Iola’s three United Methodist Churches will have a joint community service Sunday.
Members of Wesley, Calvary and Trinity United Methodist Churches will meet at 10 a.m. Sunday at Iola’s Riverside Park for “Keeping It Real: Jesus in Me, Jesus in Family, Jesus in the Community.”
“This is a great opportunity for members and non-members to get together and meet our new pastors,” said Mary LaCrone, one of the event’s organizers. “We want to make this a huge event.”
Among the service’s topics will be how to turn to Jesus in times of struggle, particularly for those dealing with poverty, unemployment or those unable to find suitable housing. They’ll also speak about family bonding in today’s fast-paced society.
The churches are asking all attendees to bring a non-perishable food item, which in turn will be donated to the Iola Community Pantry.
Items such as macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and Hamburger Helper are in particularly short supply, added Saundra Upshaw.
The Revs. Jocelyn Tupper and Ed Flener, who pastor at the three churches, will lead the service.
In addition, a combined choir of all three churches will perform, as will a praise band.
Attendees also are asked to bring lawn chairs.
A meal will follow the service, in which participants are encouraged to introduce themselves and visit with the new pastors, LaCrone said.
About the only uncertainty is the weather.
“If it’s raining, we may have to move everything to Wesley,” LaCrone said. “Rain is a four-letter word that day. We’re going to pray for clear skies. We’ll still be at the park, however, if it’s not raining, even if the ground is wet.”
Joint church service Sunday
