There will be many activities going on this weekend in conjunction with the Franklin County Watermelon Festival, but one local church hopes festival goes will take a break from the heat and join them for a praise and worship concert Saturday afternoon.
The Praise Team at First United Methodist Church in downtown Russellville will be providing special music Saturday starting at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church, which is located at the corner of Jackson Avenue and Madison Street. The music will last until 3:30 p.m.
Pastor Bo Lloyd said the service is something the Praise Team started doing five years ago as a way to reach out to the community at a time when many people would be gathered downtown near the church.
“We all know how hot it gets during the Watermelon Festival so we wanted to provide a service for the community where they could come in out of the heat and rest,” Lloyd said, “but we also want it to be an opportunity for them to get to experience our service, meet some of our church members and see what First Methodist in Russellville is all about.
“We want the people to know we are open to the community and everyone is welcome.”
The praise and worship music sung during the service will include many of the songs played on popular contemporary Christian music radio stations such as “How Great is Our God,” “Blessed be the Name,” “Who Am I,” and “Revelation Song.”
“It’s a really good service and something people, both church members and non-church members, have enjoyed over the years,” Lloyd said.
He added that everyone is welcome to come and go as the wish during the singing.