Community Block Party

By Susan Shinn Turner

St. John’s is throwing a party, and you’re invited!

A community-wide block party is set for Saturday, Nov. 3, from 3 to 7 pm in the 200 block of Jackson Street, between the Faith Center and the Child Development Center. There will be free food, games, corn hole, and bounce houses, says Bradley Chestnut, contemporary worship leader. Catawba College students will provide acoustic music, and the kindergarten playground will also be open.

“It’s gonna be a relaxed vibe and a fun day,” he says.

Bradley is spearheading the event with members of the 9:27 leadership team, who include Missie Weaver, Cheryl Sjoblom, and Dennis and Kathy Weaver.

Bradley says that he and Pastor Laura Henrik, pastor for discipleship, were talking recently about the theology of Mister Rogers: “Who are our neighbors?”

“We want to get to know our neighbors,” Bradley says. “We have a community within the church, but there’s a community outside the church, too. So we wanted to have a party.”

Bradley says that a cadre of 20 to 30 volunteers will help at the event, divided into grilling, hospitality, and food teams. The leadership team will rely heavily on youth group members, he says.

“It’s been a lot more planning than I thought,” he admits, but adds that he hopes the event will draw families with young kids, members and potential members.

“At the recent Lutheridge church retreat, I got to meet people I normally wouldn’t see,” he notes. “It’s a great opportunity for people who didn’t get to go to the retreat to fellowship with people from inside this community of St. John’s, and a chance to meet new folks from the Downtown Salisbury community as well.”

Come get to know our neighbors, and invite a few neighbors of your own.

Watch the St. John’s website and social media for any last-minute, weather-related location changes.