the First United Methodist Church Office at 989-354-2490, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. The butterflies have been preordered, and they are being sold for $12 each on a first-come basis. Refreshments will be served following the celebration.
The host church First United Methodist is always looking for new, as well as returning, speakers and musicians each year. If any pastor or musician would like to get on next year's schedule, or if any church would like to discuss co-hosting the outreach ministry, contact First United Methodist Church at 989-354-2490.
Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@thealpenanews.com.