BridgePoint Church to host services, picnics in Tarentum's Riverview Memorial Park

A Tarentum minister is inviting people to worship in Riverview Memorial Park on four Sundays this summer.

The Rev. Val Schubert from BridgePoint Church, an Assemblies of God ministry along East Ninth Avenue, said services will be combined with children’s crafts, music and food in hopes of drawing people to learn what the church has to offer.

“We want to reach out to the community,” Schubert said. “What a better venue than the park? It’s beautiful there.”

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. July 24 and 31 and Aug. 7 and 14 in the park along First Avenue.

If the gospel isn’t enough to draw people, Schubert said, a barbecue might do the trick. The church provides the entree, whether it’s burgers or tacos or hot dogs, and participants are encouraged to bring a side dish to share.

The events are a good way for church leaders to combine community outreach with the Word of God, Schubert said.

The outdoor venue also satisfies concerns that some still have about covid restrictions.

Attendees will be given a free box of nonperishable food each week.

Church volunteer Janet Purdie said she will provide a children’s program to occupy the younger participants. It will include a craft, game or other activity.

“It’s nice to do something different,” she said. “It gets them aware of what we offer at the church.

“We love to do things for children and get them involved.”

On the last Sunday of outdoor worship, the church will celebrate the finale of its summer reading program by giving away prizes. Two bikes will be awarded to the top readers of the church’s literacy camp.

There also will be backpacks doled out in preparation for a new school year. They are provided by Zelienople-based volunteer ministry Fishers of Men.

The group also has pledged to purchase the bikes and will provide a hot meal at the Aug. 14 service.

“It’s so nice that they’ve joined our mission to do what we can for people,” Purdie said.