Face painting, basketball-shooting contests, table hockey, soccer, and many other fun activities will be part of the Fall Family Festival at Hollypark United Methodist Church on Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the church, 13000 S. Van Ness Ave., Gardena.
Children will be able to play games and win tickets, which they can use to purchase a variety of toys and games. They will receive a surprise gift bag chock-full of treats as they leave.
Face painting, basketball-shooting contests, table hockey, soccer, and many other fun activities will be part of the Fall Family Festival at Hollypark United Methodist Church on Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the church, 13000 S. Van Ness Ave., Gardena.
Children will be able to play games and win tickets, which they can use to purchase a variety of toys and games. They will receive a surprise gift bag chock-full of treats as they leave.
“We host this event each year," said Festival Coordinator Erma Dozier. "Our goal is to provide a safe and fun-filled environment for children in the neighborhood. The kids have a ball and so do their parents as they sit around and enjoy coffee and refreshments as their children play. We’ll have the usual fun and games plus hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and beverages. This year we’ve added a little something extra, a Bible quiz and those who answer will have the opportunity to win special prizes,” Dozier said. “For example: Who parted the Red Sea?”
The festival is free. More than 300 guests are expected to attend the event, which is celebrating its 13th year.
Regular worship services are held on Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10:45 am; Sunday school for all ages at 9:30 a.m. Bible study for adults is held on Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. The prayer group meets Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and the Pastor teaches a Disciple Bible study group on Thursday at 6 p.m.
Hollypark holds food give-a-way on the second Saturday of the month from 2 to 4 p.m. This is the second year of the ministry and more than 100 families are served each month and the ministry continues to grow. This year a clothesline has been added. “We’re in need of children’s clothes, especially for little boys,” said Outreach Chairman Michael Shade. “If you need to clear out your closets, consider our ministry.”
In addition to the food and clothing ministries, Hollypark provides assistance to victims and survivors of domestic violence through its association with Seraphim Manor and with its Celebrate Life Ministry; it provides help for victims of breast cancer, “especially the underserved,” said Pastor Rhonda Santifer who heads up the ministry.
The Reverend Cavalain Hawkins Jr. is the senior pastor at Hollypark. Larry Dozier is the Lay Leader. “We’re trying to be the hands and feet of Christ,” Dozier said. “In addition to spiritual needs, Jesus was very aware of practical needs and he fulfilled them at every opportunity.”
For information about the FFF call Erma Dozier at 310-719-8974. Additional information about the various church programs can be obtained by calling the church office at 310-516-6457, Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
