Centennial Block Party

On the 4th we had our second annual block party for the community. Below is an article I wrote for the MTSBC magazine. It pretty much sums up the event so there's no reason to say it any differently here!

The year was 1908. The ball dropped for the first time on New Year’s Eve in New York City; Mother’s day was observed for the first time; the Boy Scouts began; the first Model T was produced; the Chicago Cubs won the World Series…and Laurel, MT was born. Celebrating 100 years should be worthy of a huge party. Maybe a parade. Maybe even a day filled with prizes, refreshments, games, crafts, and better yet, all of this for free.

On July 4, led by Pastor Steve Lortz and headed up by Amy Jeffery, Calvary Baptist Church held its second annual block party, this year in conjunction with Laurel’s Centennial Celebration. Staffed by volunteers, we were able to serve over 300 people from the Laurel community. With temperatures close to 100 degrees, the waterslide was the hit of the day, followed closely by the jousting and boxing. Basketball, an obstacle course, and games for smaller children were available as well.

We gave out 160 bags of cotton candy, 200 sno cones, and 120 ice cream sandwiches. Our creative activities included caricatures and clay pot painting. At the end of the day we had over 100 registrations for door prizes and many registrations for VBS.

Most importantly were the seeds sown that will enable us to share the love of Christ in the months to come. Many we talked to were appreciative of this event but one comment stood out above the rest. After having attended our block party and VBS last year, a non-Christian family with virtually no church background joined us again this year. The mother said:

“My girls are asking questions about who Jesus is that I cannot answer, so I am relieved to know they are excited about vacation Bible school so they can learn more about Christ.”

That one sentence encapsulates the purpose for the event and makes all the preparations and expended energy worth it. Without a doubt this event glorified God, showed people we love and care about them, and pointed lost men, women, and children to the cross of Christ. What a great gift for a centenarian.

Here a couple of shots of the event.......I didn't want to publicize anyone's kids without their permission so I will go with the old standbys here and trust you'd want the same for your kiddos (even though I have some great pics!)

Steve leading the way on the waterslide...this one was fun and I tried it as well:

Steve and a friend jousting. Being ever the great sport, Steve proceeded to pummel those he knocked down (which was everyone by the way):