Believers Chapel and Hope Christian Fellowship team up to host successful festival
By Scott Trefz
This past Sunday, Aug. 12, Believers Chapel and Hope Christian Fellowship teamed up to bring the Canastota area a day of fun and fellowship.
All the activities were staged at Believers’ campus on Route 5 west of downtown Canastota.
The event was entitled “Canastota Community Appreciation Day.”
The day began at 9 a.m. under an old-fashioned tent set up right next to the highway, with music, worship and an inspirational message from Hope Christian Fellowship Pastor Rev. Tom Burgess.
After the service, the tent was converted for a free picnic luncheon to anyone who dropped by.
Prayer for diverse needs was available, and outdoor water baptisms were conducted for some newly minted Christian believers.
The kids present were treated to a game tent with prizes and an ever-popular ‘bouncy house’ to work off all their excess energy. Hot dogs were grilled non-stop for all present and served with boundless picnic sides that folks could either enjoy under the tent or the coolness of the church’s fellowship hall.
Friendships and acquaintances deepened around the tables, and adults squared off in a friendly corn hole tournament. Freshly grown produce was also given away free to promote the Compassion Connection Food Pantry (operated by Believers Chapel).
Displays of the churches’ world mission projects were set up, along with information about other services and opportunities available to the community.
The festivities wrapped up around 3 p.m., and discussions were begun about the possibility of making “Community Appreciation Day” an annual event.
Editor’s note: Scott Trefz is deacon at Hope Christian Fellowship.