In a Divine sort-of-way this week’s Community Picnic was picked up by a local reporter. 
Powell church serves community through free food, fun
By GARTH BISHOP
Published: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 5:42 PM EDT
Grace Church’s annual community picnic has received a significant upgrade in size — but everything is just as free as it was before.
The picnic will run from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Olentangy Indian Caverns, 1779 Home Road.
“Our whole goal is to kind of roll out the red carpet for the community and let them know that we think about them and want to serve them,” said Kary Oberbrunner, one of the church’s pastors.
Offering everything for free is one of the ways the church tries to make the community feel welcome, said Oberbrunner, and with the economy in an uncertain state, that’s especially important this year.
“We really believe that the tough economic times are forcing everyone to really evaluate what matters most in life and (emphasize) that they have hope beyond the stock market,” he said. “Our hope is built on Jesus Christ, (and) we want to share that hope with the community in a very nonthreatening way.”
The picnic has offered bounce houses for several years, but has never had more than three — making this year’s eight a significant jump.
“We’ve never done this many bounce houses,” said Oberbrunner. “It’s going to be impressive … you walk up, and it’s just going to be a whole field of these inflatables.”
Other highlights include a climbing wall, karaoke, flag football, puppet shows and corn toss. A juggler will be on hand at 1 p.m.
All food is free as well.
“It’s a great way to connect with people in the community,” Oberbrunner said. “There’s jam-packed entertainment and fun the whole time.”
The picnic isn’t the only free service the church offers to the community, Oberbrunner said; it also offers free English classes, free personal finance classes and, every Wednesday, free health clinics at the Andrews House in Delaware. Though church representatives do not put pressure on those who benefit from the picnic, classes or clinics, church information is made available to those who want it, said Oberbrunner.
“All these things are really just a springboard,” he said.
Prior to the community picnic, Grace has two services Sept. 27: one at 8:30 a.m. and one at 10 a.m.
Olentangy Indian Caverns activities — including gem mining, cavern tours and miniature golf — will be available at discounted rates.
For more information on Grace Church, visit its Web site.
itself (for future students) on Facebook?
