Grace Church plans weekend of special events Sept. 10-11

A special weekend of activities - from a free communitywide children's festival to special worship services and lunch - are on tap Saturday, Sept. 10, and Sunday, Sept. 11, at Grace United Methodist Church.

"Each year, Grace plans a children's fall festival to give families in our church and in the community an opportunity to be together and have fun. This year we are excited to host a citywide children's festival that will have something for children, youth, and adults of all ages," said Jim Lenderman, pastor.

"We also hold Welcome Back Sunday to encourage our members to resume regular attendance after summer vacations and activities are over. It is also a time to reach out to others in our community who may be searching for a church home.

"On Sunday, Sept. 11, we will offer lots of special music and a message of hope during our three morning worship services. It's a great opportunity for people to get back in the habit of worship again after the summer months."

From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, a communitywide children's fall festival is planned - complete with carnival attractions, food, bands and games for children and adults. There will be free goodie bags for the first 400 registered children.

Free food will be served during the carnival, including hot dogs, hamburgers, courtesy of First Security Bank, and drinks compliments of PepsiAmericas. Popcorn, sno-cones and cotton candy will also be served. A variety of games and activities are also planned from face painting and bean bag toss to a basketball shoot and duck pond.

There will be five inflatable attractions for kids to enjoy, a dunking booth and a hay ride.

Several groups will participate in the festival to distribute information and provide activities, including the Morgan Nick Alert, the Conway Fire Department and Arkansas Children's Hospital.

Conway High School Wampus Cat "Big Blue" will be on hand as well as a clown. The festival will also feature balloons and live entertainment.

The Sunday morning worship will be held at 8:45, 9:50 and 11 a.m. A meal will be served at 11:30 and noon for everyone present.

Grace United Methodist is at 1075 Hogan Lane.

For more information, call 329-6056.