In the mix of the numerous festivals in Patrick County this past weekend, Grace Baptist Church held one as well. The Festival of Grace was convened at Cedar Square Apartments in Stuart.
It was a beautiful day with the sun shining, no rain to be found, children laughing, hot dogs cooking, bounce house, well, bouncing, and the folks at this event just having a wonderful time basking in the glory of God.
There were snow cones being prepared and consumed, faces being painted, crafts being made, prayers to God for healing and encouragement, songs being sung and games being played. All in all, this was a perfect summer day for the folks taking part in this event, whether volunteering or participating, or both.
Shelley Hollandsworth, one of the parishioners of Grace Baptist Church, initiated the event by getting the people of Grace to get involved with a group called Straight Street in Roanoke. We agreed to help out with one of their block parties in a park last summer. It was superb and we discussed putting on a similar event in the Stuart area. Members of Grace Baptist Church worked together to bring this event to fruition.
We want to thank the management of Cedar Square Apartments for permission to use their grounds to hold this event, and also thank the health department who provided information and approved our food permit.
Thanks to Outdoor Entertainment for bringing out and setting up the bounce house, inflatable game and snow cone machine, and a great big thanks to the members and non-members of Grace Baptist Church, who took their time and effort to prepare, set-up, maintain the booths, tear-down and clean up. Without all of them this day would not have been possible.
However, an even grander thanks goes out to all the children and adults who came out to Cedar Square and took part in this truly awesome day. Finally, the ultimate thanks goes out to God for allowing everything to come together for this amazing event.
Roger Bell
