JAX churches host block party

JACKSONVILLE (FBW)-Combine face-painting clowns, a moonwalk, the giggles of game-playing children and the aroma of sizzling hamburgers along with loud music, and it's easy to see why people followed an invitation to some fun Dec. 7. That is exactly what planners of a huge block party, held in a vacant lot in one of Jacksonville's most racially diverse neighborhoods, were praying for. Eight churches in the Oceanway area joined forces to host a celebration honoring the residents of their community. Four of the churches belong to the Jacksonville Baptist Association, also a sponsor of the day's events.

"You set up fun activities, free food, and loud music and people will usually follow the sounds to their source," said Arlene Skinner, JBA's multi-housing ministry director. "When a church holds a block party, it needs to be about the people in the community, not about the people hosting the event."

Skinner, along with Derrick Young, "instigator" of Saturday's unusual outreach and pastor of Providence of Oceanway-a new church start meeting at First Baptist Church Oceanway, admit they are praying party goers will eventually follow more than loud music or tempting aromas. Ultimately the hosts hope their visitors will come to trust in and follow Jesus.

Several weeks before the party, Young and Billy Strickland, pastor of First Baptist Church of Oceanway, met with ministers and members from 17 Oceanway area churches to receive special outreach training for the event.

"This was truly a coming together of black and white," Skinner said. "That's how we came up with our theme; 'A New Day in Oceanway'"

Saturday was a new day. Many individuals from both races and several denominations commented on how extraordinary it was to see people who might never socialize in any other context enjoy themselves together under the crisp blue December sky.

"I've lived here most of my life and I've never seen anything like this " said Cheryl Davis, a member of First Coast Christian Center. "Today is groundbreaking," she said, holding up a block party tee shirt which featured an interwoven black hand and white hand. "Unity in the community is what this is all about. I certainly hope to see this happen again."

Davis wasn't alone. Brooks Monk, pastor of North View Baptist Church, said he could barely find words to express his excitement about the day. "I'll be shocked if we don't do this again within the year," he added.

Watching the crowd mingle, Young said, "I just thank God for His vision to do this. I'm so pleased with what God has done here today. My prayer is that this day goes remembered, and that at least one soul is saved."

Strickland, who has served in Oceanway for the past 18 years, said he was truly thankful for the way the block party turned out.

"This is a very racially mixed area. At times that has caused some problems," he explained. "We want people to know that Jesus is not black or white. Races and denominations can work together because as Christians, we are one in the body of Christ."

Strickland said each church represented donated $100 for door prizes and other items. Area businesses donated food and gift certificates.

Thirteen-year-old Jeffrey Graham said he really enjoyed the day, especially the oppor-

tunity to snoop around a race car parked at the party.

"Oceanway has some really rowdy people in it," Graham said. "We've also had problems with a lot of drugs. I think all these churches getting together to have a public party is going to make a difference. I've never seen anything like today."

Audrea Key, Christa Watkins and Jessica Garrison, 13-year-olds from Eastpoint Baptist Church, mingled through the crowd welcoming visiting young people. "I think this is very neat," Key said as she greeted Danielle Johnson, a 15-year-old Oceanway resident.

Johnson said she decided to come to the block party because of her boyfriend. "He bought a pizza a few days ago and there was a flyer about this attached to the pizza box," she explained. "I decided to check it out."

Between the name drawings, moon-walking, hula-hooping and eating, visitors played a number of fair-type games stuffed by information tables staffed by smiling volunteers from each ministry represented. In addition to other materials, volunteers handed out New Testaments marked with the Roman Road of Salvation.

Skinner said several block party volunteers admitted to being a bit nervous about the event before the big day arrived.

"I get a little scared too," Skinner admitted, "but that's normal. I once read that faith and fear go together like macaroni and cheese. The ultimate challenge is to minister to people where they are."

Jacksonville Baptist Association churches that participated were: Providence at Oceanway, First Baptist Church of Oceanway, New Berlin Baptist Church, and Eastport Baptist Church.

For information, call 904-727-6800.