Church moves from inside out to bring families together in Family Fun Day

[July 21, 2016]   LINCOLN - Over the weekend, Scully Park was host to the annual Family Fun Day event in Lincoln. The event is held by the Open Arms Christian Fellowship, a church located 813 Woodlawn Road. Larry Crawford, the pastor of Open Arms, said that this is the eighth year for the event, and the ninth year since the church opened.

Over the course of the afternoon, children participated in fun games and activities, such as face-painting, a one-hole putting green, a Pachinko-style game, a photo booth, and a basketball net. Additionally, there were several different water-based slides and activities, and a large variety of bouncy houses and other assorted inflatable play areas.

Crawford said that after the popularity of last year’s event, they added more play areas for this year. There was also a drawing for prizes, including an Ameren bill paid for up to $250.

“Everything’s free here,” said Crawford. Anyone wanting to participate only had to register at the park and receive a purple wristband. With the band, kids could play the games available, and everyone was invited to free hot dogs, popcorn and snow cones. Crawford said that registration helps them to measure how many people attend, which in turn helps them prepare for next year.

“We may hit 3,000 this year,” said Crawford around halfway through the afternoon.

As for why the Fellowship started the event, Crawford said that they want to bring the community together for a day of fun. “We want to strengthen our community, and bring people together to make some good memories,” said Crawford. “Sometimes it seems easy for churches to stay inside, so we want to find any way to help people.”

Crawford also spoke of a new church service Open Arms will soon offer. Crawford said that since Sunday morning is not always the easiest time for services, Open Arms will soon hold a Saturday evening service at 5:00 p.m.

Crawford also spoke on the upcoming Bible School Camp, and those at the event were encouraged to sign up for it.

[Derek Hurley]