Next Sunday, First Baptist of Gainesville will host a Summer Celebration event on the front lawn of the church.
The event, which goes from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., is community-wide and everyone is welcome.
"We're, hoping to bring people who, you know, don't go to church here just to come and let them know that, 'hey there's a big party going on.'" Charles Phelps, communications and ministry assistant with the church, said. "And we're just wanting people to have fun."
There will be food trucks, games, inflatables for the kids and, most notably, a performance by American Idol alum Walker Burroughs at 6 p.m.
"One of our deacons, actually, is really close friends with him," Phelps said. "And when she heard about this coming up, she just reached out to him."
There will also be a recognition of senior pastor Jeremy Shoulta and executive pastor Tony Lankford, who both came to First Baptist during the pandemic.
“Jeremy and Tony have already been a gift to our congregation and community, and we can’t wait to finally welcome and celebrate them and their families,” said Mary Katherine Johnson, a deacon of First Baptist of Gainesville.
Phelps explained that things are pretty much back to normal at the church as far as COVID-19 restrictions. People are encouraged to make their own decisions regarding attending services and events.
"The pandemic did bring about a second service, but both are wide open for people," Phelps said. "There's no mask requirements, the social distancing is gone and things like that. So yeah, this event, I think, is a good kick-off event."
