Prayer for Family Festival

The History of the Family Festival

Six years ago Park Avenue was at a crossroads. The congregation was shrinking and had lost sight of its purpose. Though committed to honoring God and touching lives, the church was simply going through the motions without a clear target. The prevailing philosophy was that if the doors opened each Sunday, people would come. That assumption proved false, and the church had lost meaningful involvement in people’s lives.

The turning point came about seven years ago during a Vacation Bible School outreach. As members went door to door in the neighborhood inviting children, they discovered the church was virtually unknown. Neighbors asked, “What church is this?” “Where are you located?” “Is this a new church?” Despite being in the same location for over thirty years, Park Avenue had become invisible. Whatever good had been done in the past was not part of the present reality, and without change, the future looked uncertain.

The congregation realized they faced numerous competitors—not only other churches of Christ, but many religious groups throughout the city. To make an impact, Park Avenue needed to carve out a distinct identity. The members had to become known for something unique and be recognized again in their own community. After much prayer and discussion, they committed to demonstrating that Park Avenue cared about the Sea Isle neighborhood. They wanted to be visible and have their name associated with genuine community involvement.

The Sea Isle Ministry was born from this conviction. It included monthly reading programs at Sea Isle Elementary, distributing literature to families navigating the challenges of parenting, and a carnival idea contributed by Mike and Debbie White. The Family Festival became a time when the community would be invited to the church’s property to see the congregation up close and know that this place believed their families mattered. It was free, joyful, and a statement that Park Avenue cares about making memories. The church wanted their name to become synonymous with the compassion and care of Jesus. The Family Festival emerged from the belief that God desires the community to know Park Avenue not only exists but genuinely cares for them and their families.

Why Spend a Saturday Sweating?

That is a reasonable question. Let me answer it negatively first, then positively.

The congregation will not spend a Saturday sweating in order to get people to attend their assembly. That is not what the Family Festival is about. If someone chooses to come to Park Avenue because of the Festival, that is an added benefit, but the festival is not fundamentally about church attendance.

The congregation will not spend a Saturday sweating so they can feel good about doing something. Most members have other activities they could pursue on August 23 besides standing under a hot sun for several hours, and those alternatives would probably feel rewarding too.

The congregation will not spend a Saturday sweating so they can get free food. After working all day, most volunteers simply want water. No amount of free food or prizes would motivate this kind of service. The church cannot be bought with trinkets.

The congregation will spend a Saturday sweating because they care about people. Every year, community members express disbelief that the church would offer this service for free. But isn’t that what Christianity is about? Doing the unexpected, going beyond the norm, so that others can glimpse something profound and seemingly unthinkable.

The congregation will spend a Saturday sweating because it helps them realize they are making a statement to their community in the name of Jesus. The Family Festival is the one event each year that requires over fifty percent of the adult population to accomplish. It demands many hours of preparation and the mindset of prioritizing what is best for the community over personal comfort. It demonstrates unity and a higher calling.

The congregation will spend a Saturday sweating because serving others reminds them that this is part of their mission. Instead of expecting people to come to the church simply because it exists, the Festival allows the church to take responsibility for reaching out. Members must be willing to meet strangers and demonstrate hospitality. They must serve so that others can see the love of God.

Many have already signed up to help on August 23, yet more are needed. The congregation needs to pray for this year’s Festival. They need to pray for good weather, for safety, and that the approximately four hundred who come will leave with good memories. They need to pray that perhaps just one act of service will make a difference in someone’s life.

Follow Jesus

If you’d like to respond to this message or learn more about following Jesus, please reach out.